Shown: January 5, 2011 at 6pm
Director : Sylvain Chomet
Country : France
Release Date : 2010
Duration : 79 mins
Language : French, Gaelic and English
Subtitles : Yes
Magic tricks can’t compete with rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s, so a French illusionist finds himself touring Scotland’s shabby pubs and run-down restaurants. But things brighten for him when he meets Alice, a girl who believes his powers are real. Together they travel to Edinburgh for a performance, but he doesn’t have the heart to reveal that his feats are merely tricks, and risks financial ruin by giving her gifts supplied by his “magic.” Superb animated feature based on an unproduced script by Jacques Tati.
“An engrossing love letter to fans of adult animation, ‘The Illusionist’ offers a fine antidote to garish mainstream fare.” (Rotten Tomatoes website)