Review of The Illusionist (2009) by Phil P — 16 Dec 2012

"I love rabbit...oh!".

The master of 2D animation for the last 10 years 'Sylvain Chomet' has breathed new life into what could have a dead medium with feature films. Proof that 2D is visually more enthralling than CGI. you can get a beauty out of 2D that isn't possible with 3D. What a tough task it must have been to try and top 'Triplets of Bellevielle' - and it nearly does but can't quite reach the perfection of the previous film.

Animation wise (as to expected is masterful) everything is perfect. The character designs are just magnificent detailed and full of life. A 'Chomet' staple is using the characters personality within the style of animation and as always is perfect. The magician has a slight nervous and shy personality that can be seen through the animation.

There's nothing wrong with the sets, characters and animation they're all the usual standard. But the plot is a bit off. It starts of well and following the magician as he desperately tries to keep his act going - it's well written. but when he arrives in Scotland and takes the girl with him things start fall a bit. It's more confusing than anything, his motivation to buy her all these things, is a bit odd. It just didn't click for me the girl also came off as bit of self-absorbed, always asking for money. it is hinted that she is his daughter that he lost, but there's not enough evidence to support this.) This is a minor(ish) problem that should be overlooked. The core of the story is of this magician as his act is dying and how he slowly looses his enthusiasm - I could be argued this reflects the writers feelings of 2D animation, but I may be reading too much into it.

Ultimately 'The Illusionist' is a fantastic piece of animation, beautifully hand-drawn and a touching if occasionally odd story. There is no-one around with the care and attention to detail as 'Chomet'. Animation lovers with eat this-up, it may be a bit to depressing for others but it truly is a fantastic film.