The Illusionist – Pulls No Punches

Today I had the occasion to catch a movie at the big movie house down on 42nd street after a long day. I wasn’t sure what to see, so I asked the man/boy at the counter (more boy than man). I offered him two choices of what was playing soon: Hollywoodland and The Illusionist – “Which should I see,” I asked him. He hadn’t seen Hollywoodland, but had seen the Illusionist, and recommended it. I took a chance, having forgotten what any of the movies out were right now. As it so happens, my luck was very good.

You see, I am a huge Edward Norton fan, as well as a dedicated fan of Paul Giammatti, and who wouldn’t love seeing Jessica Biel in just about anything (preferably in my t-shirt, but that has nothing to do with the movie, and I don’t think she digs portly guys, PLUS I think she’s engaged).

The Illusionist takes place in and around Vienna as a period piece around the same time as Sigmund Freud and his science cohorts were doing their thing in europe. It’s part love story, part whodunnit, and part magic show. One of the interesting things is that the magic pulled off in the film is all labeled as illusion, but as normal for a film, it is all top notch, and they manage not to give away any trade secrets to the dark arts of enchantment.

Paul Giamatti is cast as the Police Chief, in service to the Crown Prince, who would be Emperor, and who happens to be Jessica Biel’s Beau in the film. But Norton’s Illusionist and Jessica Biel have a past. I will not give away any more than that, just enough to tease you.

Suffice it to say, that as with any magic trick, you have to keep your eyes on the details or you might miss something. The plot is easy to follow, and there are both light moments and painful moments in the film, as well as the romantic ones if you have a date. There are a few neat surprises tucked in, and the plot is wrapped up in a very nice way. I’m certain that most, if not all audiences can find something to enjoy about this.

It is rated PG-13, but there is only tasteful romantic embrace with no nudity, although there is some sexuality. There is also minor violence, but nothing substantial.

Here is a deeper list of the cast:

Edward Norton: Eisenheim
Paul Giamatti: Chief Inspector Uhl
Jessica Biel: Sophie
Rufus Sewewll: Crown Prince leopold (you will love his moustache, almost as much as Giamatti’s)
Eddie Marsan: Josef Fischer
Jake Wood: Jurka
Aaron Johnson: Young Eisenheim
Eleanor Tomlinson: Young Sophie

The cinematography is gorgeous, full of rich color, and this film was filmed largely on location in the Czech Republic, so the backdrops are quite a sight.

Overall, on an old Siskel & Ebert/Ebert&Roeper Scale, I would give this film two emphatic thumbs up. Have at it this Friday, you won’t be disappointed. Happy viewing.