The Illusionist is a 2006 American romantic mystery film directed by Neil Burger, starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, and Jessica Biel. It is based on Steven Millhauser's short story 'Eisenheim the Illusionist' and is set in turn-of-the-century Vienna. The plot revolves around Eisenheim, a magician who rekindles a romance with a woman of higher social status, leading to a conflict with the monarchy and a persistent inspector.