Speaking of old-school animation, the new trailer for The Illusionist serves as a perfect reminder of just how captivating the art form can be. Based on an unproduced screenplay by the great Jacques Tati and directed by Sylvain Chomet (The Triplettes of Belleville), even the film’s trailer transports viewers to a new world. And it looks much more fantastic and inspiring than this one.
There’s always something simultaneously heartbreaking, romantic and uplifting about watching people who strive (literally, in this case) for true magic in a world that is sadly lacking. The sublime way Chomet animates the down-and-out magician and his fat rabbit here only heightens all of these feelings, to the point where I was a bit sad when the trailer ended. Also, Chomet seems to get Tati’s deadpan and very French version of Charlie Chaplin-style humor just right.
If Tati’s other films like Playtime and Mr. Hulot’s Holiday are any indication, the film will likely contain almost zero dialogue. In this case, that means zero subtitles, so bring the kids.
VERDICT: Sold. With backup from Michelle Orange.
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