by Isabella Jordan The Illusionist Directed by Neil Burger. Starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, and Rufus Sewell. The Illusionist came out in theaters just before The Prestige, another period piece about magicians, and so I heard a lot of comparisons between the two films with The Prestige being favored. While I really enjoyed The Prestige, as you read in my review of that film a couple of months back, I'm here to tell you that The Illusionist is well worth a view. In fact, romance fans might like it better. There is a romance at the center of this story and it motivates everything that takes place.

We first meet Eisenheim as a young, poor boy who, according to legend, encountered a mystic one day on his way home who taught him great magic and then vanished into thin air. The young boy took these unexpected lessons to heart, practicing his tricks night and day. While walking through the streets of Vienna one day, he charms a girl about his age with his magic. They find a place to talk in private and a strong connection is instantly formed between the two. The only problem is, Sophie is a Duchess who is not allowed to associate with common boys. More than once the men who guard Sophie on behalf of her family separate the pair despite their efforts to be together. Warned that there would be serious consequences not only for himself but also for his family, Eisenheim leaves Vienna before he has grown to manhood.

Fifteen years later he returns, only now he is a celebrated illusionist who is quickly gaining in popularity. His first performance on his return draws so much attention that the crown prince himself attends the next performance with Sophie on his arm. The prince intends to make Sophie his princess. And those aren't the only plans he has to further his own interests.

The pair recognize one another, grown now, and find that the incredible love they have for each other is still there. Yet they still face incredible odds in the form of the prince.

The rest of the story unravels with great mystery, mysticism, and fantastic cinematography. Edward Norton is always a joy to watch in any role because of the sheer intensity and power he brings. As Eisenheim, you never doubt for a moment that he can do the seemingly incredible acts of magic on stage and you grow ever more curious about what he's doing off stage. Jessica Biel turned in a respectable performance as Sophie. Her character wasn't given a lot of screen time to develop but considering the plot, it was enough.

I have to mention the wonderful performance of Paul Giamatti as Inspector Uhl in this film. He made you notice him in each scene as he tightened the noose, so he thought, around Eisenheim. His desire to give the illusionist every chance to avoid trouble made the inspector very sympathetic and real. Mr. Giamatti was a tremendous asset to this film. I particularly enjoyed him in the closing frames.

The Illusionist is rated PG-13 for brief images that are more frightening than gory. I'd recommend enforcing the rating on this one. It's just the right length, moves at a wonderful pace and is easy to understand without being too obvious. I recommend this film for romance fans, fans of period films, and Edward Norton fans everywhere.

Best line:
Eisenheim: I saw remarkable things but the only mystery I never solved was... why my heart couldn't let go of you.

Isy