? A magician (Edward Norton) becomes the toast of turn-of-the century Vienna but runs afoul of a police detective (Paul Giamatti) doing the bidding of a powerful prince (Rufus Sewell). As always, the trouble is over a woman.
+ The story unfolds
as a mystery with the ever-poised Norton and the inscrutable Giamatti worthy
rivals. The setup is for a twist at the end. The sepia-toned recreation of
Vienna (doubled for by Prague) and the Philip Glass score are atmospheric and
lovely. Even though the tricks seem impossible, they are beautiful to watch.
Magicians James Freedman and Ricky Jay are credited as consultants, and Norton
trained extensively for his role.
- Except for the
brief-but-charming flashback scenes that utilize younger actors, the romantic
aspects of the movie feel perfunctory. Norton is always a commanding screen
presence, but nothing about him speaks of the kind of deep romantic longing his
character is supposed to feel. Jessica Biel, his leading lady, is probably
better in this regard. The ending comes perhaps too quickly to absorb wholly.
= ***1/4. On the
whole, The Illusionist casts a magical spell.
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