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"It's No Illusion.
Jessica Biel Can Really
Act!" |
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Directed by Neil Burger
- Written by Neil
Burger, Steven
Millhauser
Starring Edward Norton,
Paul Giamatti, Jessica
Biel, Rufus Sewell
Distributed by Yari Film
Group - 2006 - 110mins -
Rated PG13 |
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Richard Propes'
Review
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B+ |
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Nothing is what it seems. |
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Based upon the short
story "Eisenheim the Illusionist" by Steven Millhauser, "The
Illusionist" centers on the wizardry of Eisenheim (Edward Norton), a
man whose illusions appear so complex and without explanation that he
is either of master trickery or of being possessed with supernatural
powers.
We meet Eisenheim as a young boy, the son of a cabinet maker, who
stumbles upon a traveling magician one day in his village one day and
becomes enthralled. He attracts the attention of a young Sophie, and
though their love is forbidden as she is the daughter of a wealthy
aristocrat, they find ways to see each other until finally discovered
and forbidden from ever seeing each other again.
The story picks up 15 years later, Eisenheim is now a renowned
illusionist who has traveled the world before finally arriving in
Vienna. Unbeknownst to him, Sophie (Jessica Biel) is in Vienna, as
well, about to be wed to Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), a power
hungry, ambitious and abusive man destined for the throne.
Where reality ends and illusion begins is much of the joy in watching
"The Illusionist," a film written and directed by Neil Burger that is
part forbidden love story, part murder mystery, part revenge tale and,
yes, part tragicomedy.
As Inspector Uhl, Paul Giamatti has the unenviable task of attempting
to make sense of this entire scene and playing, essentially, a game of
connect-the-dots. Unfortunately for the ambitious yet sensible
Inspector, the dots in question keep moving throughout the film.
There are, of course, certainties within the context of a film such as
"The Illusionist." Eisenheim and Sophie will inevitably recognize each
other, rekindle their passions and seek a way to escape. Likewise, the
Crown Prince will undoubtedly seek to figure out Eisenheim's mystical
ways and will, eventually, become aware of the relationship between
Eisenheim and Sophie and will seek revenge.
These things are inevitable. How they are presented, however, is
provocative and entertaining even while being a tad predictable. Will
murder be avenged? Will the love of Sophie and Eisenheim be denied
forever? Will Inspector Uhl connect-the-dots in time? Will the Crown
Prince obtain the throne?
Much like the great illusionists, Burger's script and direction reveal
just enough to keep things interesting without ever showing all the
cards at one time. Even when things seem obvious, there's a little
voice in the back of your head going "Oh, but it could also be
this...or, wait...even that." Even as Inspector Uhl seems to be
assembling the entire deck and justice is about to be served, the very
definition of justice begins to change.
In the hands of the wrong cast, "The Illusionist" would be merely an
arthouse flick with a limited audience OR a popcorn flick dumbed down
enough to make it palatable. Fortunately, Burger has been blessed with
the perfect cast to bring out the multi-faceted complexities of the
film without taking away its fun and intrigue.
Edward Norton offers a finely tuned and quietly intense performance as
Eisenheim. Norton's Eisenheim is both compassionate and controversial.
He's also acutely aware that in every lie there is truth and,
likewise, in every truth there is a lie. There are no absolutes, the
very fact which makes illusions possible. Norton is, quite possibly,
one of the few actors working today who can truly say he's never given
a weak performance in a film. "The Illusionist" provides further proof
of this actor's wide range, and an Independent Spirit nomination seems
likely for this performance.
As Inspector Uhl, Paul Giamatti offers what is likely to be his second
largely unheralded performance this year, after "Lady in the Water."
Giamatti proves again that he is America's current greatest supporting
actor with a surprisingly restrained performance that offers just the
right mix of ambition and compassion. There are moments in "The
Illusionist" where Giamatti communicates more with the flick of an
eyebrow than most actors can do with an entire screenplay.
Despite the acting prowess and power of both Edward Norton and Paul
Giamatti, the undeniable surprise of "The Illusionist" lies in the
beautifully subtle and spot-on brilliance of Jessica Biel. Previously
known primarily as the hot chick in teen-aimed popcorn flicks, Biel
provides proof positive of acting talent far beyond anything she's had
the chance to reveal previously. Had her character not been a tad
underwritten, it would likely be Biel instead of Norton or Giamatti
that everyone would be talking about in this film.
In supporting roles, Rufus Sewell is delightfully wicked as the Crown
Prince and Edward Marsan offers a solid performance as Eisenheim's
manager.
Phillip Glass continues to prove himself one of America's greatest
film composers, with a score that accentuates to perfection the film's
action, mood and lighting. Cinematographer Dick Pope beautifully
captures the film's Prague locale, and the film's lighting, especially
during stage scenes, is stellar.
"The Illusionist" is likely to be a tough sell at the box-office, and
will most likely find most of its success on the arthouse circuit
despite the potential box-office draw of the film's three main
box-office draws. While the film is opening wider than is usual for
such an arthouse period piece, its true staying power will likely
depend on positive word-of-mouth.
Behind strong performances from Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti and
Jessica Biel, along with the vision of writer/director Neil Burger,
"The Illusionist" is a deceptively simple yet magical cinematic
experience. |
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© Written by Richard Propes -
Email Me! |
TC Candler's Comment
The film is
beautifully shot and very well acted. I
was tremendously impressed with Ed Norton and
Jessica Biel... they were wonderful.
Though, surprisingly, Giamatti hams it up a
little too much. The only really
frustrating part of the film is that the ending
is telegraphed well in advance. That was a
shame, because had I been shocked by the twists
and turns, this could have been one of the finer
films of 2006. Nevertheless, it is
gorgeous to behold, elegantly written and
consistently entertaining -- I can easily
recommend "The Illusionist" -- hardly anyone
will dislike this movie.
Jacob Hall's
Comment
n/a
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