World Famous Comics: The Illusionist (Full Screen Edition)
The Illusionist (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell, Eddie Marsan Directed By: Neil Burger Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: DVD Format: Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Full Screen, NTSC Label: 20th Century Fox Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: January 09, 2007 Running Time: 109 minutes Theatrical Release Date: September 01, 2006
Product Description: Unlock the mysteries of the year's most spellbinding film from the producers of Crash and Sideways! Oscar® nominees Paul Giamatti and Edward Norton lead an all-star cast in this "stunning" film (USA Today) that conjures an exhilarating blend of suspense romance and mind-bending twists. The acclaimed illusionist Eisenheim (Norton) has not only captured the imaginations of all of Vienna but also the interest of the ambitious Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). But when Leopold's new fianc e (Jessica Biel) rekindles a childhood fascination with Eisenheim the Prince's interest evolves into obsession...and suddenly the city's Chief Inspector (Giamatti) finds himself investigating a shocking crime. But even as the Inspector engages him in a dramatic challenge of wills Eisenheim prepares for his most impressive illusion yet in this "mesmerizing" (Entertainment Weekly) and "beautifully acted" (Good Morning America) film that "teases you until the very end!" (The New York Times).Episodes-Bonus Features:Making of The IllusionistJessica Biel on The IllusionistTheatrical TrailerSystem Requirements:Running Time: 110 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: PG - 13 UPC: 024543408413 Manufacturer No: 2240841
Amazon.com: First screened in Europe and scheduled for limited release in the U.S., The Illusionist offers welcome proof that "arthouse" quality needn't be limited to the arthouses. Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, this stately, elegant period film benefited from a crossover release in mainstream cinemas, and showed considerable box-office staying power--granted, teenage mallrats and lusty males may have been drawn to the allure of Seventh Heaven alumna Jessica Biel, who rises to the occasion with a fine performance. But there's equal appeal in the casting of Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, who bring their formidable talents to bear on the intriguing tale of a celebrated magician named Eisenheim (Norton) whose stage performance offends the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), a vindictive lout who aims to marry Duchess Sophie (Biel), Eisenheim's childhood friend and now, 15 years later, his would-be lover. This romantic rivalry and Eisenheim's increasingly enigmatic craft of illusion are investigated by Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti), who's under Leopold's command and is therefore not to be trusted as Eisenheim and Sophie draw closer to their inevitable reunion. Cleverly adapted by director Neil Burger from Steven Millhauser's short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist," and boasting exquisite production values and a fine score by Philip Glass, The Illusionist is the kind of class act that fully deserved its unusually wide and appreciative audience. -- Jeff Shannon
no illusions here-- it's bad There is so much wrong with the Illusionist I have to start with the two things that are right: first, Paul Giamatti. He does a great job and frankly the only time the movie comes alive is when he's on screen. Second, the character actor playing Crown Prince Leopold's valet. He expresses anguish, shame and shock using nothing but body language and his eyes. Very good. The guy playing Leopold was fairly interesting and can look back on his role here without shame.
Now, what's wrong? Edward Norton, sure he's a great actor but not in this flick. He spends the entire movie looking like he's got hemorrhoids. The flat voice, the stiff ooh don't make the itch and burn start up again walk, the dead eyed stare--- none of that looked like a man in love and there were times when I was laughing at him. Plus his accent weaved in and out worse than Kevin Costner as Robin Hood. Sometimes he sounded like an Austrian and sometimes he sounded like a dude from Idaho.
Jessica Biel is a pretty girl and she really has nothing to do but look lovely in her role but she can't even do that. She seemed like an android. She walked and talked but was completely souless. Her version of Sophie wouldn't turn most men's heads for more than a night, the audience is asked to believe that this bland, stilted creature somehow held a man's heart for 15 years. Nah.
Finally, the big reveal at the end made no darn sense. It was impossible. No good detective would've been fooled, the Romeo and Juliet potion was a cheap trick.
Buy It!!!! I first saw this movie at my daughter's and have watched it about a dozen times since then. I have a CD of the music and have played it over and over. Such haunting themes and wonderful memories of scenes. i would recommend this movie to any and all. At the end of the movie when the inspector is realizing what has happened is perfect!!
A favorite of mine I thought this was a great movie. Watched it with my 15yo daughter, she loved it, too. So did my husband. Now I'm taking it to my mom's. I think she'll like it alot too. I didn't find it boring at all and can't even compare it to any other. There aren't many movies that I like enough to watch more than once.
one of the BEST Edward Norton Films! everyone recommended this movie to me, and im glad they did. this is by far one of the best movies Edward Norton has done. word to the wise, watch it from the beginning to understand what happens, esp at the end of the movie. definately an ending i wasnt ready for.
A smart and fun ride. The Illusionist has great acting and a good story. It tends to drag in a few places but it's definitely worth a rental. The magical tricks are fun and interesting to watch. The ending was kind of.......... Ho hum. Not nearly as good as The Prestige, but if your looking for a solid movie based on magic then this movie is a good place to start.
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