The Imagination of Fantasy

THE ILLUSIONIST - THOUGHTS UPON VIEWING (NO SPOILERS)

Welcome to all new fantasy-lovers, by the way!  It's been a while since I've put up a post here.  Feel free to start discussions on fantasy films that you've seen if they haven't already been discussed. 

I saw the Illusionist tonight on a whim.  I wasn't really planning to see it, but it was one of those want to see a movie, don't really know what I want to see until the last minute type deals.  I'd heard very little about it, actually, except from maybe Joel Siegel, who raved about it.

It was pretty good.  It really captures the imagination, and it's kind of an epic tale of romance and political intrigue.  Edward Norton was fabulous, as always, as the illusionist in question.  Rufus Sewell as the Crown Prince was positively despicable (as in deliciously evil/arrogant).  Paul Giamatti was also wonderful as the morally ambiguous chief inspector.  His facial expressions provide much of the comic relief, and he's got some of the best lines.  These three actors provide the heart to the film, though Jessica Biel was adequate as the Duchess.

What is not explained is how the illusionist achieves many of his illusions, some of which defy imagination.  To that end, the film was really entertaining and fun to look at, though it was kind of slow and, in the end, a little predictable.  I do think the film should be considered for some Oscars in technical categories like art direction, cinematography, and costume design.  The cinematography especially was wonderful!  It had a look about it like it was an old movie, and the tricks played with the camera were, in some ways, part of the illusions.  And the film was filmed in Prague (though set in nineteenth century Vienna), so it was simply wonderful to watch, with lots of colorful backdrops, set pieces, and props.

Anyone else see it and want to share what they thought of it?

Re: THE ILLUSIONIST - THOUGHTS UPON VIEWING (NO SPOILERS)

The whole family went to see this last night and we all enjoyed it. My mother, my wife, our 14 year old son. We all felt refreshed to see such a good movie. I'm glad to see a whole rash of thoughtful films coming down the pipe in the next few months.

In the day, I had read a good deal about the great illusionists of the 19th century. I loved seeing the optics and gadgets on his workbenches. I loved how they just hinted at the mechanics of the illusions rather than being explicit about it.

The mystery was a pleasure to see unfurl, although my wife figured it out from the start, she still enjoyed watching it happen.

Re: THE ILLUSIONIST - THOUGHTS UPON VIEWING (NO SPOILERS)

Re: THE ILLUSIONIST - THOUGHTS UPON VIEWING (NO SPOILERS)

Unnatural?  How do you mean? 

Just wanted to mention here also in a bit of a cross-discussion that the Illusionist was in fact nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography!  I kind of hope it wins, but I don't know if I've seen any of the other choices and am really not that married to it.  Still, since I mentioned it in this thread, that it should be considered, I thought I'd follow up.  Neat, huh?

Re: THE ILLUSIONIST - THOUGHTS UPON VIEWING (NO SPOILERS)

Re: THE ILLUSIONIST - THOUGHTS UPON VIEWING (NO SPOILERS)

Re:THE ILLUSIONIST - THOUGHTS UPON VIEWING (NO SPOILERS)

i did not get the movie at the end it turn out that he had a twin brother

wat was up with that

Re:Re:THE ILLUSIONIST - THOUGHTS UPON VIEWING (NO SPOILERS)

You're thinking of the Prestige, though I can see how both movies can be easy to confuse, what with being released at relatively the same time and being about magicians.

The Illusionist had a different twist.  Which I will not spoil for those who haven't seen it.  Always best to say "spoiler" before discussing the end of a movie, though.

Re:Re:Re:THE ILLUSIONIST - THOUGHTS UPON VIEWING (NO SPOILERS)

when i went to see the prestige, a movie i had been anticpating, i was surprised to see the trailer for that very same movie at a screening of that very same movie.  i sat and wondered for a bit whether i had entered the wrong theater, whether to run out and check the sign above the door, etc... and then the movie began and much to my consternation - i had purchased tickets to see "the illusionist".  i was more than a little upset because i had (for whatever reasons) decided i didn't like edward norton.  even more surprising was that i thoroughly enjoyed the movie and my opinion of edward norton changed signifiacantly by the movie's end. 

i liked the "fairy tale" feel of the story, when it begins with the mysterious man who divluges secrets to the young man beneath a tree... secrets he later used to create a magical story of romance and intrigue.    i did see the prestige later on, and  every now and again i have arguments with  family and friends as to which was the better movie.  my favorite is the illusionist, but i do admit the prestige is good too. 

 i think a lot of people might have gotten the two movies mixed up.  they're two very different stories but that they both opened at about the same time, and they were both about magic and magicians - can be confusing.