The Illusionist

Jenne and I just returned from seeing a beautiful movie at Baltimore’s historic Senator Theatre. We saw, The Illusionist starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti and Jessica Biel.

This film is not getting a lot of publicity and that is a shame. I heard about over a week and a half ago on WBJC Classical radio on my morning commute and have been interested ever since. Had I not been an avid listener to WBJC I don’t know that I would have heard about this film at all. And if I had I have to ask myself would I have been as intrigued by it. WBJC gave such a compelling review that I was drawn in and when they mentioned that Edward Norton was the star, well that sealed the deal for me. Now I just had to wait for it to come out in general release. I hadn’t mentioned the film to Jenne until yesterday. I simply said that I had heard about this film, was very interested because of the historical setting, the subject of illusions and the cast. I said, “Honey, on Sunday I would like to take you to the movies on a date.” Jenne trusts me when it comes to movies. You see I am rather picky about what I will go to the theatre to see. Okay, so I did go and see Snakes on a Plane a week ago with guys. That wasn’t being too picky I guess, but it was a fun night out with the boys. Anyway, today we drove into Baltimore and had our date movie. You all know how I feel about spoilers, so have no worries that I would spoil any part of the illusions that make up this riveting story of magic, empire and love. The performances are outstanding. The cinematography and effects are eye-catching and there is a precise attention to period detail that heightens the sense of intrigue in this romantic thriller. Edward Norton is fascinating to watch and he delivers a powerful and mysterious performance. The film is intelligent and captivating the whole way through. And as good as it is, it is more than a love story and it never feels quaint. Woven through the melodrama is a moral fable about power and deception, a timeless tale that feels all the more timely today. Go and see The Illusionist and if you can, go and see it at The Senator theatre south of Northern Parkway on York Road in Baltimore. You will not be disappointed.