Review of The Illusionist (2010) by Amie S — 02 Jan 2012

In an age where glossy computer-animated films with clever lines are produced almost every year, you would think it would be impossible for an old-fashioned film with barely any dialog and hand drawn animation to compete, but The Illusionist is definitely a contender.

From the main characters to the miscellaneous fringe players (my favorites: a tragically sad clown, a ventriloquist, and 3 full-of-energy acrobats), each one comes to life through facial expressions, gestures, and music. Even the illusionistâ(TM)s persnickety rabbit was so developed I didnâ(TM)t miss the usual in-jokes and pop culture references.

Set in 1959, a lonely older magician struggles to make a living performing at small European venues, eventually meeting a young girl in Scotland (Alice) who forms a close father-daughter bond with himâ"but thereâ(TM)s a complication: Alice believes he knows real magic. With every surprise he purchases for her, she comes to expect more until heâ(TM)s forced to take odd jobs to help guard his secret.

Adapted from a script by comic actor Jacques Tati, Director Sylvain Chomet made sure every single frame is hauntingly beautiful. There arenâ(TM)t any fancy plot twists or action-packed scenes. Youâ(TM)re basically just watching each day of this guyâ(TM)s life, and yet, itâ(TM)s totally magical. Tatiâ(TM)s script is full of beauty, humor and sadness, with a very European ending that will leave the viewer a little misty eyed.