Edward Norton Movie:

Editorial Review:
The Illusionist offers welcome proof that "arthouse" quality needn't be limited to the arthouses. Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, this stately, elegant period film benefited from a crossover release in mainstream cinemas, and showed considerable box-office staying power--granted, teenage mallrats and lusty males may have been drawn to the allure of Seventh Heaven alumna Jessica Biel, who rises to the occasion with a fine performance. But there's equal appeal in the casting of Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, who bring their formidable talents to bear on the intriguing tale of a celebrated magician named Eisenheim (Norton) whose stage performance offends the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), a vindictive lout who aims to marry Duchess Sophie (Biel), Eisenheim's childhood friend and now, 15 years later, his would-be lover. This romantic rivalry and Eisenheim's increasingly enigmatic craft of illusion are investigated by Chief Inspector Uhl (Giamatti), who's under Leopold's command and is therefore not to be trusted as Eisenheim and Sophie draw closer to their inevitable reunion. Cleverly adapted by director Neil Burger from Steven Millhauser's short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist," and boasting exquisite production values and a fine score by Philip Glass, The Illusionist is the kind of class act that fully deserved its unusually wide and appreciative audience. --Jeff Shannon

The Illusionist Reviews:
Absolutely loooooooooooooooooved this movie!
2009-11-26 - I absolutely loved this movie. It really kept my husband and I guessing. Great plot for people who like a little more than just entertainment out of a movie. The acting is superb as well!

A Magician Never Reveals Their Secrets
2009-10-22 - Kasey Morton Block 2

Everything is not as it may seem magic is just an illusion. The movie The Illusionist is a wonderful movie about a magician who performs many magnificent illusions. He grows famous by everyone and along his journey, finds his long lost love that was taken away from him as a child. Although many love him, the magician faces many problems; he always seems to escape those problems. I recommend this movie because one it ahs adventure. A woman comes face to face with death, but will she survive? Two it has romance, the magician finally finds his love, but will they able to stay together? Three there is suspense, you can't stop watching the movie. In the movie The Illusionist, you'll see the biggest illusion yet!

Love triumphs over all obstacles
2009-10-19 - Among the best movies I have seen, this shows the corruption in the final stages of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the insanity of a privileged aristocracy, the reality of inventiveness and character, while focusing on the love of a young duchess for a common carpenter-turned-wizard. The story line is compelling and inviting discussion, the characters are believable and brilliant, and the costumes and settings sterling. Neither staid nor ossified, this is one movie for all people, and can be watched repeatedly.

The Illusionist
2009-08-05 - Excellent! A captivating film that keeps you glued to your seat. After viewing a segment on TV, I quickly purchased my own copy and am glad I did. You won't be disappointed.

A decent film: cast and production was very good with unique storyline
2009-07-16 - ED NORTON and pretty JESSICA BEIL headline this flick.They do a good job . And this is a well done film and noticeably good production values. Story is about an Illusionists who powers captivate the public while he amazes them with his act and his seemingly endless powers. Beil is a childhood friend that re appears in his life as the love that didnt have a chance to blossom. The meet up again and hence we get this story. It was good althoough u do have to suspend any relistic beliefs in what becomes the illusionist act. I was able too accept it as an interesting film with a unique theme and good performances. 4 stars out of 5