The Illusionist (2006)

Illusionist: Secrets Behind Neil Burger’s Magic Show

Director: Neil Burger
Writer: Neil Burger
Starring: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell, Eddie Marsan

Story The story follows an illusionist Eisenheim (Edward Norton) who turns up in Vienna at starts wowing crowds with his new unseen before illusions. Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) sees the first show and starts to get curious to how the illusions are performed. Also curious about the show is Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) who takes his wife to be Sophie (Jessica Biel). Sophie is also the long lost love of Eisenheim.

We find ourselves watching as Eisenheim and Sophie rekindle their love from under the nose of Leopold, Inspector uhl is sent to try and investigate Eisenhheim and the draggy that strikes.

Verdict

The Illusionist came out the soon after that The Prestige was released giving it the idea of magician thriller some creditability. Edward Norton gives on his solid as always performances as does Paul Giamatti. The story might start slow but what unfolds is one of the best twist movies you will see. Also being told as an almost fairytale with narration from Inspector Uhl like he is telling the story to his children in the future. Some of the illusions are pretty special with some of the characters being used from real life history. I would give this a must watch for all into a mystery thriller this one will keep you guessing through out the cat and mouse games.

Best quote Eisenheim ‘My intention has only been to entertain, nothing more.

Favourite character Eisenheim as the charismatic illusionist

Stand out performance Edward Norton usually always ends up being the best performer in movies

Best moment How the tricks were done reveal all are great

Worst Moment Slightly slow but i think it adds to the story being told in the time it is being told, much better on second viewing because you know what to look out for

my Rating 86%