‘The Illusionist’ an animation masterpiece

Director: Sylvain Chomet

Cast (Voices): Jean-Claude Donda, Edith Rankin

Cert: 12

A wonderful animated story about times passing and loneliness with a fascinating background in that it was penned, but never produced, by the great French screen icon Jacques Tati in the l950s, where animator Chomet sets his film.

Illusionist Tatischeff (Donda) is reduced to playing second-rate venues, when he can manage even that, since such ‘modern’ attractions as rock ‘n Roll are gathering in the audiences.

He does land a booking in a remote Scottish island where he meets a young girl (Rankin) who believes in him. Together they head for Edinburgh – quite stunningly captured in all its beauty and moods by Chomet – where, perhaps, life will change for the better.

If the plot ends up going nowhere in particular it hardly matters since the film is a masterpiece of atmospheric animation, heart, observation and emotion.

Star Rating: 4/5