Product Information
In 1900 Vienna, a magician named Eisenheim the Illusionist is mystifying audiences with his sleight of hand. However, not everyone is so impressed by his act, namely the Crown Prince Leopold, who feels threatened by EisenheimÆs remarkable prowess. A battle of wills ensues, leading to deception and murder.Product Identifiers
ProducerCathy Schulman, Michael London
EAN5060116722000
eBay Product ID (ePID)59541416
Product Key Features
Film/TV TitleThe Illusionist
ActorRufus Sewell, Jake Wood, Paul Giamatti, Eddie Marsan, Eleanor Tomlinson, Edward Norton, Aaron Johnson, Jessica Biel, Tom Fisher
DirectorBob Yari, Neil Burger
FormatDVD
LanguageEnglish
Release Year2007
FeaturesDirector's Commentary\Making of the Illusionist\Easter Egg
GenreDrama, Period
Additional Product Features
CertificatePG
Number of Discs1
Country/Region of ManufactureUnited States of America
Director of PhotographyDick Pope
ReviewsUncut - Wonderfully staged, with Norton on fine form as the weirdly charismatic Eisenheim and Giamatti as the perfect foil, Sight And Sound - What THE ILLUSIONIST does well is create a compelling atmosphere, abetted by Dick Pope's nicely judged cinematography, Empire - With opulent presentation and confident storytelling, The Illusionist has the power to keep an audience rapt like a good old-fashioned card trick, Total Film - Edward Norton brings pensive intensity to the role
Consumer AdviceContains infrequent moderate violence, mild sex and language
Additional InformationIn 1900 Vienna, a magician named Eisenheim the Illusionist is mystifying audiences with a remarkable magic act that is seemingly too good to believe. Chief Inspector Uhl, who is in the pocket of Crown Prince Leopold--and considers himself somewhat of an amateur conjurer--becomes obsessed with Eisenheim; Uhl is not only desperate to find out the secrets behind Eisenheim's tricks but also worried that the master magician might pose a threat to the crown prince's nefarious plans. In addition, Eisenheim is quickly growing close to Duchess Sophie von Teschen, his childhood love, who is engaged to Leopold. As Eisenheim's act becomes even more amazing--including apparently raising the spirits of the dead--he enrages the crown prince even further, leading to deception and murder. Edward Norton (FIGHT CLUB), who studied magic with Ricky Jay (THE SPANISH PRISONER) in preparing for the role, is terrific as Eisenheim, an enigmatic showman hiding a dark side. The excellent supporting cast features fine performances by Rufus Sewell (A KNIGHT'S TALE) as the evil, conniving Leopold; Jessica Biel (7TH HEAVEN) as the beautiful Sophie; and Paul Giamatti (SIDEWAYS) as the perceptive but bumbling Uhl. Written and directed by Neil Burger (INTERVIEW WITH THE ASSASSIN), THE ILLUSIONIST, which is based on a short story by Pulitzer Prize-winner Steven Millhauser, is a complex tale filled with mystery and awe. The compelling score was composed by minimalist musician Philip Glass and conducted by Michael Reisman.
Movie/TV TitleThe Illusionist
ComposerPhilip Glass
Sound sourceDolby Digital
ScreenwriterDavid Levien, Brian Koppelman
WriterSteven Millhauser