#2. The Illusionist
Director: Sylvain Chomet
Writer(s): Chomet and the late Jacques Tati
Producers: Bob Last (exec-producer The House of Mirth)
Distributor: Rights Available.
The Gist: This is based on "a dying breed of stage entertainer whose thunder is being stolen by emerging rock stars. Forced to accept increasingly obscure assignments in fringe theaters, garden parties and bars, he meets a young fan who changes his life forever.” Themes deal with aging and disillusionment.
Fact: This is based on an unproduced screenplay by the late Jacques Tati.
Why is it on the list?: I was charmed by Chomet's work in Triplets of Belleville and I'm even more charmed by the world that Tati created. Mon Oncle is easily in my top 100 films of all time.
Release Date/Status?: The over 20 million dollar project should receive a nice competition slot in Venice with Pathe selling world rights in all territories. I expect a 2009 festival showing, but it might not be ready for the general public until 2010 - it will need a well planned campaign.
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Comments
Posted by Zack Wilks on 2009-07-19 at 08:48:49
The Illusionist sounds like it was a very personal story that Jacq Tati wrote to his daughter. Be interesting to see how Chomet has chosen to tackle these issues. Belleville was beautifully drawn but very shallow. Tati in his day lead the way Chomet by contrast primary draws upon nostalga. Borrowing ideas is not the same as innovating.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Illusionist_(2009_film)
Posted by andre meile on 2009-07-31 at 18:19:01
Seems The Illusionist has failed to be finnished for Venice.
http://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/festival/lineup/
Posted by sam peters on 2009-10-22 at 18:29:19
Is this movie ever comming out or has it been canned?
Posted by G on 2009-12-01 at 13:57:55
It hasn't been canned ... it's merely run past its expected deadline. It's in post-production currently.