Review of The Illusionist (2009) by Ricardo O — 25 Feb 2011

The film is about an illusionist who travels around Britain trying to get jobs as an entertainer, whether it's at a small theater hall, a cafe, a small party, or at local pub in Scotland that has only recently gotten electricity. He is one of a dying breed of entertainers and is being forced to accept these obscure assignments thanks to the technological advancements and the emerging pop and rock stars in the late '50s. One day while performing at the aforementioned Scottish pub, he encounters a young girl named Alice, who is mesmerized by his ability to pull things out of thin air. She believes that down-on-his luck performer actually possesses genuine supernatural powers, and agrees to accompany him to Edinburgh, where he will perform at a small, somewhat run-down theater. Her affection inspire the illusionist and he uses whatever means to try and give her many different extravagant gifts so she can be happy. He keeps on giving until he's got nothing more to offer her as he can't consistently keep a regular paying job as some aren't fulfilling, and others he makes mistakes that get him fired. He eventually abandons the young girl leaving a note that breaks her little heart. But all is not lost, as she has found someone that seems to care for her.

The Illusionist marks the follow-up to Sylvain Chomet's feature -length arthouse darling The Triplets Of Belleville. It was adapted by Chomet from an unproduced screenplay originally written by the great comic genius auteur Jacques Tati. One cannot talk about the film without bringing up the controversy that had surrounded it. It's been reported that the Tati had been inspired to write it in an attempt to reconcile with his eldest daughter, Helga Marie-Jeanne Schiel, whom he had abandoned when she was just a baby. She is still alive today, yet despite the dedication to Tati's other daughter Sophie, there is no mention of a dedication to Helga. This has caused many to be infuriated with the movie. Now, the family of Tatiâ(TM)s abandoned daughter is calling for the French director to give her credit as the true inspiration for the film. This whole controversy does not however take away from how great a film is really is. Though watching it one can understand why Tati had decided to hide behind his Monsieur Hulot character instead of making this highly personal film as it was just too close to home. It was just too personal to make. Even though this wasn't eventually made by Tati, Chomet's production still retains all of what made Tati's films great: the subtle sight gags, his eye on small details, and even the lack of dialogue his films have. It's an unbelievably well made picture that is a joy to watch and the ending is just so beautifully heartbreaking. This is an absolute gem of movie from the highly personal story, to the wonderful animation, and the great score composed by the director himself. This is a must-see. 10/10.