The Illusionist
The Illusionist tells the story of Eisenheim, a remarkable magician in nineteenth century Vienna who tries to reclaim his childhood sweetheart Sophie from the clutches of the scheming Crown Prince Leopold, who wants to marry her for political reasons. Based on the short story by Steven Millhauser, this is an enjoyably diverting tale, despite its obvious thematic similarity to The Prestige.
Edward Norton is one of the most fascinatingly watchable actors working in Hollywood today, and his performance in the lead role is every bit as good as one would expect. By contrast, Jessica Biel’s Sophie is an amiable heroine, but her role is somewhat underwritten. Paul Giamatti is excellent as a police inspector who admires Eisenheim, but has been employed by Leopold to thwart his advances towards Sophie. Rufus Sewell provides a wonderfully nasty, if one-dimensional turn as Leopold.
Director Neil Burger crafts a rich looking film, utilizing cinematographer Dick Pope’s autumnal hues which give a dreamlike tone. But it doesn’t look or feel as mesmerising as The Prestige, and ultimately, the big twist is just a bit too predictable. There is no satisfactory explanation given for the “ghosts” in Eisenheim’s most remarkable trick – one that causes people to question whether or not his magical powers are more than sleight of hand, and the whole film feels a little too short.
That said, although The Prestige is unquestionably the superior picture, The Illusionist is also worth a look, if purely as an interesting companion piece.
Simon Dillon, March 2007.
