World Famous Comics: The Illusionist (Widescreen Edition)
The Illusionist (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell, Eddie Marsan Directed By: Neil Burger Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: DVD Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: January 09, 2007 Running Time: 110 minutes Studio: 20th Century Fox Theatrical Release Date: September 01, 2006
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
The Illusionist (Full Screen Edition) ^ A young boy falls in love with a girl that is way above his social standards along with the art of magic. Although the parents forbid them of seeing each other they cannot be split apart. Until one day they were found together and the boy was sent off. He became a magician and traveled the world. She fell in love with another man, the Crown Prince. The two got engaged but the boy, Eisenheim, finally meets back up with the girl and uses his powers to free her from the royal house in Vienna. This movie is stunning in many aspects. Visually in terms of locations, inside and out, there was great consistency and a nothing seemed strained. The story weaved fluidly through these locations and seemed to make the locales a vital part of the story. Ed Norton and Jessica Biel are superb. The story is fresh and imaginative, very intriguing. Highly recommended.
A Gorgeous, Gripping Film about Love and Magic ^ Based on Steven Millhauser's short story and set in early 20th century Vienna, The Illusionist captures what art house production companies do best -- stunning cinematography, an inventive tale, emotional resonance, excellent acting, and a cinematic magic that transcends the illusions in the plot itself. Eisenheim the Illusionist (Edward Norton), the son of a carpenter who trained himself in the art of magic, has created a stir in Vienna when he arrives, seemingly out of nowhere, to charm the city with his spectacular illusions. When the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) volunteers his soon-to-be fiancee as a subject in one of Eisenheim's most terrifying tricks, all starts going very wrong between the two men -- one a mere magician and carpenter's son and the other the most powerful man in the city.
Ed Norton exudes mystery and charm as Eisenhem, but his is not the only memorable performance. Jessica Biel as Sophie, the woman of his dreams, is both sensuous and conflicted. The chemistry between Norton and Biel is palpable, even if it may be too muted for some viewers. Paul Giamatti's Inspector is likewise complex, both in his loyalty to the Crown Prince and in his personal fascination with Eisenheim. The best part of this story is not the traditional themes of class division and love but rather the atmosphere of the period combined with dark illusions that suggest a Faustian deal with the devil and death.
A first-rate film, The Illusionist is marred only by the occasional predictable plot elements. Even if you guess the end, as I did, you'll enjoy every minute of watching it unfold.
-- Debbie Lee Wesselmann
PRETTY GOOD..I BOUGHT IT ^ didnt know how the magic part would be, but it was pretty convincing, Ed did a great job..try "painted Veil" also
This is what a magic movie should be ^ As a magician, I was excited when I heard that this movie was coming out. Not only that, but for some reason, there were two magic movies coming out near the same time. Hmm? Some people are sure competitive. Anyway, I think it was great for the magic community.
I loved The Illusionist. It had the perfect balance of magic with a great mystery tale that ensnared my attention. Nice star power and outstanding lighting and music. The twist at the end is great and something that I never expected. For me, until something better comes along, this is the one movie that makes a magician proud. Norton is just great as a magician and Biel is Wow. Snuggle up and enjoy this gem.
Absolutely loooooooooooooooooved this movie! ^ I absolutely loved this movie. It really kept my husband and I guessing. Great plot for people who like a little more than just entertainment out of a movie. The acting is superb as well!
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