Review of Death Defying Acts (2005) by Keiko N — 11 May 2008

[font=Arial]"Death Defying Acts".

First, it's a mistake to address this film as an attempt to imitate "The Prestige" just because of a couple of similar scenes. This film tells the TRUE story of Mr. Houdini, one of the greatest illusionists of all time. So, the facts that took place in the film (especially the escape known as The Chinese Water Torture Escape which led some of the film audience to wrongly think it was stolen from "The Prestige") took place in REAL LIFE more than 75 YEARS BEFORE "The Prestige" novella was written in 1995.

Concerning the film: I have read in the past about the life of Mr. Houdini. To say the truth, if you know some of his characteristics, you would say that Guy Pearce made one very good performance. Catherine & Timothy Spall were good too. Saoirse Ronan will be a real icon in the future. I do praise her performance & accent.

Skubiszewski composed a good score. I felt there was a nice chemistry between Gillian Armstrong & the screenplay & designs.

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