Cast
View All
Edward Norton
as Eisenheim
Paul Giamatti
as Inspector Uhl
Jessica Biel
as Sophie
Rufus Sewell
as Crown Prince Leopold
Eddie Marsan
as Josef Fischer
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
as Young Eisenheim
Eleanor Tomlinson
as Young Sophie
Jake Wood
as Jurka
Tom Fisher
as Willigut
Karl Johnson
as Doctor / Old Man
Vincent Franklin
as Loschek
Nicholas Blane
as Herr Doebler
Philip McGough
as Dr. Hofzinser
Erich Redman
as Count Rainer
Michael Carter
as Von Thurnburg
Crew
Director
- Neil Burger
Producer
- Brian Koppelman
- Cathy Schulman
- Michael London
- David Levien
- Bob Yari
Reviews
GeekMasher
When I looked at this film for the first time I was unsure it would be any good... I was completely amazed by how this film was good. The actors all played there role very well. The film has a very good storyline and I was compelled to watch it. All in all a great movie, worth watching.
Mar 15, 2013
John Chard
Life and death. Space and time. Fate and chance. Theses are the forces of the universe.
The Illusionist is directed by Neil Burger and Burger adapts the screenplay from "Eisenheim the Illusionist" written by Steven Millhauser. It stars Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel and Rufus Sewell. Music is by Philip Glass and cinematography by Dick Pope.
How splendid, a period romantic mystery that's filled with the mysticism of magical conjurings and political volatility. Plot essentially has Norton as Eisenheim The Illusionist, who later in life runs into Sophie (Biel), his childhood sweetheart, and finds that she's on course to marry Crown Prince Leopold (Sewell). Leopold has a bad reputation and it's not long before Eisenheim comes under Leopold's disdain, forcing Eisenheim to try and pull off the ultimate magic act to save Sophie and himself.
Creator Neil Burger crafts a picture that has everything going for it. The story is rock solid with intrigue credentials, where appropriately for a story based around magic tricks nothing is ever as it seems. The period flavours are smartly assembled, the Czech Republic locations smartly standing in for turn of the century Vienna, the art production is on point with the era of setting, as is the costuming. Glass drifts a tender melancholic score over the piece, while Pope's cinematography is simply gorgeous, offering up colour lensing that's aura enhancing, the kind you could get lost in for days.
The magic tricks are beguiling, as they should be and are in fact required since the narrative tantalisingly suggests Eisenheim may have supernatural powers? The story itself has no historical worth, but is fascinating none the less. It all builds towards its revelations, and much hinges on if the pay off is worth the admission fee? Most assuredly so it is, even if from a personal point of view this writer wouldn't have minded if pic had finished five minutes before the final revelation.
Either way, and with smart acting (Giamatti as the police inspector standing out) without histrionics holding things at the top end, this is delicate film making that engages the emotions fully for entertainment rewards. 8/10
Feb 2, 2019
JPV852
Seen this movie several times over the years and still find it so entertaining and satisfying thanks in large part to Edward Norton's performance. In some ways, although not as expertly directed, I prefer this over The Prestige, which is a great movie in its own right.
Aug 28, 2019
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Illusionist examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Neil Burger 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Illusionist took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $16.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 297 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Illusionist 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 Apartment, which focuses more on action than character development, The Illusionist subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The French Lieutenant's Woman and Hassan and Nayima explore similar territory, The Illusionist stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 18, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Budget: $16,500,000
- Revenue: $87,892,388
Where to Watch
