eShop USA > DVD > The Illusionist
The Illusionist
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
Format: NTSC
Theatrical Release Date: September 01, 2006
Related Items:
Editorial Review:
The Illusionist offers welcome proof that "arthouse" quality needn't be limited to the arthouses. Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, this stately, elegant period film benefited from a crossover release in mainstream cinemas, and showed considerable box-office staying power--granted, teenage mallrats and lusty males may have been drawn to the allure of Seventh Heaven alumna Jessica Biel, who rises to the occasion with a fine performance. But there's equal appeal in the casting of Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, who bring their formidable talents to bear on the intriguing tale of a celebrated magician named Eisenheim (Norton) whose stage performance offends the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), a vindictive lout who aims to marry Duchess Sophie (Biel), Eisenheim's childhood friend and now, 15 years later, his would-be lover. This romantic rivalry and Eisenheim's increasingly enigmatic craft of illusion are investigated by Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti), who's under Leopold's command and is therefore not to be trusted as Eisenheim and Sophie draw closer to their inevitable reunion. Cleverly adapted by director Neil Burger from Steven Millhauser's short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist," and boasting exquisite production values and a fine score by Philip Glass, The Illusionist is the kind of class act that fully deserved its unusually wide and appreciative audience. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - A top notch film
The marvelous film The Illusionist was released in 2006 to reasonable success at the box office. But its art house feel and understated (and excellent)acting apparently appealed to only so many people. It did not make great play with the media and was not splashed across the covers of magazines, with the possible exception of celebrity gossip circles for the youthful Jessica Biel. Even an ardent viewer of films such as myself missed this one at the theater.
So, seeing this film two years ... Read More
Rating: - The Illusionist
Movie condition was great, received it in a timely manner. Love the movie and have watched a few times already.
Rating: - An incredible movie!
Really well-made movie. Great script. Excellent actors.
Inspiring magic for magicians everywhere to watch.
Rating:  - Though critically flawed, The Illusionist is still a captivating film
For the first half of The Illusionist I sat spellbound, swept up in a beautifully realized world of magic and intrigue. The film's style calls to mind the Albumen prints of the 19th century, with their soft edges and muted sepia tones. It lends the film, which is set in the waning years of the Austro-Hungarian empire, a sense of time and place as well as an atmosphere of mystery. The scenery and costumes certainly convey period authenticity. Old Vienna, with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways, ... Read More
Rating:  - no illusions here-- it's bad
There is so much wrong with the Illusionist I have to start with the two things that are right: first, Paul Giamatti. He does a great job and frankly the only time the movie comes alive is when he's on screen. Second, the character actor playing Crown Prince Leopold's valet. He expresses anguish, shame and shock using nothing but body language and his eyes. Very good. The guy playing Leopold was fairly interesting and can look back on his role here without shame.
Now, what's wrong? Edward Norton, ... Read More
Related Categories:
| |
 |
