Eisenheim the Illusionist (Edward Norton) reunites with a long lost love (Jessica Biel) and ends up getting involved in a murder plot being investigated by the city of Vienna’s inspector (Paul Giamatti).
Who is the Audience for This Movie?
Fans of movies that rely on a twist ending.
What I Liked About This Movie
The Illusionist sports a very vintage look in keeping with the time it is set. Venice is the city in which the movie is set and it is shot in a romanticized way; every scene is either really bright or really shadowy and high contrast. They even faded the edges of the movie to give it an authentic look.
Its two strongest components though are its superb acting and cool magic tricks. You can tell Norton was determined to sell the character and he brings the much needed intensity to many of the scenes. Giamatti’s character is a little looser but he plays a curious character quite well. Like most people, when someone does a magic trick the 12 year old boy (or if you are women, girl) in me cannot help but be in awe for a moment. Shortly after that moment of wonderment reality sets in and adulthood skepticism overshadows it. I personally find both reactions equally as entertaining.
What Didn’t Work For Me
The very reason I watched this movie was because it seemed like one of the guessing game movies that relies heavily on a large twist at the end. I was right, the problem I had with it though is that I had totally telegraphed what was going to happen mid way through it. Once the mystery was taken out of the movie it really lost my interest.
Should You Watch This Movie?
If you do not figure out the twist till the end you might enjoy The Illusionist a lot more then I did.
My Rating (Out of 13)
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