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.

Sylvain Chomet, 2010, 80min, DCP

In French, English, and Scottish Gaelic with English subtitles

Cinema at L’Alliance New York is made possible by the generous support of BNP Paribas and Air France.

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