The Illusionist (2006)

Leighton & Sabine: ***
This was the other movie about 19th century magicians that came out last year (the other being The Prestige).

This was more of a straight-forward drama, with a little thriller thrown in. Edward Norton (Fight Club, Italian Job) plays Eisenheim the Illusionist. When he was a young, poor son of a cabinet maker, he fell in love with the young Sophie who is from a noble family. Now, Eisenheim is back and Sophie, now played by Jessica Biel (Blade: Trinity, Stealth), is engaged to the Emperor's son played by Rufus Sewell (Dark City). She still loves Eisenheim, though. Conflict ensues. Paul Giamatti (Sideways, Cinderella Man, and much more) plays Police Inspector Uhl. He's fantastic as always. This movie is less flashy than The Prestige. I can't decide which I liked better. I think they're different enough that I can like them both for different reasons.

Here is what Pop/Boompa had to say about it.

I felt that this was a much better film than The Prestige. It was solid on it's own merits; no hokieness about time travel and such. The principal cast members were superb. I truly enjoyed it. You had the sense that a "scam/illusion" was afoot, but the viewer was never quite sure how it was really playing out.

I enjoyed the darkness in the manner in which it was filmed. The only problem I had was the need to turn my TV sound almost to the max. I suspect that this is a function of the "El Cheapo" Polaroid DVD player in my upstairs office. When your mother views it in the family room, the sound should pose no problems.

Illusionist trailer...