The Illusionist - movie review

There are certain things that will lead me to believe a film will be good. Based on a short story is one because it means the plot arc will be easily adapted to film. Starring Edward Norton is another because the man has a wonderful onscreen presence. So we have The Illusionist - a film that has both these elements. And, lucky for the audience, both are good.

The film opens with a lovely set of credits that flow into each other in a series of sienna hues. The score by Phillip Glass (the guy that gave us those haunting sounds in The Hours) sets the mood perfectly. As the opening curtain parts we find Norton's Eisenheim character sitting on a chair in a packed theater. The sound drowns away and only the awkward shifting of bodies is heard. The moment casts an immediate spell of putting you into the action right from the start. And then the mystery begins.

The Illusionist is a story of love lost and reclaimed. It is a simple and straightforward piece. And, for today's crime savvy audiences it is hardly a challenge to solve. In fact, most of my glee was derived from guessing the next reveal in advance and having my thoughts confirmed. So, if the film isn't about keeping you guessing what is it about? It appears that the Illusionist is about illusions of all kinds. The plot is merely the device that helps the characters to explore (or ignore) the illusions under which they live. In the end the movie is about questioning what is true and what you believe.

Joining Norton in this journey is Jessica Biel as the object of affection. I will admit to being impressed with her restrained and sincere performance. For some reason she appears to emote much better with more clothes on. (This is not to say her scene of passion with Norton doesn't have heat - it does ... in a PG kind of way of course). Rufus Sewell replays his dastardly villain from A Knight's Tale as the evil crown prince itcing for a come-uppance. And Paul Giamatti links the characters together as Inspector Uhl who tries to unravel the plot only to become one of the pegs that sustains the web itself.

Thanks to movie magic the illusions are truly magical. It makes one wonder if ANY of it is possible. But then the film is not about respecting reality. It is about magic and the power of disbelief. And it is quaint and pretty. It will make you want to visit Vienna and find a master magician who will reveal his tricks. It will make you smile and wish for undying love. It will make you say "I knew it!" and not feel cheated because you did - as long as you can let yourself go and just enjoy the moment.