Sepia-toned does not a period flick make, but this one did use it well to set the tone. The illusions are well crafted, though you’d struggle to believe they weren’t CGI. The setting isn’t entirely convincing either, but the underlying story could be set in any century (which is a complement). Paul Giamatti is excellent in so many ways - his performance has just the right mix, and his character ultimately drives the story along. Ed Norton and Jessica Biel, despite being the leads, really don’t get lines or action, surprisingly - their characters are by and large almost static, introduced at the start of the movie and that’s more or less where they remain. Giamatti on the other hand moves along, going from innocent bystander to key protagonist, restrained subtext expressed carefully - he wants to be loyal to the prince, but he’s also fascinated by the Illusionist of the title and his awe-inspiring magic. Ultimately it’s him you’re cheering for - perhaps that is the intention after all? I’m not entirely certain, but The Police Chief of Vienna might not have been such a enticing title. ...

I have teh visa. So I am officially going next week. Yikes!

(spoiler free - I’d never do that to you!) Why is it that by the third of a trilogy, the producers feel like they have to stretch things out just that liiiiiiiitle bit more, as though to reward the loyal fans? They did it to The Matrix, with its umpteen final gasps, to Spiderman, with its unnecessary villains, to Lord of the Rings, which admittedly is more Tolkien’s story, to Star Wars (both times!)? Is it a way to “wrap up” somehow? ...

So. Some may have heard I’m off to London. Some may also be wondering why I haven’t packed and left yet, mainly to shut my yapping about it. (It seems every second conversation I have these days is about the place/my imminent visit). Indeed, I’ve already got my flight booked (June 9th) and a farewell of sorts organised (Drinks at the Argyle, Thu 7th), but the truth is… I’m still not sure when exactly I’m off. I’m waiting for my official visa (which consists of a residency permit and a work permit) to come back stamped from the embassy in Canberra, and that could arrive… on the 8th of June. ...

George Lucas is saying “Maybe prequels of prequels?”, with some suggesting it’ll be set around the establishment of the (first/Old) Republic. All I can say is “George, please hire a real script writer.”