The Illusionist : 4 of 5

I didn't know a thing about this movie, but I wanted to see something during my day off, and noticed lots of good reviews and comments for this film. I'm really glad I saw it, because it was fantastic! The story is about a boy who is in love with a girl of noble birth - when they are separated, he travels the world and becomes a great magician (Edward Norton as Eisenheim), finally playing to crowded theaters in turn of the century Vienna. By chance, he again meets his childhood love, who is to be married to the Crown Prince (but still wears a secret locket given to her by Eisenheim), and from there a huge mystery unfolds! Paul Giamatti is excellent as the Inspector who has a genuine interest in magic, but is ordered by the Crown Prince to keep on eye on Eisenheim. There are so many things to like about this movie - the story is well-constructed and fun to follow, the acting is definitely believable, the Philip Glass music fits perfectly, and the period sets and costumes are great without being over-the-top. What I enjoyed most is that the real mystery of the film isn't the magic itself - of course, the tricks are all far more realistic than could really be done, but are left happily unexplained, leaving a sense of fantasy in the story. It's almost like a fairy tale for adults, and it really proves to me that a well-written and entertaining story is the absolutely most important element of a film. I'm glad this story was discovered and made into this movie!