This was a great movie

Rating: 8/10 (17 March 2008)

I fell in love with this movie. Edward Norton, Paul Giametti, Rufus Sewell, even Jessica Biel (imagine my surprise on the latter)...all did wonderful jobs.
It moves along so eloquently, elegantly, beautifully, this movie just drags you right into it. The sets were gorgeous, but a little sparse with people. I think a bit more bustle in the streets of Vienna would have added just a bit to this movie, but it didn't take anything away either. I felt like I was part of each audience watching the magic acts, I could smell the forest as the Duchess tracked down Eisenheim, I could feel the chill of the river as Eisenheim plunged in, and I felt it was a very clever movie. No assuming its viewers are stupid on this one, though there are some similarities between this and The Prestige.
I don't want to give the plot away. There are some good twists. See it for yourself. I bought the DVD even before I watched it for the first time (because I knew Edward Norton would not disappoint), and I've enjoyed it twice now.
Highly recommended! Thanks.