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As a boy, Eisenheim the Illusionist (Edward Norton) was just a cabinetmaker’s son who was fascinated with magic. But his magic tricks gained him the attention of a beautiful girl who was far above him in social standing. The two fell in love—but the girl’s family forced them apart. Heartbroken, Eisenheim left to see the world.
Years later, Eisenheim returns to Vienna—this time as a famous illusionist, performing nightly in a crowded theater. Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) hears about Eisenheim, and he immediately makes plans to attend the next performance. When Eisenheim asks for a volunteer for a trick, the prince volunteers Sophie (Jessica Biel), the woman who’s rumored to become his wife. And when she arrives on stage, Eisenheim immediately recognizes her as the girl he fell in love with, so many years before.
Once Sophie realizes the identity of the famous illusionist, she meets with him secretly—and the two discover that the love they had as children has never faded. But Sophie is an important part of the prince’s plans, and she knows that he’d kill her before he’d let her walk away from him.
The Illusionist is, at its heart, a beautiful love story wrapped in a magical mystery. In the beginning, it’s impossible not to get caught up in its magic. Norton gives a compellingly dark and eerie performance as the heartbroken magician—and Eisenheim’s mesmerizing illusions will have you forgetting that it’s all just a movie. But then something goes horribly wrong.
The middle of this film totally lost my interest. It’s plagued with ridiculous love scenes and dragging dialog. Norton’s eerie, stoic on-stage demeanor doesn’t change as his character interacts with the woman he loves—or with the people who are trying once again to keep the two apart. And things got so bogged down that I found myself trying to check my watch—or any watch that happened to be visible. Unfortunately, David Medsker (of Bullz-Eye.com) doesn't have glow-in-the-dark hands on his watch, either. Fortunately, though, the scenery is enchanting—even if the story, at times, isn’t—and I entertained myself by studying the architecture of the buildings.
The Illusionist is a visually stunning film with an intriguing story—but the middle part could very well give most viewers the illusion that time is moving backwards. The good news is that it does eventually pick up—and it all comes together quite nicely in the end. I just hope that a few people in the audience are still awake to appreciate it. If you choose to check it out, be sure to pick up some sugar and caffeine at the concession stand on your way in.
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