The Illusionist

The Illusionist

Year: 2010

Runtime: 80 min

Language: English

Director: Sylvain Chomet

Animation

An aging illusionist finds his artistry fading and sets out to rediscover his passion. Along the way, he encounters Alice, a lively young girl who cherishes the wonder of childhood. Their unexpected connection sparks a journey of self-discovery, as they confront the challenges of growing up and the importance of embracing change. Through their bond, they bridge the differences between generations and find inspiration in the magic of life.

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Timeline – The Illusionist (2010)

Trace every key event in The Illusionist (2010) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Tatischeff's Struggles Begin

In 1959 Paris, Tatischeff, an illusionist and magician, is battling to find relevance in an evolving entertainment industry. The rise of rock and roll and television has left traditional performers wrestling with dwindling audiences and empty theaters.

1959 Paris
2

Departure to London

Desperate for better opportunities, Tatischeff decides to leave Paris for London. He hopes that the bustling city will provide him with a chance to regain his footing in the entertainment world.

London
3

Facing a Tough Crowd

Upon arriving in London, Tatischeff finds himself in front of a challenging audience. Following a rock band that captivates the crowd, he performs to an audience that is now reduced to just a few uninterested spectators.

London
4

Struggling in Smaller Venues

In search of a more appreciative audience, Tatischeff ventures into smaller venues, including cafes and private parties. The lack of interest from patrons continues to weigh heavily on him, with only a rowdy Scotsman seeming to take notice.

5

Invitation to a Pub in Scotland

The Scotsman invites Tatischeff to showcase his illusions at his pub in Scotland. To his surprise, the patrons engage enthusiastically with his magic, marking a rare moment of success in his career.

Scotland
6

Alice's Fascination

Among the pub's patrons is the Scotsman’s daughter, Alice, who becomes enchanted by Tatischeff’s magic. One day, while tidying up, she drops a bar of soap, which he magically transforms, igniting her belief in his extraordinary abilities.

Scotland
7

The Gift of Red Shoes

Noticing Alice's worn-out shoes, Tatischeff secretly buys her a pair of red shoes displayed at a shop. He surprises her with this thoughtful gift, leading to a moment of pure joy and reinforcing the bond between them.

Scotland
8

Alice Joins Tatischeff

As Tatischeff prepares to leave for the mainland, Alice surprises him by wanting to accompany him. They settle in Edinburgh, sharing a modest apartment with other performers, continuing to nurture their connection.

Edinburgh
9

Life in the Music Hall

Tatischeff secures a job at the local Music Hall in Edinburgh, performing while spending quality time with Alice. Their relationship strengthens, but underlying tensions loom as Alice begins to seek companionship elsewhere.

Edinburgh
10

Alice's New Companion

While Tatischeff is away, Alice finds herself drawn to a young man and starts to spend more time with him. This disturbs the bond she shares with Tatischeff as feelings of insecurity begin to surface.

Edinburgh
11

Tatischeff's Heartbreak

Returning home one night after drinking, Tatischeff discovers that Alice has left. Devastated, he feels compelled to wander into the mountains with his rabbit, as a symbolic gesture of letting go before departing and uncertain of his future.

Mountains
12

Alice's Discovery

When Alice returns to the apartment, she finds it empty. Tatischeff has left her a note stating, 'magicians do not exist,' along with some money, marking the end of their enchanting yet tumultuous relationship.

Edinburgh
13

Alice's New Journey

Taking her suitcase, Alice chooses to leave with her new companion, embracing a new chapter in her life. This signifies her departure from her past and the magical bond she once had with Tatischeff.

Edinburgh
14

Final Farewell

The film concludes with Tatischeff sharing a train compartment with a mother and her child, symbolizing a bittersweet farewell. The imagery of dimming city lights and a ventriloquist’s dummy in a shop window underscores the changing times he no longer fits into.

Train

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:49

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The Illusionist Summary

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The Illusionist Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Illusionist

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Illusionist

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