The Illusionist
Synopsis
The Illusionist is one of a dying breed of music hall entertainers. With emerging rock and roll bands stealing his thunder, he is forced to accept increasingly obscure assignments in fringe theatres, at garden parties and in bars and cafes. Whilst performing in a village pub off the west coast of Scotland, his path is crossed by Alice, a naive young girl, who will change his life forever.
Watching his performance to the excited villagers who are celebrating the arrival of electricity to their remote island, Alice becomes awestruck by the Illusionist and believes his tricks are real magic. Following him to Edinburgh, she keeps his home while he goes to work in a small local theatre. Enchanted by her enthusiasm for his act, he rewards her with increasingly lavish gifts he has 'conjured' into existence. Desperate not to disappoint her, he cannot bring himself to reveal that magic does not exist but buying these gifts is driving him to ruin.
Alice comes of age, she finds love and moves on. The Illusionist no longer has to pretend and, untangled from his own web of deceit, resumes his life as a travelling entertainer, a much wiser man.
Details
- Year
- 2009
- Type of film
- Features
- Running Time
- 83 mins
- Format
- 35mm
- Director
- Sylvain Chomet
- Producer
- Philippe Carcassonne, Jake Eberts
- Co-Producer
- Philippe Carcassonne, Jake Eberts
- Screenwriter
- Jacques Tati, adapted by Sylvain Chomet
- Production Designer
- Bjarne Hansen
Production status
Complete
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Last updated 14th September 2010
