When Eisenheim was a young boy, he had two life-defining experiences. First, he met a magician that opened his eyes to a mysterious and alluring world. Second, he became best friends and fell in love with a girl called Sophie, who was way above his social class.
When he grows up (Edward Norton), he comes back to Vienna. He starts putting on sold-out shows that amaze and entertain everybody. His success intrigues the chief police (Paul Giamatti) and pisses the hell out of the crown prince (Rufus Sewell) who is usually quick to expose any “magic” and he has the services of the chief at his disposal.
Eisenheim isn’t intimidated by either of them. He is extremely frustrated to realize that he still has deep feelings for Sophie (Jessica Biel), who is expected to marry the crown prince.
I dare not say any longer- I am scared to give any spoilers.
Why should you see this?
* From the moment this movie starts, it takes, it takes you in. Edward Norton is absolutely amazing and graceful as the smart, talented and romantic Eisenheim.
* Paul Giamatti is just brilliant as the police who we can’t tell whether he is going to go all evil on us to serve the prince or he will respect intelligence, love and true character.
*Oh, the Crown Prince is evil. The performance of Sewell is really cool as usual. Shame that he had to cover his face with all the mustache and beard but hey, all the (male) charm and beauty belongs to Edward Norton here.
What you need to know about the movie is that, it is a smart)drama/ thriller/romance. I love it much, much more than The Prestige. Prestige plays all its smartypants cards to soon, drives up your expectations- only to disappoint in the end. This movie does not have one irrelevant line or scene. It might have fewer twists but it never disappoints. I’d say at 7.7 on IMDB, it is underrated.
Other Edward Norton
https://pinartarhan.com/blog/the-painted-veil-with-naomi-watts-and-edward-norton/
Other Giamatti
For me this is the best movie ever and i really like the way Edward norton acts in it(he and johnny depp are my favriote male actors).I was impressed about the way it was the ending.Really good movie
I absolutely adore this too. Just very impressive from the start to the beginning. I loved Eisenheim’s tricks, motions, attitude…everything.
I really like Norton and Johnny as well. Have you seen the painted veil with norton?? plain amazing.
https://pinartarhan.com/blog/the-painted-veil-with-naomi-watts-and-edward-norton/
Yeah i saw that movie several times as well and it was awsome.I even liked him in Italian Job.That`s what i like about him and Johhny cos they are two actors that they know how to act in all type of charecters,even if it`s a funny one,cruel and evil or kind and intelligent.
I first saw Norton in Primal Fear opposite Richard Gere. Good movie, amazing performance and powerful ending. He is a great actor but I never thought he could be such a great romantic lead! Loved this story and painted veil to bits- his characters are so charming…
I recently did this list with Johnny- my favorite movies of his:
http://cinemaroll.com/cinemarolling/johnny-depp-top-eight-movies/
Nice list about Johnny.My 3 most favriotes are Finding neverland,Blow and Public enemies. Who`s your favriote actresses? Me Jennifer Lopez(in everything she does) and Sandra Bullock.
I really like Sandra too. Jennifer is a better actress than people give her credit for, but not one of my favorites. I’d have to say Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts…Oh, and Keira Knightley is pretty good too.
I know I listed many names but they are all great.:)
oh it’s a wonderfull movie, I want to watch it again and again over the years…
Love it to bits, already watched it three times I think. The atmosphere and the script are so brilliant. Paul Giamatti and Rufus Sewell are as usual amazing but Edward Norton has this unique ability to transform himself.. Don’t kill me, but I love this movie more than The Prestige. It felt more sincere and less pretentious. Or maybe it is the hopeless romantic in me speaking…
I actually missed house parties and watching films as a group…Or maybe not with the whole group since we talk a lot and miss the movie. Plus, some of our friends love zombies…