Caffeinated Clint
If you have noticed, everyone who has seen this movie is talking about it – but hopefully they’re not saying too much. It really is a twisted magical adventure which, in itself, is an elegantly crafted illusion. See this movie, you’ll be amazed.
Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell
Writer/Director Neil Burger gives a new take on slight of hand with his second hat trick, “The Illusionist”. His first project, “Interview with the Assassin”, was a well lauded low budget political drama about the Kennedy assassination. “The Illusionist”, by contrast, is a turn of the century mystery about a young magician who falls in love with a Viennese aristocrat, then spends the rest of the movie solving her murder. Mr Burger’s attention to detail in every aspect – from the turn of the century Vienna settings and costumes to the reigning technology and political climate – add the perfect nuances to this finely played hand.
Paul “I haven’t stopped working since Sideways” Giamatti stands out in the magnificently conflicted role of the Police Chief Inspector who has been hip pocketed by the up and coming Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). Edward Norton continues being his intense self which works well for the meticulous magician who is driven to achieve the impossible, marrying Sophie (Jessica Biel) who resides far above his social status. The performances are excellent all around – in fact, the central threesome are, for lack of a better word, magic.
If you have noticed, everyone who has seen this movie is talking about it – but hopefully they’re not saying too much. It really is a twisted magical adventure which, in itself, is an elegantly crafted illusion. See this movie, you’ll be amazed.
Rating : 
Reviewer : Clare Bath
