Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Ladok (A) on September 05, 2006 at 12:46:54

In Reply to: "There is no real chemistry between Norton and Biel..." - You must've been watching a different movie. posted by Audiophilander on September 5, 2006 at 10:34:25:

Hey, no offense taken. Films are wonderful, they can take you to fantastic places and are a hoot to debate. What it comes down to for me is: either a film communicates to you or it doesn't; either you are on the same wavelength as the director/actors or you're not.

I liked much of the "Illusionist" and, in many ways, it's a film about what film is all about: creating an illusion and drawing you in. And to that extent, it succeeds.

But I still feel the "trick" ending was too much a matter of manipulation and lacked dramatic substance. I would have enjoyed a more subtle climax with perhaps not everyone living happily ever after. And Norton's a fine actor but didn't convey the charisma and intensity I thought necessary for the romantic lead.

I actually enjoyed the special effects. My favorite scenes involved Giamatti's facial expressions as he observes some of the "ghosts," especially when the creepy little boy stares him down.