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leoneangelica
Reviews
The Illusionist (2006)
A disappointment compared to 'The Prestige'
What a shame that two magic-related films were released at approximately the same time, and that this one came first in the US, deterring cinephiles from checking out Christopher Nolan's 'The Prestige,' a far superior film on all counts. Both films are mysteries dealing with a troubled magician and a dead woman in turn-of-the-century Europe, but the similarities stop there.
Too bad that the talents of Philip Glass were wasted on this film. The music was excellent, but the only other thing this film has going for it is the scenery. The plot is lame and unoriginal. The love story and characters are hardly developed to render them believable. The script is terrible. The accents are ridiculous. What are these people, British or Austrian? Or, like the messenger kid at the end of the film, American?
Not much could really be expected from Jessica Biel, but even Norton's acting was cringeworthy (notably during the scene where he pulls "Sophie" from the water). At least for his part, Giamatti made do with the lousy script, like he had to in 'Lady in the Water.'
The kids might appreciate the fairly elementary plot and simple language of 'The Illusionist' like they would be amazed by sleight-of-hand and card tricks. However, adults, don't bother with this film - get 'The Prestige' for a real magic show: a skillfully crafted, spectacularly entertaining mystery/thriller.
Les mots bleus (2005)
A haunting story atypical of French cinema; a gem
This film floored me. I sobbed throughout. There was something incredibly raw about it which triggered emotions inside which no other film has done. I caught this film at the cinema in France last year, and I can imagine that watching it depending on English subtitles to convey its sentiment would detract from your experience. The three main characters (the single mother of irrational, overblown emotions, the questionably mute daughter and her dedicated teacher) are confused and insecure, their haunting pasts preventing them from living fully. They don't fit in anywhere, but may fit in with each other.
For those of us who deal with characters like these, or ARE characters like these in everyday life, this film strikes a familiar chord which resonates deeply within and breaks up the balled-up frustration and sadness which resides deep within the psyche. The style of the cinematography and the lack of music combined with the excellent performances and script make this story and these people feel very real. To blow off the relationship which develops between the mother and the teacher as extraneous or unnecessary to the plot is a mistake; the high emotions ARE the plot and are expressed most effectively. Les Mots Bleus is a tearjerker in the purest sense of the word. Don't read into it or analyze it too much; let your emotions be controlled.