Film Review: The Illusionist (2006)
The 2006 romantic period thriller, The Illusionist, written and directed by Neil Burger, is a film that suffered from being released almost simultaneously with Christopher Nolan's celebrated Prestige, film with very similar theme and setting. This unfortunate timing overshadowed The Illusionist, relegating it to relative obscurity despite its merits as a well-crafted, thought-provoking film.
The film is based on Eisenheim the Illusionist, short story by American author Steven Millhauser, originally published in 1990 collection The Barnum Museum. The plot is set in late 19th Century Vienna, which was capital of Austria-Hungarian Empire at the time. The protagonist, played by Edward Norton, is a popular magician whose spectacular and awe-inspiring shows have convinced many Viennese that he possesses supernatural abilities. The plot delves into Eisenheim's past, revealing that he grew up as Eduard Abramovich (played by Aaron Taylor-Young), who, despite being a carpenter’s son, met, fell in love and started relationship with young Sophia, Dutches of Teschen (played by Eleanor Tomlinson). The forbidden love between commoner and future royalty was suppressed and young Eduard forced to leave his home and spend years learning magician’s craft. After arrival in Vienna, one of his shows is attended by Crown Prince Leopold (played by Rufus Sewell), heir to the imperial throne and accompanied by young woman (played by Jessica Biel) who volunteers to take part in his trick. Eisenheim learns that she is actually his teenage love and two of them rekindle relationship. Leopold, who is known for his violence toward women and ambition to forcibly take throne from his father, doesn’t react kindly and soon afterwards Sophie is found murdered. Eisenheim is left devastated but determined to rekindle their relationship through his magical performances in which spirit of Sophie appears. This situation appears intolerable for Leopold, who order Uhl (played by Paul Giamatti), Chief Inspector of Viennese police, to arrest Eisenheim for fraud.
The film's setting, Imperial Vienna, is reconstructed with great skill and care for detail in neighbouring Czechia. Neil Burger's direction and Dick Pope's cinematography work together to create a nostalgic and melancholic atmosphere that perfectly captures the mood of late 19th Century Vienna. The sepia tones used in the film give it a warm, vintage feel, transporting viewers to another era. Score by veteran composer Philip Glass's adds to the effect.
While the film does have some shortcomings in its script, including a clichéd story about lovers divided by impenetrable class barriers and an exploration of the nature of illusion that doesn't quite live up to its potential, it is ultimately elevated by its impressive visuals. The blend of historical fiction and speculation about the real-life Mayerling affair, with fictional characters of Sophia and Leopold standing for their real-life counterparts, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the plot.
The acting in The Illusionist is mostly good, with Edward Norton delivering a strong performance as enigmatic Eisenheim. Jessica Biel shines more for her beauty than her complex character, while Rufus Sewell plays another one of his sinister villains. However, Paul Giamatti stands out as the conflicted police official torn between doing what is politically advantageous and what is morally right.
The Illusionist may not be a perfect film, but it is undeniably good and warrants recommendation to fans of old-school period thrillers. Its unique blend of romance, mystery, and historical intrigue makes it a worthwhile watch outside the context of its unintended rivalry with The Prestige.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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