MovieChat Forums > The Illusionist (2006) Discussion > One Of My Favorite Movies

One Of My Favorite Movies

posted 14 years ago by flash_drive
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This has become one of my favorite films. I was very impressed with the performance of Edward Norton, who up until this film I'd thought was simply a bit actor who played low-life scum parts. Watching his portrayal of Eisenheim changed all of that. He did a superb job with this part and had me along for the ride from beginning to end. I was surprised Edward didn't receive a nomination for his fine performance. Although he did get a special award from the San Diego Film Critics Society.

I was not at all surprised by the excellent performance that Paul Giamatti did with Inspector Uhl. Considering his track record of fine performances in movies like American Splendor, Cinderella Man, John Adams, and Sideways. I was also a bit shocked that Paul wasn't nominated, either. It is due to Paul's believable and highly personable Inspector that I love to watch this movie over and over again.

I also love the movie's sepia-toned atmosphere, which gives it a period style ambiance that enhances the performances and the entire story.

So what about you? Has 'The Illusionist' become a favorite in your DVD movie collection, too?

-- "Mulder, toads just fell from the sky!"

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] loisbcuz-1 14 years ago

I too have it in my small DVD collection of my very favorite movies.

The Philip Glass music, as in a Hitchcock movie, sets the tone and atmosphere.

Note that a very similar soundtrack by Glass also sets a great tone in the movie "Neverwas", another very special movie.

The casting and acting were superb. Sometimes I see a movie and think "this is the part this person was born to play" and that would aptly describe Jessica Biehl's performance as she literally becomes a countess in "The Illusionist."