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.

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Plot Keywords:

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

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Genres:

Animation | Drama | Family | Fantasy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and smoking

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Jacques tries to hide from the girl, he ends up in a theater, The Cameo, where Mon Oncle (1958) by Jacques Tati is shown. "L'illusionniste"'s script was first written by Tati, whose figure and character was taken to create the main character Jacques Tatischeff (Tati's original name).

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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'.

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Crazy Credits

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

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Connections

Referenced in Estrenos Críticos: Capitán Trueno (2011)

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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

a different experience

Sylvain Choment's latest film adapts a script by Jacques Tati. The film's unique style is only being shown in forty cinemas across the UK, its box office status falling behind the animated Pixar hit Toy Story 3.

Those who are followers of Tati's work or loved Belleville Rendez-vous will inevitably be drawn to such as personal piece. As will those seeking out a different experience from Disney, Pixar and even Studio Ghibli animation. This film, however, may confuse or bore those who are looking for the usual Hollywood narrative. It is a shame the detail of this touching story will be overlooked by so many. KH

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Pictures Classics [United States]

Country:

France UK

Language:

English French Scottish Gaelic

Release Date:

11 February 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Illusionisten

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