A young boy meets a weirdo on the road that will teach him magic and tricks. Eventually this young boy will become Eisenheim (Edward Norton), the great Illusionist, a magician that annoys the Vienna police chief-inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) for this one is desperately trying to prove Eisenheim is a fake. The case is going to lead to a political coup d'état prepared by the son of the Emperor.
Throughout the whole movie, Neil Burger tries to give an atmosphere "d'époque" by the photography lead by Dick Pope. But was giving a sepia tone to the movie the only way to get us to the old Vienna? After a while it gets very annoying, and yes it is rare to see such a photography but original doesn't mean genius. It ends up looking like the objective is reduced on purpose so the outdoor scenes would be easier to take. Morever, continuing down this way, anachronism are part of the movie, just to mention the behaviour of Jessica Biel, the movie's weak link. It is not an épopé prepared with hundreds of gaffers and script girls around to take care of all the historical details for sure.
Although the movie has been acclaimed for its mix of politics, romance and mystery, the director fails to give the necessary rythm using a very formal cut paired with an energic music which is supposed to "turn it on". I have to admit it, giving pop to a movie based on a one-man show is pretty hard, and the Director knows it and has wisely decided to take short scenes when showing Eisenheim on stage.
The political plot is improbable, the romance empty of deeper feelings and Paul Giamatti by wrinkling his eyebrows doesn't look like he has autority of any kind nor does he look much tired by the case he is supposed to constantly bear on his mind.
The end of the movie is surprising of course, but Neil Burger doesn't look much experienced with Shyamalan-sized endings, athough it actually is the best part of the movie. Getting some perspective, the cut at the ending reminds a lot of Brian Singer's The Usual Suspects. You get it, nothing is what it seems.
It is good movie, I'd just wouldn't be so emphatic as the critics for it's nothing exceptional.
Verdict:
Rated? O.K
Worth watching? yeah, sure...it's gotta be a rainy day though
Final Grade 15/20
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