The Illusionist (2006)

Regista:

Neil Burger

Writers (WGA):

Neil Burger (screenplay)
Steven Millhauser (short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist")

Data di uscita:

1 settembre 2006 (USA)

Genere:

Drama | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

Slogan:

Nothing is what it seems

Plot:

In turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.

Plot Keywords:

London England | Realization | Electricity | Narration | Showmanship

Premi:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 5 wins & 5 nominations

Recensioni degli utenti:

This is not a Review. This is only an Illusion.

Cast

Edward Norton	...	Eisenheim
Paul Giamatti	...	Inspector Uhl
Jessica Biel	...	Sophie
Rufus Sewell	...	Crown Prince Leopold
Eddie Marsan	...	Josef Fischer (as Edward Marsan)
Jake Wood	...	Jurka
Tom Fisher	...	Willigut
Aaron Johnson	...	Young Eisenheim
Eleanor Tomlinson	...	Young Sophie
Karl Johnson	...	Doctor / Old Man
Vincent Franklin	...	Loschek
Nicholas Blane	...	Herr Doebler
Philip McGough	...	Dr. Hofzinser
Erich Redman	...	Count Rainer
Michael Carter	...	Von Thurnburg

Alias:

Illusionista, L' (Italy) [it]

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some sexuality and violence.

Durata:

110 min

Nazionalità:

Czech Republic | USA

Lingua:

Inglese

Colore:

Colore

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sonoro:

SDDS | Dolby Digital

Divieti:

Sweden:7 | Brazil:14 | Ireland:12A | USA:PG-13 | Singapore:NC-16 (DVD rating) | UK:PG | France:U | Singapore:PG | Canada:G (Quebec) | Argentina:Atp | Australia:M | Portugal:M/12 | Denmark:11 | Netherlands:12 | Norway:11 | South Korea:15 | Finland:K-11

Luoghi delle riprese:

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Company:

Bull's Eye Entertainment

Curiosità:

The character portrayed by Philip McGough is shown in the credits to be named Dr. Hofzinser, after a prominent sleight-of-hand artist.

Errori:

Anacronismi: The coins The Illusionist is giving the poor children are bi-metallic coins, i.e. they are made of two different alloys, a ring surrounding a differently colored disc. The technology to make those coins is only a few decades old, and certainly was not available in the 19th century. The coins used are Czech 50.

Citazioni:

Eisenheim: [Angrily] Are you completely corrupt?
Chief Inspector Uhl: No, not completely, which is why I'll advise you not to accuse anyone.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007) (TV)

This is not a Review. This is only an Illusion.

"The Illusionist" is a unique film that combines two often stale genres into something fresh: the lush romantic period piece and the "AHA!" mystery thriller (a genre M. Night Shamalyan has single-handedly run into the ground recently). Helmed by a first time director (Neil Burger), based on a short story, and featuring an eclectic cast, "The Illusionist" had the perfect set-up to be a monumental disaster. With a graceful slight-of-hand, it ends up being something very good.

As with any run-of-the-mill period piece, there's a lavish attention to the set designs and costumes, here representing late nineteenth century Vienna. Director Burger puts a nice spin on the same-old, same-old with an acute attention to lighting (especially in the dreamily over-exposed flashbacks) and old fashioned camera techniques (witness the circular camera's eye closing to transition from scenes) to give the film the feel of being a fond memory of a classic movie from a bygone era.

The central romance where Edward Norton's title character and Jessica Biel's Dutchess are star-crossed lovers kept apart because of class and society, had all the makings of a snore-inducing cheese-athon. Executed in an understated manner that services the greater plot, it ends up being anything but. Norton's performance, especially in the second half of the film when he turns into a man of very few words, had the potential to be one-note. As an actor, he speaks volumes with his eyes. Biel, a former teen idol and TV star, seemed a horrific choice for this role. She pulls of the nifty trick of being quite good. Even better are Rufus Sewell as the tyrannical crown-prince and Paul Giamatti as the chief inspector. Using a short story as the source material, characterizations had the potential to be paper-thin, but these seasoned veterans make the most of their lines and scenes adding terror, humor, and gravitas through their vocal and physical deliveries where lesser actors would've been wooden and cold. The entire cast also worked together very well utilizing their odd, vaguely European and aristorcatic accent. Everyone used it so consistently and earnestly, it didn't seem to matter after awhile that the accent was unnecessary.

A more over-eager or pretentious director may have completely sabotaged the fantastic ending to "The Illusionist" and cheated the audience. Handled deftly by Burger, the grande finale where "all is revealed" is a wholly organic and satisfying conclusion that rewards the patient viewer and fulfills the lofty promises of the themes presented throughout the work.

"The Illusionist" boasts an excellent music score from minimalist composer Phillip Glass that easily rivals his great work done in "Candyman" and "The Hours." Norton and Giamatti treat us to some of the best "staring" since the days of silent films. The look on Giamatti's face and the positioning of his raised eyebrows as he watches Norton perform his illusions coupled with Norton's eyes as he pulls off his tricks are priceless.