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The Illusionist Movie Review

Ranked #24,055 in Entertainment, #268,090 overall

The Illusionist: Nothing is what it seems

Unlock the mysteries of the year's most spellbinding film from the producers of Crash and Sideways! Oscar nominees Paul Giamatti and Edward Norton lead an all-star cast in this "stunning" film that conjures an exhilarating blend of suspense, romance and mind-bending twists.

The acclaimed illusionist Eisenheim (Norton) has not only captured the imaginations of all of Vienna, but also the interest of the ambitious Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). But when Leopold's new fiancée (Jessica Biel) rekindles a childhood fascination with Eisenheim, the Prince's interest evolves into obsession...and suddenly the city's Chief Inspector (Giamatti) finds himself investigating a shocking crime. But even as the Inspector engages him in a dramatic challenge of wills, Eisenheim prepares for his most impressive illusion yet in this "mesmerizing" and "beautifully acted" film that "teases you until the very end!".

 If you're a fan or critic of this movie, then be sure to add your own opinions to the "Reviews by You" at the bottom of of this lens...

The Illusionist Movie Trailer

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The Illusionist Editorial Review

by Jeff Shannon (Amazon.com)


The Illusionist
(Widescreen Edition)

First screened in Europe and scheduled for limited release in the U.S., The Illusionist offers welcome proof that "arthouse" quality needn't be limited to the arthouses.

Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, this stately, elegant period film benefited from a crossover release in mainstream cinemas, and showed considerable box-office staying power--granted, teenage mallrats and lusty males may have been drawn to the allure of Seventh Heaven alumna Jessica Biel, who rises to the occasion with a fine performance.

But there's equal appeal in the casting of Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, who bring their formidable talents to bear on the intriguing tale of a celebrated magician named Eisenheim (Norton) whose stage performance offends the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), a vindictive lout who aims to marry Duchess Sophie (Biel), Eisenheim's childhood friend and now, 15 years later, his would-be lover. This romantic rivalry and Eisenheim's increasingly enigmatic craft of illusion are investigated by Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti), who's under Leopold's command and is therefore not to be trusted as Eisenheim and Sophie draw closer to their inevitable reunion.

Cleverly adapted by director Neil Burger from Steven Millhauser's short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist", and boasting exquisite production values and a fine score by Philip Glass, The Illusionist is the kind of class act that fully deserved its unusually wide and appreciative audience.

The Illusionist on DVD

This movie is available to buy from Amazon.com in a number of DVD formats, or you can read the original short story in a book.
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The Illusionist Viewer Rating

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The Illusionist: Soundrack

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The Illusionist Reviews by You

If you have seen the movie "The Illusionist", then why not write up your thoughts on it here, and share it with others.

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  • Reply
    Wir55 Apr 25, 2009 @ 10:36 pm | delete
    This is a great movie. I have seen it 4 times and I'm still not sick of it!
  • Reply
    Wir55 Apr 23, 2009 @ 8:12 pm | delete
    Hi again,
    I like your viewer rating. What module is that if you don't mind my asking?
  • Reply
    Wir55 Apr 23, 2009 @ 8:07 pm | delete
    This is a great movie. I have seen it at least 4 times, and I am still not tired of it!
  • Reply
    misty Oct 20, 2008 @ 7:55 pm | delete
    It is a wonderful film and what or who makes it wonderful? Of course Norton. This role suits him, he created the real magician. I watched this film several times and been concentrated in as if it's a first time. He's an unbelievable actor who did a good job? Mora than that a fascinating job. Bless you, NORTON.
  • Reply
    Rich99USA Aug 23, 2008 @ 4:50 pm | delete
    This movie has a lot going for it, not the least of which is the superb acting. Each of the actors fits their role perfectly, with not a weak link among them. The movie is a great love story/mystery, with just the right amount of special effects added. The movie is visually stunning, with great cinematography that complements the turn of the century store perfectly. This movie would be enjoyable for any fan of good movie making.
  • Reply
    MrLewisSmile Jun 25, 2007 @ 7:23 pm | delete
    I loved this film! Very cool stuff. If you like a movie with lots of twists, get this one.
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The Illusionist Resources

The Illusionist (2006)
The Illusionist on IMDb: Movies, TV, Celebs, and more...

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