The Illusionist Poster

The Illusionist 2006

★ 7.35,264 votes110 min📅 2006-08-18

"Nothing is what it seems"

Directed by Neil Burger, "The Illusionist (2006)" weaves a spellbinding tale of love, deception, and political intrigue set against the opulent backdrop of a fading empire.

Director: Neil Burger

Cast

Edward Norton
Edward Norton
Eisenheim
Paul Giamatti
Paul Giamatti
Inspector Uhl
Jessica Biel
Jessica Biel
Sophie
Rufus Sewell
Rufus Sewell
Crown Prince Leopold
Eddie Marsan
Eddie Marsan
Josef Fischer
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Young Eisenheim
Eleanor Tomlinson
Eleanor Tomlinson
Young Sophie
Jake Wood
Jake Wood
Jurka
Tom Fisher
Tom Fisher
Willigut
Karl Johnson
Karl Johnson
Doctor / Old Man

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Illusionist (2006) about?

The film follows Eisenheim, a gifted magician who uses his illusions to win the heart of a noblewoman, but his actions spark political unrest and attract the scrutiny of a determined inspector. As the stakes rise, his schemes blur the line between spectacle and real-world consequences.

Who directed The Illusionist?

Neil Burger directed The Illusionist, bringing his signature blend of atmospheric storytelling and sharp character drama to this visually stunning fantasy-thriller.

Who stars in The Illusionist?

The main cast includes Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell, and Eddie Marsan.

Is The Illusionist (2006) worth watching?

Absolutely—if you love period dramas with a touch of magic or psychological thrillers packed with intrigue, this film delivers. Neil Burger's direction and strong performances, especially from Norton and Giamatti, make it a compelling watch for fans of cerebral, visually rich cinema.

How long is The Illusionist?

The Illusionist (2006) has a runtime of 110 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

The Illusionist: A Tale of Magic and Deception — Full Movie Info (2006)

Directed by Neil Burger, "The Illusionist (2006)" weaves a spellbinding tale of love, deception, and political intrigue set against the opulent backdrop of a fading empire. Edward Norton stars as Eisenheim, a master illusionist whose dazzling performances hide a deeper obsession—winning the heart of a noblewoman (Jessica Biel) already promised to the crown prince (Rufus Sewell). As Eisenheim's illusions grow more daring, they inadvertently expose the corruption of the monarchy, drawing the attention of a relentless inspector (Paul Giamatti) determined to uncover the truth. Blending fantasy with sharp social commentary, the film explores themes of power, illusion versus reality, and the cost of obsession, all wrapped in an atmosphere of gothic grandeur and intrigue.

With its rich visuals and layered storytelling, "The Illusionist (2006)" unfolds like a timeless fable, where every trick and illusion serves as a metaphor for the fragility of truth in a world governed by lies. The chemistry between Norton and Biel crackles with tension, while Giamatti's inspector adds a layer of gritty realism to the proceedings. Fans of period dramas, psychological thrillers, and magical storytelling will find much to savor in this hypnotic cinematic experience.