The Illusionist

A very interesting topic overall. I have always liked magicians, and setting it in the era of Franz Josef is quite appropriate. There are interesting actors involved, and on top of that, magic is connected to a death case. At first glance, it's not bad, but the whole thing is done somewhat inconsistently. It's neither a proper thriller nor a proper romance, and the magic itself is a bit too trick-oriented. Edward Norton is excellent, as well as Giamatti, as always. However, overall, it gives more conflicting feelings than enthusiasm. (04/01/2014)

As a historical blockbuster for the consumerist audience, The Illusionist features oversimplified characters and emotions created by tacky lighting that blurs the image beyond their faces, like in the worst soap operas. On the other hand, the story is nicely fast-paced and Bratislava and Prague on the background of Philip Glass’s music seem irresistible, almost fairytale-like. It’s a bit surprising that the most remarkable character (and performance) is not delivered by Edward Norton, but by Paul Giamatti. Had it not been for the lame attempt to impress us with the point, which any thinking viewer can guess at least ten minutes beforehand, and especially all the plot holes and half-baked execution, I might have given it a “guilty” four stars. (02/15/2009)

I wouldn't have expected such a bland performance from Norton (another Italian Job?), and maybe he didn't even know what ear-splitting lines the script would force him to let out of his mouth. The only thing that keeps this below-average fable afloat, with the look of a slightly more expensive TV production, is the great (and better from film to film) Giammatti, while the final Shyamalan-like twist stands on very shaky legs. And I might rename the whole film to "Hologram Man" – Eisenheim's stunts in the second half were closer to science fiction than to illusory shenanigans (nasty nitwit Lima). (01/09/2007)

If it weren't for (and this is my eternal problem) the unsympathetic Norton, it would have been better. This magical thing boasts a nice period atmosphere, music and ubiquitous illusions that make it almost a fairy-tale spectacle. But the film is slow, rather long and often boring. The filmmakers must have realized this, so in the last third they got things going again. Due to this the end is... Better. But it won't save The Illusionist. (07/10/2010)

A beautifully shot and exceptionally well-scored mysterious film, filmed in the South Bohemian region, which chose a fictional speculative story from the old Austro-Hungarian Empire as its subject. Thanks to the camera work, special effects, and the mentioned music, it's a very consumable film, and perhaps only the casting of Jessica Biel in the lead female role didn't quite sit well with me. It's a standard Hollywood affair with several enjoyable plot twists. Overall impression: 80%. A film about love and, above all, magic. (11/21/2008)