Perhaps the most pleasing illusion in The Illusionist is the way that Edward Norton so convincingly portrays a nineteenth-century Viennese magician. This, after all, is the same guy who played the jerk friend of Mike McD in Rounders, the determined FBI agent tracking down a sicko killer in Red Dragon, and the goofy titular rhino in Death to Smoochy. Norton has long been known as a cerebral actor - a chameleon who can look fresh in any role, but it’s still somehow amazing that he’s able to pull it off every time. The accolades for The Illusionist shouldn’t stop at Norton, though. With a strong cast, a sensitive eye for style, and a plot with enjoyable twists and turns, the film is a delightful period romance wrapped up in supernatural curiosities that will satisfy the modern eye.

Norton plays Eisenheim, who, we learn through flashbacks, became interested in magic when he encountered a mysterious man on the side of the road who showed him some tricks. His constant practice to become a master magician attracts the attention of young duchess Sophie (Jessica Biel), and the two soon become friends despite their vast difference in social standing. But circumstances separate them, and Eisenheim leaves to study his magic in the far corners of the world. When he returns, she is promised to the Crown Prince (Rufus Sewell), and he must use his magic to win her back and undermine the stability of the royal family, much to the chagrin of the prince and his chief inspector (Paul Giamatti).

Norton’s intensity as Eisenheim is unlike most of the character’s he’s played before. He has both the arrogant poise that makes Eisenheim such a magnificent conjurer and the deep heart that makes him a sucker for Sophie’s soft features.

Beyond Norton, the film isn’t filled with spectacular performances, but they are strong nonetheless. Most notable is Giamitti, who steps back from his newfound leading man clout to put in a great bit of character acting. Biel rises above the limitations set by her own acting history to prove a relatable romantic interest for Eisenheim.

Director Neil Burger gives the movie a stunning, washed out but still vivid look that feels just right with the time and place of the story; a look that complements but does not overwhelm the performances. The result is a memorizing piece that is the perfect introduction into the fall movie season, removed from the explosions of summer blockbusters but filled with just as much spectacle.

Rating: * * * * of 5

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