ILLUSION IS BETTER THAN REAL LIFE - PART 2 OF 2



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I thought that all the illusions presented by Norton's character (Eisenheim) were mesmerising. The actor trained extensively to ensure the look of realism as opposed to using special effects to fudge. The most incredible illusion was the orange tree. Houdini was the first to use real fruit for this trick. I won't describe it as I'm sure some of you haven't seen the film yet. Its origins are thought to be from 18th century Native manuscripts. I loved how Eisenheim seemed so adept at sleight of hand movements. He was so quiet and understated yet steely in his confidence.

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We generally tend to think of vintage in a North American way. That's why it was so nice to see Vienna in the early part of the twentieth century. The costumes were breathtaking. The civilian, royal and military wear were meticulously made to historic accuracy. The mustache and beard on Prince Leopold were the perfect finishing touches.

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The love scene between Eisenheim and his beloved Sophie was filmed by kerosene lamps only. The shooting had to be done in short spurts as the air in the small room became too smokey. The effect was so romantic as their movements were caught here and there in partial light. This really gave the scene a sense of realism and intimacy. I also like that the director didn't feel the need to show off a lot of flesh or over-the-top sexiness. Just the bits I saw highlighted allowed my mind to fill in the blanks. This chasteness really suited the feel of the movie.

I highly recommend that you beg, borrow or rent "The Illusionist". I loved going on this vintage journey to Vienna.


Carol

ILLUSION IS BETTER THAN REAL LIFE - PART 1 OF 2

I know that I've written a lot about films lately but please continue to indulge me as I enjoy this Hollywood journey beyond the Academy Awards.  It's a good excuse anyway, for me to share one of my passions through blogging.

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Over the weekend, we watched a 2006 movie called "The Illusionist".  I vaguely remember wanting to watch it when it first came out.  However I somehow never got around to it.  Then our neighbour/massage therapist loaned it to me raving about Edward Norton, who I always thought was a bit mousy for my taste.  However I have seen him in a new light in this film.

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The story is closely based on a real life Viennese magician and supposed clairvoyant Erik Jan Hanussen, who was famous in the early 20th century.  He was killed in 1933 by Nazi soldiers.  The story is also loosely based on the tragic and salacious life of Austrian crowned Prince Rudolf.  However the essence of this film is love between a humble man and a woman far above his station in life.

I loved this film on many levels.  Visually, it was beautifully presented with slightly sepia tone colouring and softened corners to enhance that vintage mood.  The turn-of-the-century costumes and sets were impeccably presented.  I even loved the fictional Germanic-English accent, which I thought was most consistently achieved by Norton. 

Continued tomorrow...