No offense, but I think you lack an understanding of the culture and time period.

Posted by Audiophilander (A) on March 5, 2007 at 12:32:18

In Reply to: I thought Giamatti.. posted by dave c on March 4, 2007 at 12:45:34:

>>> "I thought Giamatti's character was obsessively concerned with being fair. An unlikely state in that historical setting." <<<

Not at all. The fact that he had to placate the aristocracy didn't conflict with his personal struggle to maintain his position as an honest public servant. It was a difficult balance, but in a period when the old ways of royalty having absolute political authority were in decline and the growing bourgeoisie's bureaucratic influence was in ascendence, such behavior does not appear out of place.

>>> "As for Biel's character. What was she doing with the prince? She clearly had no interest, but she completely flipped as soon as the magician re-appeared." <<<

Again, this was still a period when aristocratic power held some sway, especially when it came to affairs of state, including arranged marriages. She had little control and was serving her family's and the state's requirements out of honor, and possibly fear of reprisal against those close to her. Her childhood lover's scheme played perfectly into this scenario.

FYI, my wife and I screened this film on a 10' screen for a large groups of friends attending our housewarming party back in January just after The Illusionist was released on DVD. At the end of the film there was unanimous applause that even surprised me! Apparently this movie clicked with an audience of our frinds, to a person!

Cheers,
AuPh

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - The Illusionist just opened here - dave c 20:34:00 03/03/07 (12)

I thought it was fun, probably good for a date NT - 4season 10:06:48 03/05/07 (3)

only if i wanted to dump her - dave c 12:20:35 03/05/07 (2)

Sorry dave, but you're apparently in the minority here; if you disliked the film fine, but... - Audiophilander 22:39:08 03/05/07 (1)

just as well we're not all alike... - dave c 01:19:12 03/06/07 (0)

This is one of those films.... - HOK 21:01:32 03/04/07 (0)

Hell, it was a decent enough popcorn film. nt - tinear 11:48:44 03/04/07 (1)

Yep-I liked this much better than the overlong and relentlessly grim The Prestige nt - padreken 11:52:14 03/05/07 (0)

Couldn't disagree more... - JoeKool 23:52:02 03/03/07 (0)

Your opinion is shared by few others who've seen the film, which is no illusion. - Audiophilander 23:08:36 03/03/07 (3)

I thought Giamatti.. - dave c 12:45:34 03/04/07 (2)

No offense, but I think you lack an understanding of the culture and time period. - Audiophilander 12:32:18 03/05/07 (1)

partly - dave c 18:03:47 03/05/07 (0)

Follow Ups

No offense, but I think you lack an understanding of the culture and time period. - Audiophilander 12:32:18 03/05/07 (1)

partly - dave c 18:03:47 03/05/07 (0)

You can not post to an archived thread.