Magic Movies

I love magic movies, probably because I’ve always been a fan of illusions and prestidigitation. The following list details some of the best magic movies currently available on DVD and Blu-ray. Keep in mind that we’re talking stage magic such as that practiced by Penn & Teller, not the stuff that Harry Potter and pals are learning at Hogwarts.

The Prestige (2006) - Christopher Nolan directed this mystery/thriller that will keep you guessing until the final frames. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale star as London stage magicians who carry on a feud during the 19th century. As each seeks to outdo the other, they resort to more and more elaborate tricks, eventually leading to betrayal and murder. The supporting cast includes Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, and David Bowie.

The Illusionist (2006) - Edward Norton stars as Eisenheim, a magician based in Vienna during the late 1800s. Returning to his native land after many years abroad learning magic, he encounters Sophie (Jessica Biel), a young noblewoman set to marry the sinister Crown Prince (Rufus Sewell). It turns out that Eisenheim and Sophie were once in love despite their different social classes, and it’s not long before they rekindle their romance and try to find a way to escape the clutches of the devious royal. Paul Giamatti co-stars as the city’s Chief Inspector tasked with arresting Eisenheim at the beginning of the movie.

The Magician (1958) - A Swedish film directed by Ingmar Bergman, The Magician stars Max von Sydow as a wandering stage magician named Albert Vogler. Wanting to put on a series of public performances, he and his troupe are prevented from doing so by the local townspeople. It seems the locals have heard rumors regarding Vogler’s performances abroad, and they wish to examine his act before exposing the public. Many among them also want to dispel the notion that he practices real magic, leading to a battle of wits between the canny magician and the skeptical townsfolk. Also starring Ingrid Thulin and Gunnar Bjornstrand.

Death Defying Acts (2008) - Combined elements of romance and the supernatural, this overlooked film from 2008 stars Guy Pearce as Harry Houdini, the legendary real-life stage magician and escape artist. Long fascinated by the afterlife and devoted to exposing frauds, Houdini offers a $10,000 reward to anyone who can repeat his mother’s dying words to him. Catherine Zeta-Jones co-stars as a single mother and con artists who sets her sights on Houdini’s heart and pocketbook.

The Mad Magician (1954) - Vincent Price plays Gallico the Great, an aspiring stage magician whose latest invention is stolen by an unscrupulous stage manager. Gallico flips out over the incident, cutting off the man’s head and launching into a series of crimes and impersonations. Co-starring Eva Gabor and Mary Murphy, The Mad Magician would later become the first film broadcast on television in 3D.