Four years of struggle have finally paid off for Jessica Biel. Since the end of her stint as Mary Camden on the long-running family TV series "7th Heaven," Biel has thrown herself with gusto into film roles that would ideally shed her goody-two-shoes image — case in point: "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "Blade: Trinity" and "Stealth." But it's her latest role as the enchanting Sophie von Teschen in "The Illusionist" that solidifies Biel's place in Hollywood as a talented, maturing actress.
Eloquently directed by Neil Burger ("Interview with the Assassin"), "The Illusionist" is set in 1900 Vienna. Adapted from the short story by Steven Millhauser, the film follows stage magician Eisenheim (Edward Norton, "Down in the Valley"), a mysterious man with what appears to be the ability to control space and time. After attending a sold-out show, ruthless and scheming Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell, "Tristan + Isolde") fears the magician plans to use his uncanny talent to have him overthrown and orders astute Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti, "Lady in the Water") to shut him down.
When Sophie is offered as a volunteer for one of Eisenheim's acts, the pair recognizes each other from a long-dormant childhood romance in a moment of understated intensity. What follows proves to be Eisenheim's greatest illusion and a battle of cunning against the inspector and the prince to regain his lost love.
Biel is at her most elegant as Sophie, a sheltered highborn lady engaged to the arrogant Crown Prince. When she makes the fatal decision to leave him for Eisenheim, the story has only begun. What is real and what is an illusion become as hazy as the well-crafted cinematography, and the show is destined to delight even the most unbelieving audiences.
Norton gives a stunning performance as the intense magician, and his every move appears calculated and careful. Norton brings a thoughtfulness to Eisenheim's gazes that provokes and mystifies. Equally notable is Giamatti's portrayal of the lowly inspector who brings his struggles and ambitions to life. Uhl attempts to uncover Eisenheim's secrets while conflicted by his admiration of the magician's talent, real or staged. When the two actors share the screen, each scene unfolds with a cleverness deserving of reward.
Sewell also contributes a stand-out performance, completing the part of Leopold with his deep, penetrating eyes and a frighteningly quick temper. It is hard at times to know whether to trust the prince or not, only adding to the mystery of the plot.
Acting alongside an all-male leading cast, Biel is poised and confident in her role. Her part in "The Illusionist" is a more mature turn than her most recent endeavors — like flying a fighter jet or vampire hunting — and she embraces the change with grace. Biel successfully manages to command her character as a duchess in a way that implies intelligence beneath the surface with an irresistible charm. Even her take at a Viennese accent is mostly believable.
Also impressive in "The Illusionist" is its dramatically beautiful imagery. Filmed in sepia, each scene appears as theatrical and engaging as a magician's tricks on the stage. The tricks could easily have come across as silly and dull once transferred to the big screen, but the expert camera work has created illusions that are spectacular. When Eisenheim makes an orange tree grow in a matter of seconds and causes ghosts to walk and talk across the stage, he gains a following of avid supporters who believe he is more than a simple conjurer of stage tricks.
Complete with excellent acting and a thoroughly engaging story, "The Illusionist" does just what a movie and a magician ought to: entertain. Smokey scenes and mysteries are almost as common as impressive mustaches in this enjoyable story. With her part, Biel is sure to be chosen for more successful roles in the future. It is a well-made, pleasurable and satisfying film, most definitely deserving of a second go-around.
Grade: 5 out of 5
