The Illusionist (2010)

A French illusionist finds himself out of work and travels to Scotland, where he meets a young woman. Their ensuing adventure changes both their lives forever.

Director:

Sylvain Chomet

Writers:

Sylvain Chomet (adaptation), Jacques Tati (original screenplay)

Stars:

Jean-Claude Donda, Eilidh Rankin, Duncan MacNeil

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 7 wins & 33 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Jean-Claude Donda	...	The Illusionist / French Cinema Manager (voice)
Eilidh Rankin	...	Alice (voice)
Duncan MacNeil	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Raymond Mearns	...	Additional Voices (voice)
James T. Muir	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Tom Urie	...	Additional Voices (voice)
Paul Bandey	...	Additional Voices (voice)

Storyline

Details the story of a dying breed of stage entertainer whose thunder is being stolen by emerging rock stars. Forced to accept increasingly obscure assignments in fringe theaters, garden parties and bars, he meets a young fan who changes his life forever.

---

Plot Keywords:

very little dialogue | 1950s | scotland | hand drawn animation | traditional animation | 

---

Genres:

Animation | Drama | Fantasy

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and smoking

Did You Know?

Trivia

Setting of Tati's original script was Prague, but Sylvain Chomet moved it to Edinburgh, where he lives and has his animation studio.

---

Goofs

Taxis shown in London and Edinburgh are the Austin FX4 model, in common use from 1958 through to the early 21st Century. However, the design of the rear lights, a long oval, was not introduced until 1968. At the time of the film's setting the rear lights were small red units, and the direction indicators were on the roof of the car, and stuck out like 'ears'.

---

Crazy Credits

At the end of the final credits, there's a short bonus scene.

---

Connections

Referenced in AniMat's Crazy Cartoon Cast: Bambi Time in Jail (2018)

---

Soundtracks

My Girl Blue
Written & Composed by Malcolm Ross
Published by Django Films Ltd
Performed by Malcolm Ross, Iain Stoddart (as Ian Stoddart), and Leo Condie aka - "The Britoons"

User Reviews

Beautifully made but plot lacking colour.

When I went to go see this film at the Edinburgh Film Festival there was a big buzz surrounding it. People were enthralled that a movie would focus so much on the city, but did it do Edinburgh justice?

A few minutes into the movie Edinburgh comes into picture. Set in the 1950's we see a quiet and very quaint Edinburgh. It features heavily on many of the monuments still present today and I love the way we see the architecture unaffected by modern builds. It made me wish I lived back then. The 3D shot that encapsulates all of Edinburgh in one go, is mind-blowing.

However, as much as I loved seeing Edinburgh in the wonderful rich colours of detail, I was disappointed by the rather gloomy feel to the movie. Yes, it has its charming moments, especially with the merry, drunk Scotsman character, but much of the side plots and main plots I feel are a tad melancholy which in turn, sobered my experience of the film.

The little dialogue (mainly in French and Gaelic; I don't understand either) is pretty easy to follow, but during the end of the film I was left cold when I misunderstood small phrases. It did frustrate me a little, but it led me to interpret the film differently, giving an ambiguous feel to an overall very charming and impressive piece of animation.

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Pictures Classics [United States]

Country:

France UK USA

Language:

English French Scottish Gaelic

Release Date:

11 February 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Illusionist

Filming Locations:

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$17,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$38,594, 26 December 2010

Gross USA:

$2,231,474

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$6,007,194

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pathé, Django Films, Ciné B

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1