It is 1926, and the world-famous illusionist Harry Houdini (Guy Pearce) is on a world tour. Houdini has missed the dying moments of his mother and is paying $10,000 to anyone who can tell him his mother's last words. When Houdini reaches...
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It is 1926, and the world-famous illusionist Harry Houdini (Guy Pearce) is on a world tour. Houdini has missed the dying moments of his mother and is paying $10,000 to anyone who can tell him his mother's last words. When Houdini reaches Edinburgh he meets the deceptive 'psychic' Mary McGarvie (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and her young daughter Benji (Saoirse Ronan) who are determined to earn the reward. But as the story goes on the relationships become more complex which proves a problem... Pearce's portrayal of Houdini is truly outstounding in this film, as well as looking the part his versatility makes his acting natural and believable. Houdini's relationship with Mary is intense and full of chemistry giving the film a different feel than is expected. Gillian Armstrong (director) has based the film surprisingly around the Houdini - McGarvie relationship instead of Houdini's acts which is a very bold move but I think that it pulls off and makes the film that much different and better. Zeta-Jones delivers a very good performance as the mysterious McGarvie and her romance with Houdini is compelling as the main focus of the film. As she has already proved in Atonement, Saoirse Ronan is a startlingly good actor and her performance in Death Defying Acts is no less developed. Overall it is a visually stunning film with good relationships, intensity and amazing actors. I loved this film, 4 and a half out of five.

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