The Illusionist Photo

Illusionist

Starring: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell, Eddie Marsan

Directed by: Neil Burger

RS: 3.5of 4 Stars

2006 Yari Film Group Drama

Since most Hollywood movies released early in the year basically suck (anyone for Code Name: The Cleaner?), the trick is to find a good DVD and kick back with it. The Illusionist fills the bill. This achingly romantic fable of magic, love and politics, set in Vienna circa 1900, curls around you like a smoke ring. Better yet, the DVD transfer is so good it enhances the film's allure. Writer-director Neil Burger, adapting the short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist," by Steven Millhauser, shows a shaman's knack for indirection. Edward Norton excels as Eisenheim, a master illusionist whose powers onstage become a menace to Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). Leopold had come between Eisenheim and the woman he worships, Duchess Sophie (Jessica Biel at her lushest).

Now Leopold is about to announce his engagement to Sophie, and Eisenheim is threatening to bring the crown prince onstage and cause him to vanish. All this attracts the attention of Chief Inspector Uhl, played by Paul Giamatti with a polished smoothness and sly wit that makes him the perfect foil for Norton's trickster. It's up to the inspector, and the audience, to decide if Eisenheim is just an illusionist or a man in league with darker forces. It's mesmerizing fun to be fooled.

DVD EXTRAS: The joke's on us. The "making of" featurette doesn't give away a damn thing. And Berger's commentary, though telling in spots, is a tease.