A brilliantly conceived story brilliantly executed

Rating: 9/10 (14 March 2007)

The Illusionist is one of those movies which not only demands a second viewing but demands a second viewing immediately after the first viewing has concluded. As soon as the closing credits begin to roll you'll want to go back and watch it again right that very minute to unravel this film's mysteries. What is illusion and what is real? The joy in this film is in finding the answer to that question.
Set in Austria in the early 1900s The Illusionist has all the terrific visuals and costumes you would expect of a period piece. It also has terrific acting performances, most notably from Edward Norton as the title character, Eisenheim the Illusionist. Jessica Biel, after appearing in a string of altogether forgettable films in which she was required to do nothing more than look pretty, makes a bid to be taken seriously as an actress and absolutely succeeds. Rufus Sewell, who makes for a great villain, and the always reliable Paul Giamatti round out the key figures in the terrific cast. There is also a wonderful score by Philip Glass which sets just the right mood throughout. But for all the great visuals and acting and music what makes this film great is its story.
The central figure here is Norton's Eisenheim who puts on a highly popular magic show in Vienna. One night Crown Prince Leopold, played by Sewell, attends Eisenheim's show and here things get very interesting. Considering himself to be quite the intellectual, Leopold will be exceedingly frustrated by his inability to expose what he feels must surely be sheer fakery by Eisenheim. He will soon be even more frustrated when it becomes apparent the woman he intends to marry, Duchess Sophie, as played by Biel, would much rather be with Eisenheim than with him. It turns out Eisenheim and Sophie were childhood friends and now they clearly wish to reconnect. But the Crown Prince stands in the way. When Eisenheim takes the opportunity to embarrass Leopold in front of the elite of Austrian society Leopold takes it upon himself to make things rather difficult for the illusionist. Leopold can, and does, threaten Eisenheim's career but that is of little concern to Eisenheim. He simply wants the girl. Suffice to say Leopold can make things rather difficult for Eisenheim in that regard as well.
There are plenty of twists and turns along the way but it is hard to see how Eisenheim and Sophie, these ill-fated lovers, can ever be together. Leopold simply will not allow it and you do not argue with the heir to the throne. With the aid of Police Inspector Uhl, played by Giammati, whose position requires him to serve the Crown Prince's every whim, Leopold is determined to keep Eisenheim and Sophie apart and, just for good measure, expose the illusionist as a fraud as well. It is obvious that while Leopold is utterly dismissive, Inspector Uhl has a healthy respect for Eisenheim and his abilities. Just what is Eisenheim capable of? As the movie progresses Eisenheim changes his act and begins to perform an entirely different kind of illusion. No rabbit out of a hat stuff here. These illusions are utterly shocking and serve to incite Leopold more than ever which it seems can only lead to Eisenheim's arrest. What exactly is Eisenheim up to? Why would he put himself in such a position? It all comes back to the simple question...what is illusion and what is real? In the end, all is revealed. Well not all, because that wouldn't be very magical. But we learn enough to appreciate the brilliance of Eisenheim. And we also can't help but appreciate the brilliance of this movie's story and the exceedingly clever way in which it unfolds. It's a fascinating, thought-provoking story and it is performed wonderfully by a terrific cast. Watch it once and you'll want to watch it again and again.