Watched this film for the first time tonight. I couldn't find a previous review so thought I would post one in case others have seen it it and wish to discuss.

I am not the best at film reviews but found this to be touching, deep and well conveyed... Oh you should note it has NO words, yes it's largely mime.

I haven't researched the original idea but have picked up it is based upon an old Jacque Tatti screenplay.

What came home to me watching this is the power of the visual image. A whole film conveyed with strong emotions, heart breaking scenes, a well played out story, yet no words. I've been to mime theatre and found the same to be true, but with my head firmly in the screenplay world I was trying to learn from these images, gestures, expressions and how they could be powerful in a screenplay.

I would love to see how this is written, but haven't found the screenplay on the net. I would guess it is written somewhat differently to how we try things here, but who knows. Fascinating to see.

Two final thoughts;

1) for those trying to write screenplays it must be useful to watch mime shows, films, shorts ( without words)to remind oneself of the visual essence.

2) just a thought for a future OWC. That, whatever the subject, the screenplay must have three pages of pure description at some point. I doubt this would be attractive to many, and could be dull, but it would be a challenge to create powerful, meaningful and connected visual images within the story. Something different, which is probably the aim of the OWC.

All the best.

Good call on mentioning this one.
I adored this bittersweet tale with a modicum of dialogue.

"Triplets of Belleville" was wonderful, but a bit too oddball at times, IMO.
This time around, the human condition gets a pure tale of storytelling.

The production is sumptuous, but never feels indulgent.
The soundtrack is a joy to the ears, I'd recommend picking it up.
It's wonderful inspiration to write while listening to the delicate melodies.

A bit pokey at times, but never dull or repetitive.
I wish it had down Best Animated Film at the last Oscars.

E.D.

Now, THERE is a good OWC idea.  A screenplay - completely in mime (or a very limited number of words.)  Talk about challenging our talents!

We did see the Illusioniste on the big screen when it first came out.  Beautiful, touching.  I think that ultimately, Phil liked it more than me.  But I certainly appreciated it for the artwork that it was.  It is interesting how the film got away with as little dialogue as possible - and was still completely understandable.  (Also, very not for children...considering that one of the characters almost hangs himself, and there's alcoholism as a side theme...)

I argued with Phil as to which should have won the Best Animated Film - Illusioniste or Toy Story.  Talk about apples and oranges.  Both beautifully crafted and well written...and completely different animals.  (While Phil wasn't half as impressed with Toy Story, the Barbie/Ken side jokes were laugh out loud funny.  And I actually cried when they headed towards the furnace and held hands.)  

But the Illusioniste.  It's beautifully done.  A class act.

The Illusioniste was produced in France and took place in Scotland.  The entire movie probably had less than 500 words of dialog and it was divided between French, Gaelic (?) and English.  Despite the fact I don't speak French or Gaelic, I knew what was going on the entire movie.  The visuals explained everything.  Everyone should see this.

Toy Story 3 sucked.


Phil

good to know. bb

Finally got round to seeing it.

Quite an amazing film. The plot is seemingly so thin, but it packs such a punch.

Unbearable in some ways being so close to the bone, but all the better for its realism.

Filled with an amazing amount of detail that all comes effortlessly together. It's funny that there's still films of this quality being made, yet few people ever really get to see them.

No one wants to see films with realism.  They want explosions and gunfire and helicopter chases through the Vatican.

The Illusionist was just a simple tale and it was so masterfully told.  I can't believe it lost to Toy Story 3.

Here's the trailer, btw:




Phil

Quoted from dogglebe The Illusionist was just a simple tale and it was so masterfully told.  I can't believe it lost to Toy Story 3. Phil

My inner kid had his fingers crossed when the Oscar winner was announced.
But, I wasn't surprised it went to Pixar.

The soundtrack is heavenly, check it out.

E.D.

There is a lot to reflect upon with this film. One aspect that has run around my head is the use of repeating an action. It has the potential to convey strong emotions. Hope this is not an old topic.

For example, a person dialling a telephone number, time and time again, could convey a handful of emotions, desperate, keen, obsessed, forced etc

With this film they use it in a beautiful way. The illusionist waits to go on stage whilst a young rock band perform. He waits, then prepares his stage act. As they finish, he starts to walk on stage, only for the audience to go crazy for the band, so they start again.  He backs off. He stops his act ( eg takes rabbit out of hat)  and waits again. This happens three times as the band are adored.

It's a powerful tool for illustrating how vulnerable he is, how times are passing him by, and how little control he has.  All by repeating the same act, no words. His journey after, is also understandable.

Just one of many, but a great reminder how a visual scene can work.

Lots to ponder.

PS I watched the trailer, above.  Not sure this worked for me. I felt it lost quite a lot, although it must me difficult to convey a real sense of the film.