The Illusionist Movie Review

I got The Illusionist (2006) from LoveFilm today. I had been eagerly waiting for it since I am a big fan of Edward Norton. I finished my work by around 7 PM, had dinner and sat down with the family to watch the movie.

I must say I was rather disappointed with The Illusionist. The story was highly predictable, the narration was bad and worst of all, Edward Norton’s acting was sub standard. He looked like a druggy and I felt even had difficulty delivering the dialogue.

Last month I saw The Prestige and I think that was a FAR better movie than The Illusionist. In fact I felt that The Illusionist was a copy of The Prestige in a lot of ways.

Even though the director Neil Burger tried hard to create suspense and a “twist” ending, the plot was all too obvious. Even the end was quite predictable and reminiscent of many movies (including Primal Fear) where the director shows us what might have happened. But I think most people find that they had known all along what might have happened.

Some consolation came in the way of Paul Guiamatti, who plays the role of an inspector. His acting was good, though his narration sounded a little uncomfortable. He did some good work in The Lady In The Water too. That file was ok, even though some people might say it was a little too childish.

I have decided to order all of Paul’s films and watch them over the coming year.

Rufus Sewell plays the enigmatic and liberal Crown Prince Leopold. He did ok and some how I felt that he was in fact the victim in this movie and not the villain. I did not care much for his makeup but his acting was average and his dialogue delivery was good. Which is more than that could be said for Edward Norton. His character intrigued me. I could not comprehend how he was a liberal person and a tyrant at the same time.

In the lead female role was Jessica Biel. She too did not have much to act and I personally would have preferred to see Kate Winslet in that role (or may be she would look a little old?).

When I saw her in Blade:Trinity, I thought she was ok. But the makeup in this film did not flatter her.

I have also seen her in Cellular but did not think much of her acting abilities.

Now for the good parts. The visuals, the period sets and the lighting was quite good actually.

Overview

Director: Neil Burger

Writers (WGA): Neil Burger (screenplay)
Steven Millhauser (short story Eisenheim the Illusionist)

Release Date: 2 March 2007 (UK) more view trailer
Genre: Drama / Mystery / Romance / Thriller more
Tagline: Nothing is what it seems
Plot Outline: In turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician (Norton) uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.
Plot Keywords: Faking Own Death / Mirror / Balcony / Duchess / Disguise
Awards: Nominated for Oscar. Another 5 wins & 5 nominations