ILLUSIONIST, THE: DVD

SYNOPSIS:
In 19th century Vienna, the illusionist Eisenheim (Edward Norton) is thrilling audiences so convincingly, some believe he is manipulating supernatural forces. The ambitious and dangerous Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) is intent to expose Eisenheim as a fraud and gets his future wife Princess Sophie (Jessica Biel) to volunteer on stage for one of the more jaw dropping illusions. Eisenheim, son of a carpenter, recognises her as the girl he once loved as a boy - a relationship torn apart by their very differing social rankings - and when they renew their romance as adults, Prince Leopold orders Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) to close Eisenheim's illusion act. But that's easier said than done and to pursue his heart, Eisenheim attempts the greatest illusion of his life.

Review by Louise Keller:
I was interested to see that illusionists Ricky Jay and Michael Weber are credited as magic consultants in this alluring film that teases us by bending the laws of logic and painting our perceptions with the stroke of a magical brush. Based on Steven Millhauser's short story, the film's splendid look is tinged with sepia, perfectly describing the 19th century timeframe with its browns and golden tones, but furthermore, it reflects warmth which is well suited to its central love theme. With Edward Norton at his striking best as The Illusionist, this is a stylish film filled with intrigue and presented with flair - like a good magic trick.

A man sits in a chair on an empty stage before the fire footlights. He is a study of concentration with beats of sweat on his brow and hands on his knees. The audience sits waiting in anticipation as he makes the impossible seem possible, with manifestations materialising. The illusions that Norton's Eisenheim purports to present, capture the imagination not only of his public, but of Paul Giamatti's Police Inspector, whose hobby of amateur magic makes him yearn to learn the secret behind the tricks. Jessica Biel shows she is much more than a pretty face as Eisenheim's true love Sophie, while Rufus Sewell revels in his role as the cruel, violent Crown Prince Leopold, who carries callousness like a sword.

Prague, doubling as Vienna, with its cobbled streets, ornate settings and distinctive central European buildings looks beautiful indeed, and the slightly clipped, neutral accents work to advantage. Philip Glass's intense music score is perfect, and Neil Burger's astute screenplay and direction uses subtlety to transport us in

There's an audio commentary by director Neil Burger on the DVD, together with behind the scenes features.

Published July 5, 2007