Illusionist, The - movie review, casts, photos, trailers

A supernatural mystery that combines romance, politics and magic, The Illusionist is the latest film from the producers of the Oscar winners Crash and Sideways. The film stars Academy Award nominees Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti as two men pitted against each other in a battle of wits: Norton as mysterious stage magician Eisenheim, and Giamatti as Vienna's shrewd Chief Inspector Uhl, with Jessica Biel sharing the screen as the beautiful Sophie von Teschen.

When word of Eisenheim's astounding illusions reaches the powerful and pragmatic Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), the ruler attends one of the magician's shows in order to debunk Eisenheim during the performance. But when the Prince's intended, Sophie von Teschen, assists the magician onstage, Eisenheim and Sophie recognize each other from their childhoods and a dormant love affair is rekindled. As the clandestine romance continues, Uhl is charged by Leopold to intensify his efforts to expose Eisenheim, even while the magician gains a devoted and vocal public following. With Uhl doggedly searching for the reasons and the man behind the trickery, Eisenheim prepares to execute his greatest illusion yet.

The Illusionist is written and directed by Neil Burger, and features top-notch production values, including a haunting score by master contemporary composer Philip Glass.

Directed by
Neil Burger

Cast
Edward Norton - Eisenheim
Paul Giamatti - Inspector Uhl
Jessica Biel - Sophie
Rufus Sewell - Crown Prince Leopold
Eddie Marsan - Josef Fischer
Jake Wood - Jurka
Tom Fisher - Willigut
Aaron Johnson - Young Eisenheim
Eleanor Tomlinson - Young Sophie
Karl Johnson - Doctor/Old Man

Production Co.
Stillking Films
Koppelman and Levien
Bull's Eye Entertainment
Michael London Productions

Produced by
Jane Garnett
Jane Garnett
Joey Horvitz

Studios
Yari Film Group

Writer
Neil Burger
Steven Millhauser

Music
Michael Riesman
Zdenka Pelikanova
Philip Glass

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