The Illusionist (2006)

Director:

Neil Burger

Writers (WGA):

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

Release Date:

1 September 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

Tagline:

Nothing is what it seems

Plot:

In turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.

Plot Keywords:

Magician | Love | Crown Prince | Magic | Royalty

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 5 wins & 5 nominations

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Edward Norton	...	Eisenheim
Paul Giamatti	...	Inspector Uhl
Jessica Biel	...	Sophie
Rufus Sewell	...	Crown Prince Leopold
Eddie Marsan	...	Josef Fischer (as Edward Marsan)
Jake Wood	...	Jurka
Tom Fisher	...	Willigut
Aaron Johnson	...	Young Eisenheim
Eleanor Tomlinson	...	Young Sophie
Karl Johnson	...	Doctor / Old Man
Vincent Franklin	...	Loschek
Nicholas Blane	...	Herr Doebler
Philip McGough	...	Dr. Hofzinser
Erich Redman	...	Count Rainer
Michael Carter	...	Von Thurnburg

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some sexuality and violence.

Runtime:

110 min

Country:

Czech Republic | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:PG-13 | Netherlands:12 | Finland:K-11 | Argentina:Atp | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:PG | Brazil:14 | Ireland:12A | UK:PG | France:U | Singapore:NC-16 (DVD rating) | Canada:G (Quebec) | South Korea:15 | Australia:M | Norway:11 | Denmark:11 | Sweden:7

Filming Locations:

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Company:

Bull's Eye Entertainment

Trivia:

During the scene where Eisenheim is performing at the Hofburg, he places the Crown Prince's sword upright on the stage. The first officer who attempts to lift it is unable. The second person to try - to whom the Crown Prince says "Not so eager, cousin" - is also unable. That second person was probably meant to be Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen, who succeeded "Crown Prince Leopold's" father, Franz Josef, as Emperor in 1916.

Goofs:

Continuity: At around the 20:17 mark, When Inspector Uhl is inspecting the props backstage, Eisenheim has his arms at his side during their conversation. Then suddenly he is facing the inspector at a different angle and his arms are crossed.

Quotes:

Crown Prince Leopold: I want you to put and end to it.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007) (TV)

Enchanting movie, great entertainment

This was absolutely charming. It is rare to see a movie with a completely different plot. So many times you can almost write the content as it is a re-hash of an earlier plot and it all seems vaguely familiar. Not so with "The Illusionist" This is one you cannot predict. I went in a party of 5. All 5 of us were truly surprised at how really great the movie was. Pure entertainment. This is one of those rare movies I am willing to see again in the same week. Hollywood should make more movies like this. I was also impressed with the cinematography and the ability to take one back in time to the 19th century. Edward Norton is a modern day Laurence Olivier