|
| Movie Review: The Illusionist Alternate Title: Do You Believe in Magic?
Story: Yes indeed I do. Magic
is fun. And this movie, besides being romantic, beautifully filmed and
well acted - is just plain fun. It is around 1900 in Vienna. The opening shot
reveals a man deep in concentration, wearing shirtsleeves, sitting on
a bare stage. The full house sits in quiet awe while surrounded by what
seems like the entire Viennese police force. Through a narrator (I usually
do not like narrators, but it works in this film) we see how we got
to this tense point. Like a magician I will not tell you much about
the plot because it would ruin the magic. I will say it involves the
heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a woman who does not love
him, a murder, reacquainted childhood sweethearts, abuse of power, police
investigations and magic. Suffice it to say that the film is enthralling,
mysterious and well, quite magical. Magic depends on misdirection but writer and
director Neil Burger (Interview With An Assassin) delivers
terrific direction. The film is based on a short story by Steven
Millhauser (Eisnheim the Illusionist). Give your self a summer treat and check out this
fine film. I guarantee a few smiles will cross your face. Oh yes, and
pay attention please. Acting: Edward Norton does not disappoint.
He is one fine actor. Paul Giammatti always looks like
he is the cast member who is having the best time. He was wonderful
as the police inspector. I only know Jessica Biel's
face from seeing her at my supermarket checkout stand but she did a
fine job as the romantic interest. Rufus Sewell relished
his role as the crown prince.
Predilection: My father was an amateur magician and
my Cousin Steve has performed many times at the Magic Castle in LA.
You could say I have the slight of hands in my genes.
Critters: A frog, two butterflies and horse. Sorry,
there were no rabbits coming out of hats.
Food: If there was any food it disappeared before
I noticed it.
Visual Art: The magic was pretty exciting to watch.
Theater Audience: A number of entertained the rater
goers.
Weather: Darkness helps with magic.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I did not drift. I did not want to miss
a trick.
Predictability Level: I wasn't quite sure what was
going on for awhile but started to get some inklings towards the end.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Who knows? I think Edward Norton and
Paul Giammati are always Oscar worthy.
Big Screen or Rental: Oh - go for the big screen
and have some fun. For some other fine Edward Norton films try renting:
The Italian Job, 25th Hour, Frida, Fight Club, American History
X, Rounders, The People vs. Larry Flynt and Primal Fear.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8
|