Review of Magic (1978) by Alan T — 15 Feb 2009

Magic is a film I have been wanting to see for years. But every time I picked up the DVD I, for some reason, decided against it. Finally I watched it and it is one of the most incredible, terrifying and moving films ever made.

When it comes to horror you need great talent like this. Not the cliche teens and 2D characters of today. A great actor, great director and great writer, combine their forces for a powerful and chilling tale.

Hopkins plays a shy man who has dreams of being a successful magician. We are introduced via one of the best opening scenes ever shot. It has Hopkins lying about how well his first performance went. As his voice over contrasts with the on screen visuals, we immediately understand Hopkins' motivations.

Once his puppet comes into picture everything changes. Hopkins is confident, he has success, but all is not well. As the film progresses the puppet begins to look and sound more like Hopkins (who does an excellent job as the voice of Fats) and it is Hopkins that becomes the puppet.

The film may be light on kills and gore but it work because it spends time building upon those that will be killed. Each kill can be felt and has consequences emotionally for those in the story. It's also a love story.

Perhaps the most tragic and horrific love story since King Kong. Hopkins (in easily his best role) creates someone who is scary and sympathetic. He captures the shyness of Corky, the malevolence of Fats but most of all he never lets us forget that they are one in the same.

The human love story is also sweet, tragic and brutally honest. Ed Lauter plays the husband of the Ann-Margaret and even he is given his dues. He's not the alcoholic wife beater he could have been.

He may be jealous but his actions are understandable. The film is a horror, psychological drama and heart shattering romance all at the same time. It also shows the cooperative nature of film. Take away or change one element and it probably would have failed.

Whether that be the wonderfully designed dummy, the haunting score or the performances. The film relies on everyone and everyone has done their job damn well. Simply amazing.