The Illusionist
2006 Directed by Neil Burger
Synopsis
Nothing Is What It Seems.
With his eye on a lovely aristocrat, a gifted illusionist named Eisenheim uses his powers to win her away from her betrothed, a crowned prince. But Eisenheim's scheme creates tumult within the monarchy and ignites the suspicion of a dogged inspector.
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Yes, this film was released in the same year as The Prestige and even though they share similarities, they are quintessentially different. So for me the comparison so often made is null and void.
This film is a fantasy, a dream-like tale of love, passion and magic. It is set against a beautiful backdrop of late nineteenth century Vienna. It is shot in the most beautiful fashion, with great attention to detail in set and costume design and absolutely stunning cinematography. Burger and his team submerge this film in a dream-like glow that enhances the feel of watching a fantasized reality.
The cast is great. Norton carries the film with easy confidence and even though his accent is a bit…
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It was unlucky that this film was released around the same time as Nolan's "The Prestige' as it seems to turn most people off of this film as it wasn't the better half of the two 'illusion themed films'.
To be fair both films are incredible and its a shame they were both released so close as 'The Illusionist' was a great film with an excellent plot and did a great job of keeping suspense the whole way through.
There were also brilliant performances from Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti and Rufus Sewell.
Whats remarkable however is how similar both The Illusionist and The Prestige are, especially being released in the same year. I think if it was any other year…
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Oh hey, it's that other movie that isn't The Prestige! Golly!
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Great film and highly underrated, but seriously, who told Jessica Biel she could act? What happened to "Just stand there and look pretty"? Aside from her "acting", the rest of the cast is fantastic (specifically Ed Norton and Paul Giamatti), the story is well crafted and thought provoking until the end (literally), and it's very well made. Just because it's overshadowed by another "magical" film, The Prestige, doesn't mean this isn't any good.
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While shadowed by The Prestige, as many people will point out, its interesting cast and plot should not be overlooked. While I prefer its other equivalent, this didn't fail to impress me, either.
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Ah yes! That other film about magicians that was released in 2006.
It's difficult to watch The Illusionist now and not be reminded of how great Nolan's The Prestige was. While Burger's film has a solid cast (Norton, Giamatti, Marsan), it still far too often steers a little too close to feeling like a TV movie.
"Every great magic trick consists of three parts", outlines Michael Caine so brilliantly at the start of The Prestige. In doing so he sets the stage for the story we're about to watch. Part 1 is the set-up, "The Pledge"; the beginning of our story. Next, part 2, "The Turn" - the part where something unexpected happens - where the story takes it's twist. The final act though is the part that the audience holds out for. The part that makes it all worthwhile. This is "The Prestige". The Prestige is something special and amazing. Unfortunately this is something which The Illusionist is not.
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Tot i que perd l'ocasió d'homenatjar les fantasmagories de Robertson i companyia, l'enginy de la llanterna màgica hi està ben present. Haurem d'esperar una mica més per veure'n representada com cal la mitologia que va desembocar en el cine de Méliès, aquí és només l'excusa per un bon drama d'època. Que no és poc.
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This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.
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Not as good as The Prestige. I had to mention that because movies always come out with similar genres in waves which is fucking stupid.
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Felt at times like a fantasy movie, great performances from Norton and Giamatti. Interesting dreamy visual style.
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I absolutely love this film. Fantastic story, great cast, and an amazing score by Philip Glass.
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What a twist!
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It's a shame this movie was overshadowed by The Prestige, because despite the magic they are completely different movies.
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Excelente Película.
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All historical anachronisms aside, this movie would have been 100 times better with a different actress than Jessica Biel. They should have gone with an unknown/less known actress with better skills and accent work since they already had Paul Giamatti, Edward Norton, and Rufus Sewell.