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Film review: The Illusionist
Neil Burger's dark romance, set in Vienna in 1900, taps into our fascination with modern-day illusionists such as Derren Brown and David Blaine while telling the story of a bitter tug-of-love involving the heir to the Austrian crown
What's it about?
In an adaptation of Steven Millhauser's short story Eisenheim the Illusionist, Edward Norton gives a superbly understated performance as stage magician Eisenheim, whose love for Sophie Von Teschen (Jessica Biel), a woman well above his social standing, puts him in direct conflict with her prospective husband, Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell).
We are initially shown a youthful Eisenheim mesmerising Von Teschen with his trickery, leading to a close childhood friendship that is forcibly broken up by the girl's concerned guardians.
Many years pass as Eisenheim embarks on an educational quest round the world, honing his technique, before returning to Vienna to perform to packed theatres.
A chance and very public encounter with Von Teschen, now a beautiful young woman, rekindles the feelings they have for each other and Eisenheim employs his most complex illusionary tools in a bid to win her hand.
Is it any good?
Much of the story is told through the eyes of Chief Inspector Uhl, Paul Giamatti arguably stealing the show with a charming and often humourous portrayal of a high-ranking police official constantly wrestling with questions of morality, loyalty and professional ambition.
We witness Uhl, initially through his loyalty to Prince Leopold, and latterly fuelled by a desire for moral clarity, gradually unravel Eisenheim's greatest illusion of all as the wool is successfully pulled over everyone's eyes.
Sewell's display as the cold, plotting Prince Leopold is brilliantly executed and provides stark contrast with Norton and Biel as they embark on a tender love affair that provides the central foundation of an increasingly compelling plot.
In the same way Uhl is constantly forced to review his reading of events, the audience is cajoled throughout as Eisenheim, inspired by his unrelenting love for Von Teschen, seeks to achieve his ultimate goal.
Set against a backdrop of beautiful Viennese architecture and punctuated by a haunting Philip Glass score, the mood is set for an intriguing tale of forbidden love, the quest for power and, ultimately, an insight into the intricacies of the human mind.
A beautifully constructed film with a twist to rival The Usual Suspects, Neil Burger's The Illusionist is a love story that plays on fantasy and deception of the psyche with wonderful results.
Who should see it?
Anyone who likes a psychological thriller with a twist or a good old-fashioned love story.
The Illusionist goes on general release on March 2.
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