The Illusionist (2006)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Director:

Neil Burger

Writers (WGA):

Neil Burger (screenplay)
Steven Millhauser (short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist")

Release Date:

1 SZEPTEMBER 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

Tagline:

Nothing is what it seems

Plot:

In turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.

Plot Keywords:

Magician | Love | Crown Prince | Magic | Angry Mob

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 5 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

Edward Norton	...	Eisenheim
Paul Giamatti	...	Inspector Uhl
Jessica Biel	...	Sophie
Rufus Sewell	...	Crown Prince Leopold
Eddie Marsan	...	Josef Fischer (as Edward Marsan)
Jake Wood	...	Jurka
Tom Fisher	...	Willigut
Aaron Johnson	...	Young Eisenheim
Eleanor Tomlinson	...	Young Sophie
Karl Johnson	...	Doctor / Old Man
Vincent Franklin	...	Loschek
Nicholas Blane	...	Herr Doebler
Philip McGough	...	Dr. Hofzinser
Erich Redman	...	Count Rainer
Michael Carter	...	Von Thurnburg

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some sexuality and violence.

Runtime:

110 min

Country:

Czech Republic | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | Netherlands:12 | Finland:K-11 | Argentina:Atp | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:PG | Brazil:14 | Ireland:12A | UK:PG | France:U | Singapore:NC-16 (DVD rating) | Canada:G (Quebec) | South Korea:15 | Australia:M | Denmark:11 | Norway:11 | Sweden:7

Filming Locations:

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Company:

Bull's Eye Entertainment

Trivia:

Edward Norton did many of his own magic tricks, with the coaching of James Freedman. He worked with Norton preparing him for his stage performances and acted as a hand double in numerous situations.

Goofs:

Continuity: At around the 20:17 mark, When Inspector Uhl is inspecting the props backstage, Eisenheim has his arms at his side during their conversation. Then suddenly he is facing the inspector at a different angle and his arms are crossed.

Quotes:

Chief Inspector Uhl: Then why are you doing this?
Eisenheim: To be with her.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: (#3.6)" (2006)

A Wonderful, suspenseful, sensual escape from reality

I love movies of all type for different reasons. Action movies to become stimulated physically, comedies to laugh my troubles away, suspense to sit on the edge of my seat. But mostly, I attend movies to escape from a humdrum and dangerous world. "The Illusionist" is the ultimate in escape movies. It is gripping from he opening scene and the grip lasts until the final realization. The story is masterfully crafted and the screenplay intriguing. The special effects and illusions are entertainment enough. But all of this surrounded in the backdrop of the story, it's movement from one idea to another is an added treat. First there is the marvelous acting of all the major actors, surrounded by great support. The cinematography and music are awesome. This movie is filled with entertainment, suspense, romance, sensuality tastefully done, treachery and surprises. I have not been so entranced by a movie since the first Banderas Zorro movie. I didn't look at my watch once and the one hour and forty-five minutes flew by in delight. I want to see this movie over and over again. and I will still marvel at its perfection. You all must go and see it.