THE ILLUSIONIST (2010)
SYLVAIN CHOMET
Plot
The Illusionist is one of a dying breed of stage entertainers. With emerging rock stars stealing his thunder in the late 1950s, he is forced to accept increasingly obscure assignments in fringe theatres, at garden parties and in bars and cafés. However, whilst performing in a village pub off the west coast of Scotland, he encounters Alice, an innocent young girl, who will change his life forever. It's a love letter for Sophie Tatischeff, the daughter of Jacques Tati. Hidden away in an archive as Film Tati #4, this un-produced script waited half a century before Sylvain Chomet, the critically acclaimed creator of Belleville Rendezvous, decided to have a bash at bringing the magic of Jacques Tati to life. The result is a marvel of understated comedy and delicate storytelling.