"Mesmerizing; the Illusionist
casts an exquisitely bewitching spell with its dreamy atmosphere and persuasive
sense of suspense. Neil Burger has fashioned a beautifully shot mystery,
with precise and elegant attention to period detail, which heightens the
sense of intrigue in this romantic thriller. The well crafted tale is
bolstered by the powerful performance of Edward Norton.
Just as strong are Paul Giamatti and Rufus Sewell. This suspenseful and
stylish film has a welcome sense of originality. The
story is rendered fluidly, with gorgeous production design, and
the haunting score by Philip Glass adds to the spellbinding quality. It
is a pleasure to see Edward Norton deliver yet another remarkable performance."
Claudia Puig - USA TODAY
"While lifetime achievement isn't enough to guarantee Giamatti
anything, his subtle, pivotal performance in "The Illusionist"
should be. It's worthy of the best supporting actor
award."
Jason Katzman - MSNBC
"Fascinating parable about art, religion and politics, and the
misty boundaries between them. If The Illusionist approaches the realm
of art, its spell is heightened by a subtly mesmerizing
Philip Glass score and cinematographer Dick Pope's flickering,
sepia tinted visuals, evoking early motion pictures and 19th century daguerreotypes."
Jim Emerson - CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
"Tantalizing! An elegant fable of art,
love and politics! Edward Norton is at his best! Mysterious
and mesmerizing!"
Peter Travers - ROLLING STONE
"Jessica Biel pulls off her most impressive
trick yet: transforming herself into a turn-of-the-century Austrian
duchess- and a serious art house actress."
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
| "The Illusionist is sure to
be one of the most honored films of the year. It's an old-fashioned
mystery come to life. The performances are impeccable.
Paul Giamatti has, with this movie, cemented his position as one of America's
finest actors; no need for Edward Norton to worry; he's been in that position
for years. I wish I enjoyed every movie as much as this one. Oscar
Caliber!"
Jeffrey Lyons - NBC'S REEL TALK
"Accolades to Neil Burger who, by his splendid writing and direction,
has himself made movie magic. Philip Glass's music
is hypnotic and Paul Giamatti and Edward Norton are right on."
Gene Shalit - THE TODAY SHOW
"Entertaining! Rouses your belief in the miraculous!
Teases you until the very end! The surreal spiritualistic feats produce
a wow effect on the screen because they have an aesthetic elegance that
transcends trickery; they look like works of art."
Stephen Holden - THE NEW YORK TIMES
"Director Neil Burger delights in getting period details right!
The illusions are smart, as is the script.
The photography is gorgeous, as is Jessica Biel. And the line between
truth and illusion is blurred so persuasively that for a moment or two,
you may even believe that a romantic costume drama could stand up to all
those special-effects blockbusters in the dog days of summer."
Bob Mondello - NPR
"Riveting from start to finish. "The Illusionist" is
true movie magic. A beautifully crafted and mysteriously fascinating dramatic
experience. Stand out performances from Edward Norton
and Paul Giamatti."
Pete Hammond - MAXIM
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