The Illusionist (2006)
#49 in my 2007 movie challenge was The Illusionist. Like The Prestige, it is about magic shows in the 19th century, was well reviewed, and stars a famous actor (Edward Norton, Jr.), a hot young thing (Jessica Biel), and an older, skilled character actor (Paul Giamatti). My friend B wondered if she liked this movie less than The Prestige because she was in labor when she watched it. B, I don’t think it was the labor; I found The Illusionist boring, predictable, and overlong. I nearly stopped watching towards the end, and I didn’t care about any of the characters. The Prestige made me think. The Illusionist made me annoyed.
My husband G. Grod thinks that Jessica Biel’s lips are natural. Awful Plastic Surgery and I think otherwise.
July 10th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
The Illusionist held no surprises for me. The Prestige, while darker, was infinitely more interesting. I figured it all out pretty early, but still enjoyed it.
July 11th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
I think The Prestige was the better film because the director dropped hints here and there that lead the viewer to actively piece together then ending, and then even when it is revealed and confirmed, there is still something to mull over. This is in contrast to the main character’s description of the prestige, which is that if one explains the trick, the magic is gone, which is what I felt happened in The Illusionist.