The Illusionist

When we went to see The Illusionist the other night, I couldn't remember if it was the movie with Christian Bale or the movie with Edward Norton. I didn't know until a preview for The Prestige came on, and I thought, "Oh, that's the movie with Christian Bale. I must be seeing the one with Edward Norton." The Illusionist is the story of Eisenheim (Ed Norton), who is, obviously, and illusionist. From childhood, he was in love with the beautiful heiress, Sophie (Jessica Beil), who reciprocated his love. They were eventually separated by her family, and Eisenheim left to travel the world and discover the secrets of illusion. Fifteen years later, he returns to Vienna, where Sophie is engaged to the crown prince. They meet and their love is rediscovered, but this does not sit well with Police Inspector Uhl (the always wonderful Paul Giamatti), who is always trying to figure out how Eisenheim does his illusions. The love story isn't entirely convincing, and the plot is a bit obvious, but this is still an entertaining movie. It's one part magic story, one part murder mystery, and one part love story. I liked it.