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The Illusionist' offers intellect
"The Illusionist"
Running time: 109
minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13
Grade: B+
"The Illusionist" is a leisurely paced, period piece set in 1900 Vienna. It is a story of forbidden love, class struggle and the power of illusions. The film stars Edward Norton as the illusionist, Eisenheim. Born the poor son of a cabinetmaker, in his childhood he meets an upper-class girl named Sophie, and they have a brief, innocent love affair. But, because of their class differences, she is taken away and forbidden to ever see the boy again.
Flash-forward 15 years. Eisenheim is the toast of Vienna. He is the country's greatest illusionist, selling out every performance. Many of Eisenheim's fans believe the conjurer possesses occult powers. Of course, success comes at a price. Although the crowds love Eisenheim, Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) does not. Leopold is an arrogant, abusive know-itall who cannot bear not being able to deduce how Eisenheim pulls off such amazing illusions. Leopold enlists the aid of Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti in a brilliant and Oscar-worthy performance) to investigate the magician in order to prove him a fraud.
 | | Paul Giamatti plays Inspectot Uhl in "The Illusionist" |
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Eisenheim's life becomes even more complicated when he discovers that his childhood love Sophie (Jessica Biel) is a duchess and engaged to marry Leopold. The two begin a clandestine affair that is discovered by Inspector Uhl and reported to the prince.
"The Illusionist" is a wellwritten, directed and photographed film. The performances by Norton and Giamatti are a joy to watch. The only problems with this film are the computergenerated effects used in some of the magic scenes. They stick out like a sore thumb and draw you out of the movie. The second weakness is Jessica Biel's performance. Her accent drifts between American, stock British and vaguely German. She simply doesn't sound or look the part of a Viennese duchess.
Despite these weaknesses, "The Illusionist" is well worth your time and the price of admission.
(c) 2006 King Features Synd., Inc.
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