The Illusionist

Somehow I let Monday get away from me, and it wasn't until a few hours ago that I realized I had missed Movie Madness Monday! So with two hours and 45 mins. to spare, I present

THE ILLUSIONIST

I watched this movie for the first time last night, and loved it. I love movies in this time period, especially because they tend to be filmed in this kind of golden, fuzzy way, as if illuminated by candlelight. (Think Phantom of the Opera)

Starring Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, and Paul Giamatti, The Illusionist is about a young boy infatuated with magic who falls in love with a young girl that ranks high above him socially. They are forbidden to see each other, and after meeting secretly for a while are caught and torn apart, never to see each other again.

The boy grows up to be a famous magician who encounters his childhood sweetheart at one of his shows, only to learn she is to be married to the crown prince, a horrible man. They meet secretly once again, starting a string events that leads to the awesome, mind-bending ending.

What do I love about this movie?

Besides the aforementioned filming technique and time period, I loved the the actors. Edward Norton is awesome in everything he does, and Paul Giamatti is also an amazing actor who is finally getting the parts and the recognition he deserves. Jessica Biel has mostly been known for her looks and not her acting, but I thought she was pretty decent here. Maybe it was the accent that seperated her from her 7th Heaven persona, but she appeared to be more, well, grown-up.

I also loved the music. It was so beautiful, and perfect for a movie about the mysteries of magic.

My viewing partner (Bill) thought it was a little slow, but perked up towards the end and was blown away once the credits rolled. So I seriously recommend going and renting this, it's one your hubby may enjoy also!