The Illusionist

– With his eye on a lovely aristocrat, a gifted illusionist named Eisenheim uses his powers to win her..

Type:
Movie
Rating:
7.60 / 10
Duration:
One Hour and 50 Minutes
Release Year:
2006
The Illusionist (2006)

With his eye on a lovely aristocrat, a gifted illusionist named Eisenheim uses his powers to win her away from her betrothed, a crowned prince. But Eisenheim's scheme creates tumult within the monarchy and ignites the suspicion of a dogged inspector.

The Illusionist (2006) - Trailer

Release Date:

01 Sep 2006

Language:

English

MPAA Content-Rating:
PG-13 – Parents Strongly Cautioned

Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.

Director:

Neil Burger

Writer:

Neil Burger (screenplay), Steven Millhauser (short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist")

Main Actors:

Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell

Plot:

In late nineteenth century Vienna, renowned illusionist Eisenheim is reunited with the Duchess von Teschen when she is volunteered from the audience to participate in an illusion during one of his performances. Despite having not seen each other in fifteen years when they were teenagers, they almost immediately recognize each other as Eduard Abramovich and Sophie von Teschen, they who had a doomed romance at that time due to their class differences. The Duchess is soon to be wed to the Crown Prince Leopold in what would be for him a marriage solely in pursuit of power: overthrowing his father, the Emperor Leopold, as well as overtaking the Hungarian side of the empire. The Crown Prince is known to use violence against women if it suits his needs or purposes. As such, the Duchess, who realizes that she still loves Eisenheim and he her, can never leave the Crown Prince without it jeopardizing her life. After Eisenheim humiliates the Crown Prince at a private show which results in an incident between the Crown Prince and the Duchess, the battle between Eisenheim and the Crown Prince moves into the public performance realm, which many believe demonstrates Eisenheim's supernatural powers. Much of the work for the Crown Prince in the battle with Eisenheim is conducted by Chief Inspector Uhl, who would become the Chief of Police under the Crown Prince's reign. As such, Uhl may have ulterior motives in turning a blind eye to any unlawful act of the Crown Prince against Eisenheim or the Duchess.

Awards:

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 10 wins & 10 nominations.

Gross profit:

$39,680,302

Production:

Yari Film Group

Ratings:
Internet Movie Database:
7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes:
73%
Metacritic:
68%