November 18, 2006 -- “The Illusionist” is a lush period films with great production values, a clever story and excellent acting performances. Set in Vienna in 1900, this film, better than most, evokes a time and place different than today, but with a few similarities. It is a tale of magic and mystery with strong characters. It is a bit light in its dramatic elements, but is satisfying enough in its stronger components to recommend it.

Edward Norton (“Fight Club”) stars as the mysterious magician, Eisenheim, who has reappeared in Vienna after years of absence. By chance, he happens upon his old flame, Sophie (Jessica Biel of “Stealth”) at a stage show. She is about to marry Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell of “The Legend of Zorro”). Eisenheim wants Sophie for himself, and Sophie prefers Eisenheim, but Leopold has the power stop their plans. Eisenheim decides to use the power of illusion against his rival. An elaborate plan ensues. Caught in the middle is the corrupt policeman, Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti of “Sideways”). Uhl doesn't like the evil Leopold, but lacks the power to stop him.

The film looks great with Prague standing in for Vienna in the 1900s. One memorable scene has Uhl walking down a long corridor beneath hundreds of mounted animal heads (most of them trophies of Archduke Ferdinand). The location shots look great, and so do the old theaters where the magic stage shows were filmed. The actors all do a solid job, including Jessica Biel, whose previous work did not indicate she would fit into this role so nicely. Giamatti and Norton, of course, are both award-winning actors well suited for their roles. Norton is a bit cool for a romantic lead, but does very well with his sleight-of-hand tricks, which he learned for the film. Giamatti's role doesn't really provide enough meat for this accomplished actor as he is relegated to a decidedly secondary status in the film. If his role had been written smarter and tougher, like Tommy Lee Jones' role in “The Fugitive,” it would have allowed Giamatti to more fully realize his talent as an actor. Rufus Sewell, as always, makes a formidable villain. Here, he plays a character born to power, possessed of ambition, cruelty, intelligence and a quick temper.

The script, by writer-director Neil Burger (“Interview with the Assassin”) is both clever and compelling. I was looking for the tricks in the story, but got fooled any way. The story is based on a short story by Steven Millhauser, “Eisenheim the Illusionist.” The film reminds me a little of another magic-based film that also came out this year, “The Prestige.” “The Illusionist” isn't quite as good as that exceptional film, but it does rate a B.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in video and/or DVD format, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics, theater tickets and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 2006 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

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