Edinburgh International FILM FESTIVAL
‘I’m a big fan of Tati,’ Chomet says, ‘and Sophie thought there were a lot of common points between my animation style and her father’s universe. Unfortunately, she died before I had a chance to meet her, but when I went to Cannes [for Belleville’s world premiere] I read the script she had passed on to me through her will. I was reading the script on the train and I was completely surprised by the beauty and emotion of it. But Tati said that the film was too serious for him – he was aware of his reputation as a comedian. The character in the film was himself, not [his comic alter-ego] Monsieur Hulot. He was quite a shy person, so maybe the film was too close to himself.’ ‘I HAD FALLEN IN LOVE WITH EDINBURGH AT THE FILM FESTIVAL’
Chomet’s animated reinvention of Tati is uncannily accurate, from his perpetual toppling-over gait to his comically haughty expression. In fact, The Illusionist is full of well-realised characters, from the little girl from Iona to the wicked white rabbit, yes rabbit, that the magician pulls out of his hat, each of which benefit from a distinction and depth of character rarely seen in animation. Similarly, Chomet eschewed frantic editing and action-oriented sequences for the sort of static, widescreen long takes not normally used in animation. The result is that, while the old school 2D animation style (think classic 60s Disney: The Aristocats, 101 Dalmatians) is very ‘cartoony’ looking, the feel of the film is authentic, mature and cinematic. ‘The script didn’t follow the basic rules of animation as it really was squarely aimed at adults,’ Chomet says. ‘So the challenge was to make a grown- up cartoon that is equally appealing to kids.’ It goes without saying that Chomet is delighted to be premiering The Illusionist in Edinburgh. But the animator is doubly delighted that the gala screening will be held at the newly fitted for film screenings Festival Theatre. ‘You know the story about this theatre?’ Chomet asks. ‘No? Well, in 1911 it was called The Empire and one of the biggest entertainers in the world, a magician named The Great Lafayette, was killed there when the stage caught on fire during his act “The Lion’s Bride”. His ghost supposedly haunts the theatre,’ Chomet says, laughing in disbelief at the remarkable coincidence. ‘It is bizarre.’
It’s also magic from beyond the grave, appropriately enough.
The Illusionist, Festival Theatre, Wed 16 Jun. Making of The Illusionist with Sylvain Chomet, Cineworld, Thu 17 Jun, 6.15pm. 10–24 Jun 2010 THE LIST 23