The Illusionist

Sylvain Chomet, 2010, 80min, DCP
In French, English, and Scottish Gaelic with English subtitles

A beautiful, animated tale, based on an unproduced screenplay by Jacques Tati, The Illusionist follows the adventures of an aging magician performing for dwindling crowds at a time when audiences are more likely to attend rock concerts than magic shows. Struggling to remain relevant, he leaves Paris to perform in increasingly obscure venues, soon encountering a young woman whose friendship offers respite from his disenchantment. The film evokes a warm nostalgia for fading traditions, acknowledging their impermanence while quietly affirming that magic can be found in many forms.