The Illusionist (B+ or 3/4 stars)
Vienna, 1870's: A young trick master, Eisenheim (Edward Norton) falls in love with a woman from a superior social standing, Sophie von Teschen (Jessica Biel). They become separated. 15 yrs. later, he is a successful magician who runs into her at a magic show. Love is rekindled and, Eisenheim will use his magic abilities to secure her love, no matter what the cost. This is the set-up for 'The Illusionist' (directed by Neil Burger). By 1890, Sophie (a duchess) is set to marry Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), though Eisenheim believes him to be misogynistic, corrupt, & potentially murderous.
And Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) is called upon to not only investigate Leopold's politically corrupt plans, but to debunk Eisenheim's 'magic' for Leopold, himself. Leopold is aware of Eisenheim & Sophie's attraction and wants Uhl to find any & all reason to shut the magician down for good. But a wrench is thrown into the plot when Sophie ends up murdered! Can Eisenheim's magic capture her back? Can Leopold control Uhl as his puppet? Can Uhl juggle both sides? And can Eisenheim both override Uhl's authority, & prevent Leopold from becoming Emperor? It is a tale laden with romance, drama, mystery, murder, & magic.
I like this movie quite a bit. It provides a mellow, pleasant film experience. I just wish it was a tad better. The political storyline & clandestine romance are easy to follow. But there's just an intangible element missing from the script which makes this romantic, beautiful-looking movie feel a touch standard. And to be honest, had Norton & Giamatti not been cast in this film, it may have made for a slightly tedious affair. Norton is an amazing actor who is able to draw you into a performance with his physicality. Paul Giamatti (with all his lovable quirks, accents, & everyman-ness) kept me interested amid the slower sections. And though her place in this cast is suspect, Jessica Biel (a classic beauty) holds her own very well.
While I completely appreciate the beautiful cinematography, gorgeous sets, lavish costumes, locales, & haunting musical score (by Philip Glass), the characters & screenplay lacked some depth & intrigue. I LOVE a sophisticated Victorian period movie. The romance is lovely. The magic illusions are interesting & well-executed onscreen. I enjoyed the deadly climactic twist. All the pieces are there. But the story just didn't 'sing' for me. The devilish Rufus Sewell (Leopold) gets angry and lashes out here & there ... but that is the most action/energy displayed onscreen for nearly 2 hours. Having said all of that, there's something comforting about this film's self-assuredness. Were my expectations too high going in? Perhaps. But if I were to grade 'The Illusionist', I'd give it a solid B+. It just lacks that intangible something for me to give it an A.
And Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) is called upon to not only investigate Leopold's politically corrupt plans, but to debunk Eisenheim's 'magic' for Leopold, himself. Leopold is aware of Eisenheim & Sophie's attraction and wants Uhl to find any & all reason to shut the magician down for good. But a wrench is thrown into the plot when Sophie ends up murdered! Can Eisenheim's magic capture her back? Can Leopold control Uhl as his puppet? Can Uhl juggle both sides? And can Eisenheim both override Uhl's authority, & prevent Leopold from becoming Emperor? It is a tale laden with romance, drama, mystery, murder, & magic.
I like this movie quite a bit. It provides a mellow, pleasant film experience. I just wish it was a tad better. The political storyline & clandestine romance are easy to follow. But there's just an intangible element missing from the script which makes this romantic, beautiful-looking movie feel a touch standard. And to be honest, had Norton & Giamatti not been cast in this film, it may have made for a slightly tedious affair. Norton is an amazing actor who is able to draw you into a performance with his physicality. Paul Giamatti (with all his lovable quirks, accents, & everyman-ness) kept me interested amid the slower sections. And though her place in this cast is suspect, Jessica Biel (a classic beauty) holds her own very well.
While I completely appreciate the beautiful cinematography, gorgeous sets, lavish costumes, locales, & haunting musical score (by Philip Glass), the characters & screenplay lacked some depth & intrigue. I LOVE a sophisticated Victorian period movie. The romance is lovely. The magic illusions are interesting & well-executed onscreen. I enjoyed the deadly climactic twist. All the pieces are there. But the story just didn't 'sing' for me. The devilish Rufus Sewell (Leopold) gets angry and lashes out here & there ... but that is the most action/energy displayed onscreen for nearly 2 hours. Having said all of that, there's something comforting about this film's self-assuredness. Were my expectations too high going in? Perhaps. But if I were to grade 'The Illusionist', I'd give it a solid B+. It just lacks that intangible something for me to give it an A.