Filmaking in the Illusionist

I agree. There was a lot of warm lighting early in the movie that gave it a dreamy, mystical quality, in contrast to the scenes when he was conjuring the dead, the lighting had that stark bluish quality that you see in a lot of contemporaty horror movies that really played up his pallor and the shadows under his eyes. the interior lighting was very realisitic, unlike in other films where lighting a couple of candles or an oil latern illuminates an entire room.

It was nominated for an oscar for those effects...it lost though

You may take this as a trick.After watching the film,you'll probably ask,whether all that happening was just an Illusion or the real thing.

But whatever the case maybe,this totally had me hooked into the film.It had me hypnotized with its bizare atmosphere and mystery,it had me mesmerized with its strange forbidden Romance,it was gripping all the way despite many of the films shortcoming.

Norton really is the quintessential versatile actor of his generation and he proves he's no fluke.And a surprise is Giamatti,so comfortable with the accent and performance.And the great Rufus Swell is perfect in his part.The let down may well be Biel.Who is nothing of sorts.

A Visually arresting,Paradoxical thriller.Not a perfect film but it is intriguing enough to have you watching the whole film.