The Illusionist - Page 2

Tim Glover · 12-22-2006, 12:27 PM

Can't wait until the 9th of January to rent this one. Kind of came and went at our local theater.

Pete-D · 12-23-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein

I just received a DVD screener of this film, watched it last
night, and absolutely loved it!

The only problem I had, and perhaps it can be answered here is....

Spoiler:

Creating on-stage "ghosts" was actually a huge thing for live magic shows during or around this time period.

They never reveal how it's done in the film, but it was sort of alluded to that it could be done with a projector. Magicians were also doing this trick using angled mirrors and projected images that way.

It's more detailed in the book "Hiding The Elephant" which I believe they used as research for the film. Now granted, I'm not sure if the quality of the ghosts back then are quite as startlingly real as depicted in the movie, but I think it's fair to suspend a little bit of disbelief.

JediFonger · 01-02-2007, 09:31 AM

i,too,am late2partay, but i gotta say i regret missing this in the cinema. i really like the story and norton ole' boy doesn't disappoint at all. he has commented in interviews that this is his most 'controlled' character and that is very true. it seems like he was very much in control of the situation. i think the character's youth made him come back and make sure he could disappear for real. it's similar to batman's bruce wayne coming back from world-trip to learn how to deal with an issue.

i liked the bit with paul G at the end of the film when he realizes how everything is put together. that was cool bit of acting. many people have commented on how good it is to see actors 'think' onscreen and i like that bit at the end.

Colton · 01-03-2007, 11:23 AM

I have my own theory about Eisenheim. I believe the man he met on the road was actually from another dimension and he gave his powers to Eisenheim. This is the only way to explain how he did the tricks. Regardless, it is a great film.

- Colton

Tim Glover · 01-09-2007, 11:51 PM

Went down to my friendly Blockbuster to pick up The Illusionist tonight; free with my Total Access!

Really enjoyed it. Do think the actor who played the Prince (Rufus ?) was just too easy to hate...a bit too one dimensional. The setup was familiar.....but still it was solid. Norton & Giammati were terrific as usual.

FWIW, I liked it a little more than The Presige.

8.5/10

Tino · 01-10-2007, 05:54 AM

Terrific film. Wonderful atmosphere, performances and story. Better than The Prestige (which I also liked).

PattyFraser · 01-10-2007, 07:30 AM

Tim and Tino-my husband watched this movie about 10 minutes and declared that he already could tell it was better than The Prestige. When he finished the film he said he wished he had gone with me to see it in the theater.
A very enjoyable film to which I would give an A minus.
However, the DVD transfer is very dark--a problem for me because my TV doesn't handle dark scenes well. The commentary by writer/director is truly excellent--informative, in the same way that Julian Fellows' Gosford Park commentary is. The Making of and featurette with Jessica Biel cover much the same territory and are too short--I'm sure more could be done with them.

Tim Glover · 01-10-2007, 12:37 PM

Another thing about the dvd that I noticed was the overall low volume level. Had to turn it up much higher than usual.

No biggie...

Tino....we agree!

Josh.C · 01-10-2007, 01:38 PM

Glad to see you liked this one Tim. Different from the Prestige?

JC