The Illusionist
Seen it?2006 | 110 min | Fantasy, Drama, Thriller, Romance
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Audiences rate it highly (7.3 out of 10), it made about 5 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing, romantics and fantasy fans. If you loved Batman Begins, start here.
- The mood
- Tense, warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 50 min.
- What might put you off
- Nothing much: an easy pick for most people.
With his eye on a lovely aristocrat, a gifted illusionist named Eisenheim uses his powers to win her away from her betrothed, a crown prince. But Eisenheim's scheme creates tumult within the monarchy and ignites the suspicion of a dogged inspector.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
73% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesStrong
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$88 million worldwide on a $17 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 314K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Neil Burger
- Edward NortonEisenheim
- Paul GiamattiInspector Uhl
- Jessica BielSophie
- Rufus SewellCrown Prince Leopold
- Eddie MarsanJosef Fischer
- Aaron Taylor-JohnsonYoung Eisenheim
- Eleanor TomlinsonYoung Sophie
- Jake WoodJurka
- Tom FisherWilligut
- Karl JohnsonDoctor / Old Man