The Illusionist

Directed by – Neil Burger
Starring – Ed Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell

I am breaking a little with one of my main roles here at TEW in reviewing DVD releases, and instead want to talk about what I think is the film of the year (which as of August 2006 is still in cinemas). Then when it comes out on DVD, you know what to look out for.

A girlfriend and I decided to head to the cinema last Sunday afternoon, not having any idea what we were going to watch, surveyed our options and went for this flick because of some familiar actors. We knew nothing about the story, the direction…anything at all, and two hours later we came out having enjoyed one the best movies we had ever seen.

The Illusionist is one of those pleasant surprises where you start with no expectations or pre-conceived ideas, and get treated to something that completely knocks your socks off.

This film was a favourite at the Sundance festival, but supposedly a legal dispute between the producers led to it basically being “dumped” as an August release (traditionally the time studios quietly open movies they know are going to tank) with no major fanfare, no serious press junket and zero media push. In purely artistic terms, that’s a bonus, because without the hype and ensuing pressure of expectation the audience can enjoy the movie for what it is – a quiet gem.

The story is set in 1890’s Vienna, and revolves around Edward Abramovitz (Norton), the son of a carpenter and an aspiring magician, who assumes the stage name of Eisenheim. During one his incredible performances (more on that later), Austrian Crown Prince Leopold (Sewell) offers his fiancée Sophie (Biel) as an assistant. Eisenheim recognises Sophie as his childhood love, and so the battle for Sophie’s affections begins between Magician and Prince.

Twisted into this well crafted tale (based upon the short story by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Steven Millhauser) is the Prince’s plot to take the throne, and the delightful efforts of Inspector Uhl (Giamatti) to cover up the frequent legal indiscretions of Leopold.

It is actually Paul Giamatti as Inspector Uhl who steals the show. His portrayal as someone bound by loyalty to Prince Leopold, but who cannot help but sympathize with Eisenheim, is full of presence and character. As Inspector Uhl also acts as the narrator of the movie, Giamatti has plenty of opportunity to showcase his ample abilities and he seizes upon them with passion and believeable expression.

In my opinion, he should be in serious contention for Best Supporting Actor come Oscar time. Wait til you see the climax to the film, a sensational ending that puts Giamatti firmly in the spotlight in which he shines brightly.

Edward Norton is also excellent as the lead character; I thought it was his best performance since Fight Club. You can tell he clearly felt passionate and challenged by the role of Eisenheim. He rises to a level that only a very select few actors can reach to pull the part off as well as he does, and he should also be in the running for Best Actor at the Oscars because I haven’t seen a better performance all year (naturally my opinion means SO much to the decision makers).

I have always thought you can tell when Ed Norton feels excited by a role he is playing, because he seems to immerse himself in the character so completely compared to times where he almost sleepwalks through parts.

Jessica Biel is also very good in her role as Sophie; she is growing as an actress and developing new aspects to her craft.

What really makes this movie though is the cinematography, the scenery, the production and the costumes which combine superbly. Suspend your disbelief enough to allow yourself to be immersed in Vienna circa 1890’s, with subtle Freudian influences and svelte elegance.

Veteran cinematographer Dick Pope does an amazing job, transforming the streets of Prague (where the film was actually shot) into a moody and oil-painting like backdrop. The sepia hues, the iris fades and the soft lighting will make you believe you are watching a film that was shot decades ago, and at any moment you almost expect Cary Grant or Errol Flynn to come sauntering on screen.

Ngila Dickson does a fantastic job with the costumes, and Ondrej Nakvasil’s production design (especially with the theatre and the palace) need to be seen to be believed.

Phillip Glass provides a great musical score, mixing just the right amounts of his own style into a sweeping and quirky melodic soundtrack which adds layers to what is happening on screen. All of these talented people create the backdrop, the settings and the scenery.

It is the acting, as well as the skilled direction of Neil Burger (Interview With An Assassin) that really makes this film work however. Burgers ability to direct actors into the right places at the right times, with subtle and deft expressions and exquisite timing, demonstrate he is a director on the rise.

Very few movies will leave you appreciating the directing like The Illusionist; a lesser director without Burgers vision and ability would have severely limited the appeal of the film.

Oh, and finally I wanted to mention the magic tricks that Eisenheim performs. Burger has been quoted as saying that all the illusions within the film were performed as you see them, with no CGI (computer graphics) or any other special effect assistance. If that is true, I am spellbound as to how they managed to pull some of them off.

Sleight-of-hand conjurer Ricky Jay was employed as Technical Consultant for the film, and he was responsible for helping Ed Norton create the illusions. You will genuinely be questioning whether Eisenheim’s performances are just tricks or whether he genuinely has some type of mystical ability (one of the great things about this film is that it leaves this question up in the air). All the tricks are apparently period correct, meaning these are the illusions that were happening more than century ago. Simply breathtaking stuff.

OVERALL – So far in 2006, this has been the film of the year for me. A lavish, dreamy and romantic melodrama which will completely sweep you away.