The Illusionist: A Neil Burger Film
Edward Norton and Jessical Biel Star in This Clever Film
Sep 4, 2008
Set in Vienna at the turn-of-the-century an impoverished young magician Eisenheim (Edward Norton) strikes up an unlikely friendship with the aristocratic Sophie (Jessica Biel). Secret meetings hide their impossible love and it is her parents opposition to the match that finally drives a heart broken Eisenheim away. He travels the world and sadly, when he returns15 years later, it is to the news that Sophie is to be married to Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell).
Against All Odds:
Eisenheim meets Sophie again during one of his packed out shows in an old theatre, when she is unwittingly volunteered by the Crown Prince to help with his stage performance. Shortly afterwards, they meet again in secret, under the watchful eye of Prince Leopold’s spy Inspector Uhl (Giamatti) who reports back to the jealous Prince. Convinced Eisenheim is nothing more than a fraud, the Prince gives Inspector Uhl strict instructions to shut the magician down. Struggling with his conscience, Inspector Uhl grudging admiration for the magician is tempered by his fear of the violent and bad tempered Prince.
The growing rivalry and hostility between Prince Leopold and Eisenheim is revealed during an exclusive performance at the Prince’s palace where Eisenheim takes the opportunity to embarrasses the Prince. Fearing for Eisenheim’s life, Sophie rebukes his foolishness in making an enemy of Prince Leopold. Knowing they would have a formidable enemy in the Prince, yet unable to face living their lives apart, both Eisenheim and Sophie concoct a plan to escape together.
A Talented Cast:
The talent of Edward Norton infuses the character of Eisenheim with a fascinating intensity and the beautiful Jessica Biel is perfectly cast as the sweet and gentle Sophie trapped within the confines of her social status. Paul Giamatti manages to give depth to the complex and politically savvy Inspector Uhl and Rufus Sewell is simultaneously repulsive yet compelling as the evil Crown Prince. Rich in both texture and colour, many of the films stunning scenes take place on an old theatre stage and a haunting classical score by Phillip Glass enhances this already beautiful film.
Nothing is What it Seems:
A popular theatre magician, the film opens to a dramatic stage scene where an intense Eisenheim appears to conjure magic before a rapt audience. He is arrested for causing public disorder, and through the use of flash backs we begin to piece together his story. Moving full cycle in the film brings us back to the opening scene and finally concludes with an unexpected ending where, in a nice twist, we discover nothing is what it seems and the illusionist has yet again, tricked his audience.
