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Derek Malcolm's rating
Conjurer's tricks fail to elevate muted drama
By
Derek Malcolm
1 Mar 2007
Edward Norton can do a lot with a part, as films such as American History X testified. But he's curiously muted in writer-director Neil Burger's costume drama.
In a way, he's meant to be, since he plays Eisenheim, Vienna's favourite magician at the turn of the 20th century, and we aren't supposed to know whether he is a clever conman or has genuine supernatural powers until right at the end.
We see Eisenheim enthralling the emperor's scheming son, Leopold (Rufus Sewell), with his theatrical act during which he sits alone on the stage and conjures up visions of people to whom the audience ask questions. He says nothing himself.
Leopold sends his fiancée (Jessica Biel) out to find out how he does it. Unfortunately she falls in love with him, and in a drunken fury the prince sends his pet policeman (Paul Giamatti) to arrest him. He also murders the girl. Or does she really survive, thanks to the magician's elaborate conjuring?
Beautifully shot by British cinematographer Dick Pope, the film, taken from Steven Millhauser's short story, becomes a battle royal between the police inspector and the magician.
It is intelligent but a little ponderous, giving us scant sense that this was the Vienna of Freud and Mahler, among others, but within which the seeds of anti-Semitism were growing.
Those who admire both Norton and Sideways star Giamatti will find that neither is perfectly cast - though they are good enough actors partially to disguise it.
It is odd, and irritating, that Burger allows half his cast to talk in broken English and the rest to speak their lines normally. All the same, The Illusionist is good to look at and tells its intriguing story with some conviction.
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Reader views (4)
This is an excellent film and Edward Norton is perfectly cast for the role. It's not really bursting with magic but the story is great and it really is so enthralling. Definately worth seeing on the big screen.
- Thomas B, Putney, 13/03/2007 08:46
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This film is a joy to watch - captivating with its period drama quality, melacholic tone, gorgeous Austrian scenery and with magic, romance and a murder mystery as the main themes. Edward Norton is perfectly cast - he acts with control and poise and creates a smouldering figure with his trademake intensity which opposite Jessica Biel's well-cast Duchess creates a breathtaking and sweet chemistry between the two actors. Paul Giamatti is as always brilliant and convincing in his role as the chief police officer who sympathsies with the magician yet is determined to make his mark.
- Tamara, London, 05/03/2007 15:36
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THE ILLUSIONIST is a different kettle of fish (maybe that should be hat full of rabbits) to the excellent PRESTIGE.
Though its story is simpler and less tricksy – with more of a fairytale quality to it than the ‘weird science’ angle taken by the latter – there's still enough to hold your interest.
Edward Norton - always given to an intelligent and persuasive performance - does an excellent turn here as the heartbroken yet unflappable stage magician Eisenheim. And all credit to him for his accent: well-observed, quietly-spoken English with a hint of Viennese. Nice.
Rufus Sewell also takes a bow as the deliciously villainous Crown Prince. It’s almost a shame his moustache (an enormous one) doesn’t get a damned good twirl.
Very enjoyable despite the fact – if you’re observant - you might just see the outcome coming.
- John Donnelly, London, England, 05/03/2007 09:13
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As far as magic goes, there is simply not much in the making of this film. Considering it is all about an iilusionist, it is rather a weak point. Visually the nostalgic sepia pictures of old Vienna are very beautiful but plot-wise, we're plodding! As flat as a pancanke, the film has very few surprises in store and the one twist at the end is : 1-implausible 2- easy to guess.
The magic tricks are complacent and left unexplained of course. I also thought that Edward Norton was not really the right actor for the role and I was disappointed at the end for the lack of excitment in the whole affair. The Prestige was a better film if magic is your thing.
- Josephine Thalbach, London England, 02/03/2007 13:20
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