New Acquisitions:
The Illusionist Director: Sylvain Chomet (2010) LD11-0844
Watch Trailer
Image Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
Sylvain Chomet’s second animated-feature follows an aging entertainer struggling to stay relevant in a world that has turned its back on the stage. It is a tale pulled off with such meticulous attention to detail and an evident love for the art of performing that it is impossible not to be moved. Travelling from France to Scotland the Illusionist avoids dialogue opting instead for emotive gestures, subtle mannerisms and revealing grunts and grumbles from a lovable cast all adding to the irresistible charm of the film.
Like his first animated feature The Triplets of Belleville, Sylvain Chomet’s The Illusionist celebrates the passion and dedication of entertainers who continue to perform even when their audiences have deserted them. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more compelling and heart-warming film, animated or otherwise.
Fraser Mckissack
Audiovisual Library