The Illusionist

The Illusionist (Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell) — This cast in a “period piece?”  I had to get over this to really enjoy this character study in what amounted to a who-done-it set amidst the world of magic.  Like most mysteries, there’s an evil-doer (Rufus Sewell as Crown Prince Leopold), a beauty in distress (played surprisingly effectively by Jessica Biel), a hero (Norton), and a cop (the occasionally corrupt Giamatti).  If this sounds like it’s just a formula piece, well it is.  But the difference is that no one knows if the magic is real, contrived, or actually “magic.”  What we do know is that, once again, you can count on Edward Norton to exhibit his versatility with aplomb.  What you won’t expect is just how well Giamatti sheds his typical persona to play a formal, well-spoken policeman who is just a shill for the Prince.  The previously-praised Biel has finally shown some range and is very appealing and subtle as the Prince’s companion and Norton’s boyhood friend.  What should be an art-house movie chooses to go for national release, which probably doomed its critical acclaim but gives audiences a chance to see first-rate performances in a cross between Houdini, Romeo and Juliet, and Shakespeare in Love.