SummarySet in turn-of-the-centuy Vienna, this supernatural mystery combines romance, politics and magic. (Yari Film Group)
Directed By:Neil Burger
Written By:Neil Burger, Steven Millhauser
The Illusionist
Metascore
Generally Favorable
68
User score
Generally Favorable
7.4
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
68
78% Positive
29 Reviews
29 Reviews
22% Mixed
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
100
Deserved an end-of-the-year prestige release, is a true work of art in a marketplace filled with velvet paintings. It's positively magical, the reason we loved movies in the first place.
80
The ending dispels a lot of the magic, but the silent-movie palette is gorgeous, and the film is worth seeing for the inspired hamming of Paul Giamatti as Vienna's chief inspector, whose plummy tones made me sure I could hear the ghost of James Mason cackling.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.4
76% Positive
162 Ratings
162 Ratings
19% Mixed
41 Ratings
41 Ratings
5% Negative
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
Sep 6, 2024
10
Let me put it this way! I am jealous of you if you are reading the reviews to see if this movie is worth watching. It is, and the reason I'm jealous is because I can't watch this movie for the first time again. This is one of the best movies of all time. I know it came out around the same time as the Prestige so it will always be compared to it. I do think they are both great movies, but I have to go with The Illusionist as the best, and for me its not close. I don't know if it's just the historical elegance, or if it's just that Edward Norton nailed this role. Watching this for the first time is simply amazing. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and still do.
Jul 13, 2021
10
A masterpiece, amazing story, amazing actors, your eyes will be in the screen every minute, amazing end
75
Illusionist is like an overupholstered wing chair in the corner of a men's club -- you settle in only to be startled by how ridiculously comfy you are.
75
An infectious mix of romance, mystery, and magic.
67
The movie also is designed to be an actor's showcase for Norton and Giamatti, two of the best movie actors of their generation. Each has his moments of fire, but some element is missing from the script that would make this duel of the titans riveting.
58
The Illusionist might trick some moviegoers into thinking it's clever, deft, old-fashioned fun. But I urge those folks to stay home with a real classic romantic thriller on DVD or cable to remember the difference. This film doesn't even manage to breathe old life into the forms it apes.
40
While it might have made a good short, as a feature film The Illusionist comes across like a magician whose tricks are transparent.
May 12, 2019
10
One of the Best Movies ever... WoooW, what a Plot, Actors & End^^ Must see Movie...
Apr 13, 2014
6
The acting was brilliant and the production was perfect, but the plot of The Illusionist is too cliched. If this movie was made with fewer special effects, then the not-so-twist ending might have been more forgivable.
Nov 13, 2013
6
The Illusionist shows off its tricks. The Illusionist initially has eye popping appeal with a cast of great actors. The premise itself is as mysterious as it sounds, and the result it a fine movie. It suffers though with a lack of explanation for blatant phenomenon's it preforms and then ignores.
Apr 13, 2025
2
The cast tries, but the story isn't gripping, and it plays out all too predictably.
Production Company:
- Bull's Eye Entertainment
- Bob Yari Productions
- Contagious Entertainment
- Michael London Productions
- Stillking Films
Release Date:Aug 18, 2006
Duration:1 h 50 m
Rating:PG-13
Tagline:Nothing is what it seems
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Nomination
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
New York Film Critics, Online
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
