Review of The Illusionist (2009) by Noel V — 28 Mar 2011
It's lovely. An affectionate tribute to Tati, though it doesn't have Tati's mastery of space, or precise comic timing. The background art is gorgeous, as good as if not better than anything by Studio Ghibli (what could be better than watercolor to evoke melancholy?).
The overall tone and especially the ending is a tad sentimental for a Tati film--but then this isn't fully a Tati film. You understand Chomet's need to make the material his own, to play up the resemblance between Tati's coolly satiric work and occasionally tragic life.
It does feature, and I'm willing to bet Tati never intended this, the fattest and most hilariously vicious bunny rabbit I have ever seen--may he figure in another movie, perhaps not a sequel, perhaps a short.
This review of The Illusionist (2009) was written by Noel V on 28 Mar 2011.
The Illusionist has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
