Project Detail

The Illusionist

Synopsis

The Illusionist is one of a dying breed of music hall entertainers. With emerging rock and roll bands stealing his thunder, he is forced to accept increasingly obscure assignments in fringe theatres, at garden parties and in bars and cafes. Whilst performing in a village pub off the west coast of Scotland, his path is crossed by Alice, a naive young girl, who will change his life forever.

Watching his performance to the excited villagers who are celebrating the arrival of electricity to their remote island, Alice becomes awestruck by the Illusionist and believes his tricks are real magic. Following him to Edinburgh, she keeps his home while he goes to work in a small local theatre. Enchanted by her enthusiasm for his act, he rewards her with increasingly lavish gifts he has 'conjured' into existence. Desperate not to disappoint her, he cannot bring himself to reveal that magic does not exist but buying these gifts is driving him to ruin.

Alice comes of age, she finds love and moves on. The Illusionist no longer has to pretend and, untangled from his own web of deceit, resumes his life as a travelling entertainer, a much wiser man.

Details

Year: 2009
Type of project: Features
Running time: 83 mins
Format: 35mm
Director: Sylvain Chomet
Producer: Philippe Carcassonne, Jake Eberts
Co-Producer: Philippe Carcassonne, Jake Eberts
Screenwriter: Jacques Tati, adapted by Sylvain Chomet
Production Designer: Bjarne Hansen

Genre

Drama

Production Status

Complete

Production Company

Django Films Illusionist Ltd

Django Films
12/196 Rose Street
Edinburgh
EH2 4AT
UK

T +44 (0)1312 267 324

Sales Company

Pathe International

Kent House
14-17 Market Place
London
W1W 8AR
UK

T +44 (0)20 7323 5151

www.patheinternational.com

Page updates

This page was last updated on 12th May 2025. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.

Suggest amendments

A rescue dummy gets forgotten at the bottom of a swimming pool. Behind his single expression, a whirlwind of emotions flood his plastic carcass as he fantasies about being picked up and brought to the surface in the strong and reassuring arms of a swimmer. Official Selection London Short Film Festival 2026

Fantasy Romance

Shall We Meet Tonight

Director: Wapah Ezeigwe

Year: 2025

The film narrates the complex journey of a young woman as she is promised in an arranged marriage to a wealthy aristocrat. As she navigates this new social landscape, she unexpectedly finds herself drawn towards another woman from her town. This secret affection creates a conflict within her, torn between fulfilling her marital duties and following her heart. Through its poignant portrayal of love in the face of societal expectations, the movie explores themes of identity, independence, and the struggle for authentic connection amidst tradition-bound constraints. As the protagonist grapples with these competing forces in her life, viewers are drawn into a captivating tale of self-discovery and the courage to embrace one's own desires. Official Selection BFI Flare LGBTQIA+ Film Festival 2025

LGBTQIA+ Romance

Odd Socks

Director: David Ledger