The Illusionist

4.00
    The Illusionist
    2006

    Synopsis

    With his eye on a lovely aristocrat, a gifted illusionist named Eisenheim uses his powers to win her away from her betrothed, a crown prince. But Eisenheim's scheme creates tumult within the monarchy and ignites the suspicion of a dogged inspector.

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    Cast

    • Edward NortonEisenheim
    • Paul GiamattiInspector Uhl
    • Jessica BielSophie
    • Rufus SewellCrown Prince Leopold
    • Eddie MarsanJosef Fischer
    • Aaron Taylor-JohnsonYoung Eisenheim
    • Eleanor TomlinsonYoung Sophie
    • Jake WoodJurka
    • Tom FisherWilligut
    • Karl JohnsonDoctor / Old Man

    Recommendations

    • 90

      Village Voice

      Beautifully acted and handsomely mounted, this gorgeous period piece is an intelligent and intriguing exploration of "the dark arts" -- less dependent on mere hocus-pocus than on the convincing journey of the soul undertaken by its hero.
    • 83

      Entertainment Weekly

      The Illusionist looks rigorously styled and measured, and every one of Norton's postures feels chosen. Yet the interesting actor has chosen so thoughtfully that we're riveted.
    • 80

      The Hollywood Reporter

      Outstanding production values and mysterious subject matter give the film a surprisingly opulent feel for an independent Sundance entry.
    • 80

      Time

      By the end, the canniest viewers may not be fooled, but--and you can believe this--they may be mesmerized.
    • 75

      Rolling Stone

      Edward Norton is at his best here, chalking up another boundary-stretching performance this year in the wake of the unfairly overlooked "Down in the Valley."
    • 75

      ReelViews

      An infectious mix of romance, mystery, and magic.
    • 70

      Variety

      A bizarre story of intrigue, magic and murder in turn-of-the-century Vienna casts a considerable spell in The Illusionist.
    • 67

      The A.V. Club

      The results are reasonably clever and impeccably executed, but one of these days, Burger is going to have to pull more from his hat than just the rabbit.

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