Review of The Illusionist (2009) by Caesar M — 01 Aug 2012

It's no doubt that dialogue is a key factor for telling stories and it's almost unthinkable to make a movie without spoken words. The Illusionist accomplishes effective storytelling at the same level of a classic silent movie and is an achievement only a talented filmmaker can accomplish.

The Illusionist tells the story of an outdated, aging magician, forced to wander from country to country, in search of a stage to perform his act. He meets a young girl who companies him on their ensuing adventure that changes both their lives forever. To call this movie art is an understatement; it's poetry that reaches you on every emotional level. Director Sylvain Chomet accomplished the impossible in telling a wonderful and tragic story by utilizing music and imagery without the use dialogue. Without dialogue Chomet ran the risk of losing his viewers on what's happening on screen, but his careful and unmatchable dedicated direction allows him to overcome any obstacles with great results. By relying on the emotions of our characters and music it's reminisces of the silent era of films in capturing an experience that resonate so greatly in hearts of movie lovers. It's a visual feast for the eye in terms of beauty with an effective style that conveys the key elements needed to showcase the theme of a crumbling life, a new beginning, and what it means to live. Its moving art accompanied by poetic music to make a very emotional and heartfelt experience that won't likely be recapture again.

The Illusionist is quality filmmaking at the level of the silent era that fully utilizes an artistic vision to stand above many films. It's a film so uniquely rare that it deserves to be witness and is an impressive accomplishment in filmmaking.