Illusionist a Mesmerizing Fantasy

The Illusionist is at times a mesmerizing retelling of the Romeo and Juliet story about a magician separated by class from the woman he loves. The fact that the young duchess is engaged to the Emperor's son only serves to complicate matters for the love-struck conjurer.

In a controlled and understated performance, Edward Norton is convincing as Eisenheim the Illusionist, who must cross swords - and match wits - with Crown Prince Leopold in order to be with the woman he loves. Leopold's jealousy prompts him to order the chief of police (Paul Giamatti in a wonderfully annoying performance) to shut down Eisenheim's theater.

High production values and solid performances compensate for a script that is not without flaws. But the film looks great, the illusions are imaginative, and in the end my friend Mike and I were glad we shelled out our ten bucks.

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