The Illusionist
Set in early 1900s Vienna, Neil Burger's romantic thriller centers on illusionist extraordinaire Eisenheim (Edward Norton), who falls for an aristocrat (Jessica Biel) well above his social standing. When she becomes engaged to Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), the master magician employs his powers to win her love. His daring scheme creates tumult within the monarchy and ignites the suspicion of Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti).
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» Reviewed by 16 people
Ed Norton is good is very good in this role, Paul Giamatti is also a good actor.- JC 1814418
Not a bad movie, but I prefer The Prestige over this one. Both movies came out around the same time and I decided to only purchase one (The Prestige) and I thought that one was a lot better.
- TReding
Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich. Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich.Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich.Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich.Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich.Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich.Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich.Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich.Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich.Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich.Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich.Meh. Ed Norton in this is about as exciting as a mashed potato sandwich.
- ME 643475
I watched this just after seeing the Prestige, and this is clearly the weaker of the two magician movies. The characters are well acted, but theyre fairly restrained and boring, just like the story itself. The movie has a twist, of course, but a very predictable one which gives no sense of surprise or satisfaction when it is finally presented. We dont see enough about where the illusions come from to make them feel compelling or magical. The audience in the movie doesnt know theyre just watching CGI effects, but we do. We need something more. If you are looking for something thoughtful, surprising and exciting, see the Prestige instead.
- Burton Foley
Boring, predictable and poorly acted. Every facet of this movie was dialed in. Edward Norton has finally pissed away any good will I had for him.
- Mark N.
It's hard to not compare it to The Prestige because it came out about the same time, both are about stage magicians, both have some twists, both have some romance/revenge things going on, and both feature comic book movie actors in leading roles. It's an okay movie that's made better by the performances of the cast. I often wonder why Rufus Sewell doesn't get more work.
- walrus
I want to see this movie again. It asks for a second viewing by what is revealed in the concluding minutes. Jessica Biel is surprisingly authentic enough in the Italy period costumes and accent. Not that I know anything about old Italy but she didn't seem like the usual Jessica Biel so that was great acting to me. And Norton and Giammati of course are good. It was a good movie and I bet it was a even better short story.
- abt 80654
I remember when this movie came out there was some good reviews, but I had decided to wait until I could rent it. Now I wish I had seen it in theaters because it was absolutely a great movie. I was hooked in it from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what happened next. Paul Giamatti does a good job as the one person you're not sure whether you should like or hate him. The effects of the illusions are very well done. By the time I hit the end of the movie I ended up sitting there and going "I should have figured this would happen 30 minutes ago!" but you end up forgetting that ultimately Edward Norton's character is an Illusionist. This movie ended up as a keeper and I bought it the same day I sent back this copy.
- theblackdog
The story here was very good, but its execution left me really disappointed and quite unengaged with any of the characters. I didn't feel any "spark" between the supposed lovers, didn't sense the tyranny of the crown prince, and the tricks didn't seem so magical. I never did understand the awe of the crowd for the performances, or their defense of the magician, or what the man was accused of and being arrested for in the end. I was intrigged by the ending, seeing how all the "tricks" fit, but I didn't care much at that point. I think the really good story was sabataged by really awful acting and/or direction. The manager was the only character who held my attention and I think that is because he made me laugh some, but the cinematography didn't really work for me- too dark, not enough contrast.
- VJ Purplequeen
I didn't see the ending coming because, like any good magician's "mark," I allowed myself to be misdirected by the creator(s) of this masterful illusion. In fact, I was so enthralled by the film's muted colors and lighting, the beautiful scenery, and the haunting score by Philip Glass, that I didn't try to figure out what would happen, content instead to remain in the moment and enjoy the magic. Edward Norton's performance was restrained but as always excellent. Paul Giamatti staggered me with his brilliant performance as Uhl. Giamatti's eyes seem to do most of the acting for him. Rufus Sewell is a better villain than leading man. Jessica Biel, about whom I know little, seemed perfectly cast in a role another woman may have used to steal the limelight from Giamatti or Norton, the true "stars" of this movie. You'll be disappointed if you begin this movie expecting a special effects extravaganza. But, if story and atmosphere still mean something to you, enjoy.
- Firewater
I thought this movie was exceptionally well done for a period drama. Ed Norton and Paul Giamatti were very good, and even though I could guess the ending, I still really enjoyed it. Jennifer Biel felt out of place here, but not enough to put a damper on the film. Pretty good clean fun.
- MF 91168
Edward Norton was brilliant in this film. I thought that Eisenheim was an amazing character and had me intrigued from the very beginning of this film. The scenery was wonderful in this movie, it makes you feel like you are watching a period piece, though the story has very little, if anything to do with the time in which it took place, the scenery and costume design helped immerse you in the story as it unfolded. Eisenheim's love for Sophie (played by Jessica Beil, who I normally cannot stand as an actress, but was wonderful in this role) was clear in the scenes they showed of them as small children. When she comes back into his life, their chemistry is like they haven't spent a day apart, and their love for one another still burns strong. At this film's roots is something deeper than a love story. It is a story of mystery and wonder. Eisenheim can achieve illusions that mystify his audiences and leave you, the viewer, wondering if we are to believe he is an illusionist or if he perhaps he has more in the way of supernatural powers. There are several people in power, including Sophie's fiance and the police chief who will stop at nothing to find out the secrets of Eisenheim's illusions. The final act of this film is one that takes you for a ride and has you on the edge of your seat at the same time you are cheering for victory. I highly recommend this film.
- cok 451931
I really like Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti so I was hoping this would be a good film. Thankfully it is. Norton plays, you guessed it, an illusionist in the 1900s. Jessica Biel is thrown in there as the love interest. Also, you can't go wrong with good ol' Rufus Sewell as the villain. Pay attention and you'll figure out what is real and what is an illusion?
- Cleve1212
Superbly well acted. A completely original story with great special FX and a clever plot. Always interesting, this movie is a treat. Well done and worth a full 4 stars.
- Creeper
I really enjoyed this movie, a lot more then I had anticipated. I was afraid it would be a lot like the Prestige but this movie...although a slightly similar subject is VERY different. It is quick to pull you in and doesn't let you go until the very end. Norton & Biel are great together and Sewell although not a favorite of mine did a pretty good job as well. All in all this film was original and a good ride to experience. I would recommend this one for sure. A top 15-20 for any queue.
- *~*Sullivans*~*
ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** A very well done film, this movie was great fun. A masterfully woven thriller. It started out a bit slow, but got much better as it went on. Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti shine in the roles as does Rufus Sewell. The ending is also especially wonderful.
- ireviewnetflix.com