Review of Magic (1978) by Danny R — 03 Jan 2016

Sir Richard Attenborough's captivating, suspenseful tale which is based upon the best selling novel by William Goldman. Sir Anthony Hopkins is absolutely mesmerizing in a virtuoso performance that truly demonstrates his extraordinary range, he plays Corky Withers, a tormented ventriloquist & magician who is completely dominated by his vicious foul-mouth dummy named 'Fats, who manipulates him into to a series of violent and deadly confrontations all leading to a shocking conclusion.

Astute direction by the late Attenborough, with terrific supporting performances by Ann Margret in a fine turn as Corky's lost love Peggy Ann Snow, the late Ed Lauter is superb as her jealous husband Duke, and the late great character actor Burgess Meredith delivers an exceptional performance as Corky's agent Ben Greene, in what is unarguably his best screen performance.

But its Hopkins' brilliantly sublime and intense performance that totally steals this haunting psychological thriller. Highly Recommended.