Film by Sylvain Chomet 

Original screenplay by Jacques Tati

CERT PG​

The Illusionist (2010) is a poignant, French-British animated comedy-drama directed by Sylvain Chomet, based on an unproduced 1956 script by legendary filmmaker Jacques Tati.

Set in the 1950s, the story follows an aging stage magician whose vaudeville act is eclipsed by rock and roll, prompting him to travel to Scotland, where he bonds with an innocent young woman who believes his sleight-of-hand is real magic. The film highlights the struggles of a bygone era, with the protagonist touring increasingly shabby pubs and struggling to make ends meet. To preserve the young woman's belief that he is a genuine magician, he works menial jobs to secretly buy her lavish gifts. The critically acclaimed film is known for its beautiful, melancholic atmosphere, gentle humor, and stunningly nostalgic visual depictions of Edinburgh.

(Duration 78 mins)