The Illusionist

I always liked magic tricks, even the simple card tricks my dad used on me as a child. I always like when things surprise me, or make me think in a new way that I hadn't considered before. Bean, in her infinite ability to absolutely not believe in anything paranormal or magical, thinks magic is all a bunch of hooey. Well! I'm the type that believes in the possibility of all things, so naturally, magic is right up my alley.

I know it's all trickery, but it's interesting to my mind, because it's so out of the norm. I guess it reminds me of a super power. Do super heroes really exist? Hmm. Sure....

Which is exactly what this film, 'The Illusionist' is about. Edward Norton is Eisenheim, a popular magician who's caught in a 'Romeo and Juliet' sort of scenario: His childhood crush, Sophie Von Teschen (Jessica Biel), has grown up to be the fiance of the Crown Prince (Rufus Sewell), a cruel, abusive sort who, once he learns of the friendship, does all that he can to sabotage Eisenheim. The question is: Can Eisenheim make Sophie disappear, truly? Can he have her for himself?

Nice FX, good actors, and an engaging plot made viewing this film a pleasure. As a part of Eisenheim's mind fuck of the Crown Prince, Eisenheim makes his audiences believe he can call forth the ghosts of those who have passed. In a scene reminiscent of Hamlet's attempt to guilt Claudius, he holds out his hand, and the forms appear on stage, including the form of Sophie, as if he had powers to call them and communicate with them. The Crown Prince sits in the audience, accused of killing Sophie. But is she dead? The Crown Prince's special agent (Paul Giamatti) is on Eisenheim's trail all along, convinced that HE has planned something sinister.

Indeed, he has planned a great deal, but it would be a spoiler to tell more. If you enjoy a nice twisty plot, this film may be for you.

And oh yeah. The magic? Cool stuff.

Grade: A-

We'll see how 'The Prestige' holds up-another film about magic.

Have a great day.