7. The Illusionist (2010)
Critically acclaimed French film The Illusionist is an unusual, melancholy movie complete with beautifully hand drawn illustrations. The film tells the story of a failing French illusionist who, upon finding his career in Paris has dried up, travels to a remote Scottish island in the 1950s. Here he encounters Alice, a young girl who seems to believe the illusionist is truly a magician and who follows him to his next destination, Edinburgh. In the city, he attempts to rejuvenate his career, while she attempts to adjust to the new city lifestyle. The Illusionist is directed by celebrated director Sylvain Chomet and based on a 1950s-written, previously unfilmed script by Jacques Tati, the iconic French actor-director. The meaning of this somewhat unusual story is contentious; it is said that Tati wrote the original script as a love letter to his estranged daughter. Chomet has stated the film is about 'the irrevocable passing of time': the illusionist is forced to adapt to the fact that pop bands are becoming increasingly popular just as his illusionist act is becoming increasingly outdated. Arguably the movie is best enjoyed for its exquisite animation; Chomets Edinburgh is one in which the city's spires tower above winding cobbled streets and are set against a fairy-tale backdrop of mountains and sea. Wistful, striking and sentimental, the animation is in perfect sync with the tone of the film. Ultimately, for lovers of animated films and those wishing to see a stunning depiction of Edinburgh on film, The Illusionist is a treat.