The Illusionist
Writer/Director Neil Burger has created an entertaining film that was made with adults in mind (Even though the film is rated PG-13 I didn't see any children or teens in the audience). And I thank him for doing that and I am pleased that this film was released in the dog days of summer (though there are a number of other good independent and foreign films out there as well).
The Illusionist is based on a short story written by Steven Milhauser. It takes place in turn of the century Vienna (it was actually filmed in Prague). Young Edward Abramovitz has a gift for magic. And when he and Sophie meet sparks fly. They try to run away together but they are caught. She is from a prestigious family and is forbidden to see Edward again because he is from a family of workers (it is obvious from his name that he is a Jew but that really isn't touched upon in the film - maybe it is in the short story). Edward (played as an adult by Edward Norton) reinvents himself and gives himself the name Eisenheim. He travels all over Europe with his magic show. He decides to return to Vienna and he and his manager Josef Fischer (Eddie Marsan) set up shop there. One night while performing his magic the evil Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) and his fiancee Sophie (yes, it is that Sophie and she is played by Jessica Biel) are in the audience. When Eisenheim asks for a volunteer from the audience Leopold offers Sophie. As soon as she hits the stage Eisenheim recognizes her. But it takes her a little longer to catch on (or so it seems). All of this is being taken in by Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) who is loyal to Leopold and hopes to get a high position in the government when Leopold becomes King. Uhl also has a fascination with Eisenheim's illusions and magic in general. And that is all of the plot that I can reveal because saying anything more would spoil things.
While the film may not be a masterpiece it is thoroughly enjoyable. The story line from beginning to end is totally absorbing. The film is beautiful to look at thanks to cinematographer Dick Pope. The musical score, written by Philip Glass, is haunting. And the acting is all very good. Sewell is deliciously evil. Norton is at his intense best. Marsan, who was so good in Vera Drake, proves once again what a fine character actor he is. I was surprised at how good Biel is because she is usually in lighter films. And Giamatti, who has played a number of sad sacks in the past, is wonderful and very convincing in this completely different role as the bewildered inspector. So I urge you take yourself to the movies and fall under the spell of The Illusionist. You will not regret it.
The Illusionist is based on a short story written by Steven Milhauser. It takes place in turn of the century Vienna (it was actually filmed in Prague). Young Edward Abramovitz has a gift for magic. And when he and Sophie meet sparks fly. They try to run away together but they are caught. She is from a prestigious family and is forbidden to see Edward again because he is from a family of workers (it is obvious from his name that he is a Jew but that really isn't touched upon in the film - maybe it is in the short story). Edward (played as an adult by Edward Norton) reinvents himself and gives himself the name Eisenheim. He travels all over Europe with his magic show. He decides to return to Vienna and he and his manager Josef Fischer (Eddie Marsan) set up shop there. One night while performing his magic the evil Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) and his fiancee Sophie (yes, it is that Sophie and she is played by Jessica Biel) are in the audience. When Eisenheim asks for a volunteer from the audience Leopold offers Sophie. As soon as she hits the stage Eisenheim recognizes her. But it takes her a little longer to catch on (or so it seems). All of this is being taken in by Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) who is loyal to Leopold and hopes to get a high position in the government when Leopold becomes King. Uhl also has a fascination with Eisenheim's illusions and magic in general. And that is all of the plot that I can reveal because saying anything more would spoil things.
While the film may not be a masterpiece it is thoroughly enjoyable. The story line from beginning to end is totally absorbing. The film is beautiful to look at thanks to cinematographer Dick Pope. The musical score, written by Philip Glass, is haunting. And the acting is all very good. Sewell is deliciously evil. Norton is at his intense best. Marsan, who was so good in Vera Drake, proves once again what a fine character actor he is. I was surprised at how good Biel is because she is usually in lighter films. And Giamatti, who has played a number of sad sacks in the past, is wonderful and very convincing in this completely different role as the bewildered inspector. So I urge you take yourself to the movies and fall under the spell of The Illusionist. You will not regret it.
posted by Film Fanatic | 2:31 PM
1 Comments:
Thanks for the review. The film is still running in DC and I'm planning to see it. Uhl, by the way
means "Owl" in dialect (a very wise bird), but is also a name.
Abramovitz, in my opnion, does not necessarily have to be Jewish, as there were many conversions in those days, often by the father or grandfather to get a government job.
EM
Post a Comment
<< Home