The Illusionist (2006)
No illusions, the magic is real.
Presentation:
Edward Norton provides a much needed mystique that never makes you doubt the magic in this beautifully presented film. The imagery is soft and bloomy evoking a pleasantly nostalgic and dream-like feel. Jessica Biel has a gentle beauty though she is more than just a pretty face. The back in forth between characters provides a real conflict that feels engaging the entire time.
Conclusion:
Between this film and The Prestige, it may be the less impressive but has more of dreaminess along with a great cast that captures the romanticism of magic. There’s definitely something special in this film, very faint yet unmistakably evocative. Maybe it’s the life many of us dream of, maybe it’s just me. Maybe that’s just the magic of cinema.
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