Hello dear readers (all three of you). I have returned from the netherworld in which we call reality. I am hear to give you a review of the darling of the animation world, The Illusionist. I have heard plenty of good reviews, and some bad reviews. I decided to check it out myself. I went to the only theatre in Seattle that was showing it, paid my fare, and went in. I have to say this: I LOVED it!
This movie was magic to me. It has reaffirmed my love for animation, and given me new hope for the medium.
Synopsis: An aging magician is at the end of his career. Constantly playing smaller and smaller venues, he plays at a pub in rural Scotland. There he meets a young girl, who is astonished by his illusions as he bestows gifts to her. She joins him as he travels to Edinburgh, where he takes up more and more menial jobs just to support the girl's illusions.
Okay, to start off, the animation and visual style of this movie are wonderful. It is only once or twice that the animation dropped in quality, becoming very choppy and TV-like. I chalk that up to the film's status as a foreign co-production. It's hard to keep track of quality when so many animation studios are involved. However, these are minute quibbles. For the most part, the animation was astounding. While it was not overly cartoony, it does convey the emotion and attitudes of the character. Each one had their own way of walking, body language that gave them an individual identity. That is always a plus for me.
This has led me to a greater understanding of animation. I think I am truly beginning to understand the use of caricature in the artform. Caricature allows the artists to get at the heart of a character's psyche. Perhaps that is why many animated films are done with a more simplified storyline. It allows the animators to utilize that tool to express characterization. That kind of simplicity truly works for this film. It is not overtly complex in its plot, but it doesn't need to be. It's about the characters and the world they live in.
I will say at first that the movie started out a little rocky. It was beautiful to look at, but just didn't grab me as I wanted it to. As soon the girl Alice was introduced to us, I began to get more into it. It added that humanity and warmth that I needed. As the film went on, I became more and more entranced and involved in this world. Everything felt real to me. Not a single thing rang false, and that is one of the greatest achievements a movie can make. That, and I felt like I was in an adult world, not Hollywood adult, but almost like the real world. It wasn't physically real, but the emotion was real, and that is the important part in my book.
One of the complaints drawn up against the film is that the relationship between Alice and Tatischeff is creepy and inappropriate. I didn't see it like that. call me naive, but I felt it was more like a grandparent relationship. It reminded me of William Hartnell and Carole Ann Ford's onscreen relationship in the early Doctor Who. It was completely platonic.
To sum up, this film is one of the best animated films I've seen. I will say it is one of the best films of the past year. It is a testament to the power of animation to tell a wonderful story. There is still magic out there. I've seen it up on the screen. Do yourself a favor and check this film out. You will be rewarded.
Until Next Time
11 comments:
Great review! You always see so much more in movies than I do. I wish I could have seen this with you.
It's a shame that they're not showing this film anywhere where I live. The still frames look amazing, in my opinion. Hopefully, there will be a DVD release of it in the future.
Glad you're blogging again, Eric. Can't wait to see what you'll post next.
I saw the Illusionist at the Harvard Exit too! It sure was bliss. Not only that until Feb 3rd the NW Film Forum is playing Tati's "My Uncle" (Mon Oncle). I saw it today, highly recommended if you want another another treat!
Excellent review, Eric. Your analysis is brilliant and it really makes me want to see it. Although, unfortunately where I live also isn't showing the film. Darn!
Well done, Eric. At least traditional animation isn't dead - and I don't want it to be dead.
Great review. Looking forward to seeing the film.
Good review. I have been waiting for this film ever since it was announced.
Thanks to everybody for commenting. It really helps to inspire me.
The movie is a gem, and I'm glad you saw the same film I did. I'm so disappointed when animators turn against this film, especially younger animators. The film is rich in strong character animation and development. The two animators who teamed to do Tatischeff ought to be very proud of themselves.
Thank you; a nice review. I'm so pleased it got a nomination for the Oscar. It won't win but it has to be there.
Nice review. I agree that the notes about the relationship having a "creep" factor are in the eye of the beholder--I didn't see it at all.
Also: some have suggested that it's a slap against women that the girl callously takes him for granted: again, not my interpretation. To me it was the callowness of the young toward their guardians/parents: something that really happens in both genders.
I am awaiting my DVD copy and very much looking forward to it.
Delighted to have discovered your blog – by following your comment on Steven Hartley's blog. So many things of interest on the just the very first page! I will back!! And I'll add Weirdo's Corner to my blog-roll...
Eric - Here I am commenting after following a comment you made on Brian's post about Jabberwocky! I can't wait to see THE ILLUSIONIST and your post made me even more excited about it! I was initially drawn to it because I love Jacques Tati (Mr. Hulot - the French version of Mr. Bean!)
Good luck in all your endeavors. My son is studying stop-motion animation at CalArts - he loved THE ILLUSTIONIST, too. I'll send him your post.
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