The Illusionist (2006)

The Illusionist (2006)
	;
1 Nomination
Year	2006
Director	Neil Burger
Writer	Neil Burger
Starring	Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti
79th Academy Awards

The Illusionist is a 2006 American period drama film written and directed by Neil Burger and starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel and Rufus Sewell. It is based loosely on Steven Millhauser's short story, "Eisenheim the Illusionist". The film premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and opened the 2006 Seattle International Film Festival; it was distributed in limited release to theaters on August 18, 2006, and expanded nationwide on September 1.

Nominations

Best Cinematography — Dick Pope

Plot[]

When word of Eisenheim's astounding illusions reaches the powerful and pragmatic Crown Prince Leopold, the ruler attends one of the magician's shows in order to debunk Eisenheim during the performance. But when the Prince's intended, Sophie von Teschen, assists the magician onstage, Eisenheim and Sophie recognize each other from their childhoods—and a dormant love affair is rekindled. As the clandestine romance continues, Uhl is charged by Leopold to intensify his efforts to expose Eisenheim, even while the magician gains a devoted and vocal public following. With Uhl doggedly searching for the reasons and the man behind the trickery, Eisenheim prepares to execute his greatest illusion yet.