Want To See Me Pull Le Lapin Out Of My Chapeau?

The Illusionist (2010)
Directed by Sylvain Chomet (Triplets of Belleville), we have a masterpiece of animated sleight of hand and heart based on a script by famed French director, Jacques Tati. Tatischeff is The Illusionist whom we meet performing his feats before motley groups of old ladies and children. He never makes it to the States and Ed Sullivan, although his skills are astounding. After he’s summarily replaced by an English rock and roll band (semi-reminiscent of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, etcetera) our “hero” travels to Scotland where his talents make a large and effective impression on a girl named Alice. The relationship is bittersweet and overlooks their lives like the moors outside of Edinburgh. There is very little dialogue or decipherable language used throughout the film. More is said in gestures and expressions than ongoing monologues and conversations. This is an animated dramedy about relationships. It’s not computer generated, but simple and elegant at the same time and deserves more than a quick look. Rating: Une, Deux, Trois Stars