The Illusionist (2006): Edward Norton, Jessica Biel and Magic

     Written and directed by Neil Burger, based the short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist" by Steven Millhauser, The Illusionist (2006) blends romantic longing with the perceived Dark Arts. The story centers on a poor boy, gifted in magic tricks, who falls in forbidden love with a wealthy young girl… and years later, finds her engaged to the crowned Prince of Austria, while he is the toast of stage magic in Vienna's theaters. The ultimate illusion may be what is required for the two to finally be together. The magic illusions center on ancient Hermetic principles and Egyptian sets, with time and the immortality of the soul being prime focus. The cinematography is dramatic and brilliant, with great attention given to 19th Century historic detail. Edward Norton is wonderful as Eisenheim the Illusionist. Jessica Biel is beautiful as his forbidden lover. Rufus Sewell is devious as the Prince. Paul Giamatti is shrewd as the police inspector. Philip Glass provides the musical score.

: The Illusionist. Magic

: The Illusionist. Magic

Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

: The Illusionist. Magic

: The Illusionist. Magic

Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Orange Tree. Egyptian Temple set: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Paul Giamatti: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton. Egyptian Temple set: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

The Sword in the Stone: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton. Conjuring Spirit: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

Paul Giamatti: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel: The Illusionist. Magic

: The Illusionist. Magic

Jessica Biel and Edward Norton: The Illusionist. Magic

"The Illusionist"- movie trailer