I first saw the illusionist at the movies after reading a review of it and thinking it sounded interesting. The reviewer at the time said it could be ‘a bit slow.’ I’m not a fan of slow movies. When I saw The Illusionist, I could not believe anyone had ever made this comment. This film set in the 19th century captivated me from start to finish.
A young boy played by Aaron Johnson encounters a magician, who sparks his interest in magic and illusion. While he is practicing a trick with an egg, comes to the attention of Sophie.
Despite their diverse backgrounds,(he is a carpenter’s son, she is a duchess,) they become friends. Refusing to be warned off the friendship, the pair finds ways to meet. But the day comes when Sophie is dragged forcefully way from him. At this point the young man leaves all that is familiar and heads out into the world. He comes 15 years later to Vienna, as a famous illusionist, Eisenheim. The role of Eisenheim is played by Edward Norton.In the course of a performance he asks for a volunteer for one of his magic tricks. The Crown Prince Leopold played by Rufus Sewell volunteers his fiancée. Eisenheim recognizes her as Sophie, his friend who he loved years before
Sophie played by Jessica Beil, and Eisenheim contrive to meet. Their meeting does not go unnoticed by spies the Crown Prince has set up to keep track of his fiancée’s movements.
After an embarrassing moment when the Crown Prince is made to look foolish in front of a number of people at a gathering of his fiends, he orders the Inspector played by Paul Giamatti to shut down Eisenheim’s show.
When Sophie coems to visit Eisenheim, it is initially to upbraid him for upsetting the crown prince. But they end up making love. Unlike so many moves of today this sex scene is handled sensitively and artistically. It therefore works far more effectively than those that insist on showing every detail. It is in keeping with the artistry of the rest of the film.
Eisenheim wants Sophie to run away with him but Sophie knows is not that easy. Leopold will track them down wherever they go. Of course their secret meeting is not se so secret and is reported back to the Crown Prince by inspector Uhl.
When Sophie goes to the Crown Prince to break off their engagement, events take a drastic turn. Until Eisenheim, comes up with what is perhaps the greatest illusion of all.
I watched this film for the second time recently and found it as compelling as did first time round. Edward Norton as the enigmatic Eisenheim is perfectly cast. Paul Giamatti as inspector Uhl is a strong and interesting character, artfully played. The crown prince is sufficiently villainous and the heroine beautiful.
Our DVD of it carries an M rating because of ‘moderate violence and sexual themes,’ so it’s not suitable for children. It is a film I’d watch again and again.
Thanks to Tristi for letting me guest blog again. Check out her movie reviews for this week.
Please visit these related blogs
Movie week in review- April 21st-25th