A beautiful movie with a tragically, realistic ending. *spoilers*
This movie so wonderfully captures harsh realities swept up in its surreal aesthetic. The juxtaposition of the breathtaking landscapes and luxurious lifestyles continually contrasted against the less than desirable reality of the Illusionist, further contrasted by his evocation of fantasy for Alice, produces a mirror effect. Through this, the audience is treated to both the illusion as well as the heartbreaking smoke and mirrors to maintain it (ie the Illusionist's other jobs to earn more money).
Some argue that the film draws to a depressing close, but for me, it simply had a realistic conclusion. As a North American constantly inundated with movies forcing fantasy endings, I relished in the more European mentality that sometimes things don't end beautifully, but that's okay--as demonstrated by the city lights turning off one-by-one, save for one glimmer of light at the end, which I took to represent hope. Though, of note is that hope here is illustrated as a small glimmer and more of a reward for coming to terms with reality, than as a guiding light.
Additionally, one must consider the title itself while considering the contents of the film. The protagonist spends nearly the entirety of the film putting on an illusion, but alas, is he the one being disillusioned himself? How long can he remain in a profession, that by the end of the movie, we are led to believe has lost its zeal and appeal for him? And was his revelation to Alice as bad as others have contended? My opinion is that he did Alice a favor by drawing aside the curtain and showing her "Magicians do not exist." So many Hollywood movies unwind like superficial parables with enchanting messages of shooting for the stars, chasing all of your dreams, and getting all your heart desires. The problem, of course, is the path they take to achieve these dreams are oft as unrealistic as the fulfillment of the dream itself. When you grow-up under a spell that you deserve every last wish you make, without being exhibited the hard work and reality put into earning you, you grow-up feeling entitled; a trait that one sees slowly emerging in Alice. She initially wanted those shoes, and eventually got them, same with the coat, and on & on, until she was the spitting image of the storefront mannequins which she so admired. However, wee see her sense of entitlement take a new turn when she attempts to purchase a pearl necklace but does not have enough money buy it. She looks bewildered at her male companion, but he merely shrugs and they leave--here we see the first seed of reality taking root.
Once more, the Illusionist is presented with the opportunity to disillusion yet again (as seen with the small girl on the train who drops her pencil). The audience awaits here at this pivotal fork to witness which path the protagonist selects. I'm certain at his moment, many would have desired another outcome, but for me, returning to the small girl her pencil, was giving her what was real, and ultimately refusing to contribute to the magic that the Illusionist himself no longer believed in. Following this, the movie cuts to Alice leaving the apartment with her new lover, walking in the rain, and against the crowd. This is demonstrative of the struggles of reality, but the companionship she has is her own glimmer of hope. The Illusionist was lonely and alone against reality, but he left Alice with the gift of reality and self-reliance, something she may depend upon if her romance unravels.
Furthermore, the way in which this movie presented the false fronts of the entertainment industry was heartbreaking and poignant. The suicidal clown, the alcoholic ventriloquist and the disheartened Illusionist all incited one melancholic question: If your job is to provide the entertainment and magic of the world, but you know the sadness and desolation that goes into producing it, is there any entertainment for you to enjoy, or magic left to believe in?