The Illusionist (2006/Fox DVD)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras: B- Film: B-
Fox has
now issued the film on Blu-ray, which you can read more about at this link:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/10023/The+Illusionist+(2006/Fox+Blu-ray+w
When I
first came across the work of writer/director Neil Burger, it was for an
interesting piece that deserved more attention than it got entitled Interview With The Assassin, which
imagines one of the second shooters in the assassination of JFK. Now, his follow-up effort The Illusionist (2006) proves that the
first project was no fluke and has been one of the most talked about art
independents of 2006.
Edward Norton
is Eisenheim, a magician of exceptional talents, so exceptional that no one can
seem to figure out how he does any of his tricks. Now living under the quasi-tyranny of the
father of Crown Prince Leopold (the ever-capable Rufus Sewell), he continues to
perform and increasingly thrive as a star attraction. However, the Prince wants to be the big
cheese in every way and Eisenheim’s display of talent and implied power quickly
becomes a threat to Leopold’s powers.
Making
things worse is a dark plot Leopold has up his sleeve when he takes over and
might have desires of hastening that transition, but all is further complicated
by Sophie (Jessica Biel in a solid step-up role and performance) who is the
lady in Leopold’s life, but turns out to be the childhood love of
Eisenheim. Making things worse for
Eisenheim is the aggressive vigilance of his police protector, Chief Inspector
Uhl (Paul Giamatti in yet another memorable turn).
Fortunately,
this is not formulaic and Burger’s screenplay (based on Steven Millhauser’s
short story Eisenheim The Illusionist)
is as clever and rich as the time period.
It is a story not told in the usual manner, not with the expected
outcome and filled with a sense of subtle suspense throughout. There is chemistry in the cats, including in
the supporting roles, the production looks great for its low budget and it is
the kind of good filmmaking that will slowly gain a fine reputation as more and
more people see and discuss it. That
Christopher Nolan’s equally terrific film The
Prestige is out at the same time in some of the same territory, the two can
only prop each other up. Let’s hope for
a magic cycle!
The
anamorphically enhanced 1.85 X 1 image is flatter and poorer in the Video Black
department than expected and no match for the 35mm print I first saw of
it. Dick Pope, B.S.C., in his best work
since The Way Of the Gun (2000) delivers
complex image after complex image in lighting, texture and atmosphere. Even with the limits of DVD and this transfer
in particular, you can still see how amazing his work is here. This is the work of a master cameraman. The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is lively with
subtle uses of surround that might not at first be apparent, but are clever and
impressive, with character to spare. Philip
Glass creates one of his best narrative scores up there with Kundun and The Hours. I can’t wait for
the Blu-ray.
Extras
include a full length audio commentary by Burger, a making of featurettes, Jessica Biel on The Illusionist, original theatrical trailer and three other
previews for other Fox releases. Catch The Illusionist as soon as you can!
- Nicholas Sheffo
