Cast
View All
Steve Carell
as Burt Wonderstone
Steve Buscemi
as Anton Marvelton
Olivia Wilde
as Jane
Jim Carrey
as Steve Gray
James Gandolfini
as Doug Munny
Alan Arkin
as Rance Holloway
Jay Mohr
as Rick the Implausible
Michael Herbig
as Lucius Belvedere
Mason Cook
as Young Burt
Luke Vanek
as Young Anton
Zachary Gordon
as Bully
Richard Wolffe
as Richard Wolffe
Brad Garrett
as Dom
David Copperfield
as Himself
Fiona Hale
as Grace
Crew
Director
- Don Scardino
Producer
- Tyler Mitchell
- Chris Bender
- Jake Weiner
- Steve Carell
Reviews
SierraKiloBravo
My ten word review:
_It's like Blades of Glory but with magicians. Fun stuff!_
Click here for a video version of this review: https://youtu.be/47JOCvTVnc4
Jul 18, 2020
Wuchak
_**Amusing flick about magicians with Steve Carell, Jim Carrey and Olivia Wilde**_
Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell) achieves his dream of being a successful magician, performing before sold-out crowds in Las Vegas with his partner (Steve Buscemi). But fame & fortune has blinded him and he’s lost the love of the art, even his love for best friends. When a new edgy magician enters the scene (Jim Carrey), it gives Burt a wake-up call and forces him to reexamine his life & career and rediscover his love for magic. Olivia Wilde is on hand as a magician’s assistant while Alan Arkin plays an older magician.
“The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” (2013) didn’t do well at the box office, maybe because of the lousy title. Yet it’s a solid comedy/drama about magicians, traditional ones and edgier modern ones (which some argue don’t perform “true magic”). Olivia looks great and I wish her role was bigger. Gillian Jacobs (Miranda) and Tate Hanyok (Nicole) are also featured on the feminine front. Even David Copperfield shows up.
The biggest laugh is wisely saved for last.
The film runs 1 hour, 40 minutes and was shot in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
GRADE: B
Aug 1, 2020
Thematic Analysis
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Don Scardino brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Incredible Burt Wonderstone took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $30.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 157 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1096 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Incredible Burt Wonderstone shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Science of Sleep, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mary Poppins and Scoop explore similar territory, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 14, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Budget: $30,000,000
- Revenue: $27,437,881
