There are two things in this world that make it truly worth living.
New Sylvain Chomet films, and the past work of one Jacques Tati. So, that is why, when talking about Chomet’s upcoming film, The Illusionist, I have to sit down and take it all in, because it’s very rare for me to be this anticipatory of a single piece of cinema.
For those who don’t know, the film basically follows a magician who has come on hard times in his career, until he meets a fan who livens up his life and career alike. The film is based off of an idea from the mind of the aforementioned French legend, Tati, and is directed by my personal favorite current animation director, Chomet, who launched on the scene with The Triplets Of Belleville, a true masterpiece of the form.
It looks utterly fantastic, and for those who may need a refresher of just what to expect, thanks to /Film we now have a brand new international trailer, showing the films lush animation style, and what looks to be one film that you cannot miss. Here’s the film’s full synopsis:
The Illusionist is one of a dying breed of stage entertainers. With emerging rock stars stealing his thunder, he is forced to accept increasingly obscure assignments in fringe theatres, at garden parties and in bars and cafés. However, whilst performing in a village pub off the west coast of Scotland, he encounters Alice, an innocent young girl, who will change his life forever.
Watching his performance to the excited villagers who are celebrating the arrival of electricity to their remote island, Alice becomes awestruck by our hero and believes his tricks are real magic. Following him to Edinburgh, she keeps his home while he goes to work in a small local theatre. Enchanted by her enthusiasm for his act, he rewards her with increasingly lavish gifts he has ‘conjured’ into existence. Desperate not to disappoint her, he cannot bring himself to reveal that magic does not exist and that buying these gifts is driving him to ruin.
But as Alice comes of age, she finds love and moves on. The Illusionist no longer has to pretend and, untangled from his own web of deceit, resumes his life as a travelling entertainer, a much wiser man.
Source: /Film
Joshua Brunsting
Born in Saugatuck, Michigan, Josh Brunsting has been a fan and lover of the medium that we call film since day one. Holding a degree in Journalism from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, Josh has now turned his love of any and everything related to film into what will hopefully one day become a career, culminating in complete world domination. Josh is currently a writer for GeeksOfDoom.com, and even has time to plan his wedding, have a job at a local Starbucks, and take care of a golden retriever named O’Malley.