The first of two upcoming films with magician themes is about to reach theaters. That film is The Illusionist, beating Christopher Nolan's The Prestige. I have always found it interesting how similarly themed films always seem to arrive in theaters around the same time.This film stars Edward Norton, returning to the screen in his first starring role since 2003's The Italian Job. He stars as Eisenheim, a famed magician who is surrounded by mystery. Opposing him is Paul Giamatti as Chief Inspector Uhl. It is Uhl's job to expose Eisenheim as a fraud. A job which is encouraged by Crown Prince Leopold, played bny Rufus Sewell, whose betrothed, Sophie as portrayed by Jessica Biehl, has rekindled a childhood romance with Eisenheim.
The trailer looks fantastic. The story is portrayed as an epic tale of love and betrayal, flavored with the supernatural. If the trailer proves to be accurate, it could be interesting to see actors the caliber of Norton and Giamatti face off with each other, add in the lovely Jessica Biehl, and you have a film that could prove to be very good.
The Illusionist is the second feature from Neil Burger. His first film was 2002's Interview with the Assassin, which was a documentary style film about someone claiming to be the unknown shooter on the grassy knoll. His new film exhibits an impressive look, and could prove to be very good.
The trailer is online at Apple's Quicktime site. It is rated PG-13 and is 150 minutes long. It will be coming to theaters on August 18, 2006.
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