The Illusionist
2006
**
Director: Neil Burger
Cast: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell, Aaron Johnson
In the turn-of-the-century Vienna a master magician locks horns with the Crown Prince when he discovers that his childhood sweetheart is about to become a princess. It all ends tragically, or does it? Is there really someone out there who doesn't find the story utterly predictable, and dull? Look at the title of the film if you need a hint. Edward Norton gives another bland performance, and the promise he showed a few years ago is but a faint memory. The magic tricks we see on stage would be hard to produce even with the 21st century technology. The film looks stunning, that much I admit.
