Film review: “The Illusionist” (2006)

 

A man who captivates a nation, a love that is forbidden, a secret that threatens an empire. These are the main points of “The Illusionist”, an English film shot by the director Neil Burger in 2006.

This film of love, magic tricks and political intrigue is really thrilling; its plot becomes more and more complex until you believe you have missed some scenes because at one point you don’t understand what is happening. Only at the end of the film do you discover the course of the story and remain surprised by the various twists.

The main character is Eisenheim (played by Edward Norton), a young man who has been always obsessed by magic tricks since he was a boy. In Vienna he falls in love with Sophie, a noblewoman. They are of different social classes and for this reason they are forced to meet secretly, until they are discovered and forcefully separated.

Eisenheim continues to improve his skills until he becomes a master of illusion and, after a long period abroad, he returns to Vienna. During one of his performances he meets Sophie, who is being forced to marry Prince Leopold.

From this moment Eisenheim and Sophie understand that they are still in love, and they decide to escape from Austria, but they must fight against Leopold. He is cruel, pampered and wants to usurp the crown of his father, but Eisenheim tricks him (and also the audience) making him believe that Sophie has been killed. During a performance, the illusionist (Eisenheim) invokes the spirit of Sophie, who says that someone in the theatre murdered her, indicating Leopold. The Prince orders Eisenheim arrested, but magically he disappears. At this point, after the spreading of the scandal (the plan to usurp the crown), Leopold kills himself and the story finishes with Eisenheim who walks towards Sophie.

It is a very beautiful film, the story is stirring and rich with twists and special effects. It is a dramatic and fantastic film not to be missed!

Maria Rosaria Torre