Sylvain Chomet brings a never filmed Jaques Tati screenplay (written as an ode to the French comedic legends own daughter) to life, in this magnificent and utterly brilliant film about a threadbare magician who adopts a homeless girl named Alice, after she stows away to follow him after being awed by his act.
Alice idolizes THE ILLUSIONIST and he in return deeply loves her as the daughter he never had, bestowing gifts upon her, becoming a doting and adoring father figure.
THE ILLUSIONIST is also incredibly realistic and pragmatic in it's portrayal of this love, and as Alice grows into a woman, like all parents, the aging performer must eventually let her grow into her own being, and all that comes with that.
Told without dialog, much like Chomet's previous film THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE, you will have to remind yourself there are no outright "voices' to be heard, the characters actions and the profound emotion the animators imbue the characters with say it all. THE ILLUSIONIST is masterful story telling, and one of the most heartfelt and beautiful pieces of cinema I have ever seen. Profound. Essential. Incredible. Perfect.
Rating: 5 out of 5
~Sean Smithson
GREAT film!
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