by Wendy R.

Created on: March 11, 2009   Last Updated: March 12, 2009

Taking place in early 20th century Vienna, this movie is about Eisenheim (Edward Norton) the illusionist who first becomes interested in magic as a child after meeting a traveling magician along a road. The magician performed many tricks for the young Eisenheim, including making himself disappear before Eisenheim's eyes. This illusion piqued the young Eisenheim's interests in magic and he soon decided that he wanted to learn more.

Eisenheim, the son of a cabinet maker becomes interested in Sophie (Jessica Biel in the adult role) a young woman who is in a higher social class them him in Vienna, since Sophie's parents employ Eisenheim's father as their cabinet maker. Young Eisenheim makes Sophie a puzzle locket with a hidden picture of him in it and promises that he and Sophie will run away together to China where he will learn more magic. However, Sophie's parents find out about their plans and the two are separated

Fifteen years later, Eisenheim is performing as a master illusionist. Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) is in the audience and volunteers his fiance to go on stage for Eisenheim's illusion. Eisenheim and Sophie recognize each other and he sees that she is still wearing the necklace he made her. Eisenheim performs some illusions in a private showing for the Crown Prince and embarrasses him. The Crown Prince then puts a stop to Eisenheim's performances. Sophie wants to help Eisenheim and they soon reunite. Sophie wishes to get away from the Crown Prince, who has a history of abusing women, but she knows this will be difficult.

The Crown Prince has Sophie followed and finds out about Eisenheim. He tries his best to hurt both of them and we learn that the Prince is also trying to overthrow his aging father. Eisenheim and Sophie need to come up with a way to stop the Prince from doing this and from preventing them from being together. The Crown Prince would even resort to murder to stop those that cross him. Eisenheim will do anything he can to protect Sophie and he uses his power of magic to help bring the Crown Prince down.

This is a great movie and there are a lot of twists and turns and it is a very well done period piece. The main characters in this movie had a lot of depth and the interactions between them were well written and there were great special affects. In addition, the role of the city's chief inspector was played wonderfully by Paul Giamatti. I have seen this movie three times and never tire of it.

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