“The Illusionist” is a short story by Steven Millhauser, which was adapted into a film directed by Neil Burger in 2008, both set in Vienna. The plot of the story revolves around Eisenheim and his relationship with the state, which is still present in the film. Eisenheim's illusions also cause him some trouble; in the story the cause of the problem is an illusion, which produces two spirits named Rosa, Elis, and a boy who appears to be no more than eight years old. In the film adaptation, the final straw that pushes the crown prince to finally pursue Eisenheim's persecution is the illusion that, once again, a spirit is produced, which turns out to be his dead fiancée. Due to Inspector Uhl's growing obsession with Eisenheim, in the film and in the story, the confusion between what is reality and what is its illusion is further ignited. Uhl's obsession with Eisenheim and his illusions helps cloud the reality around him. In the short story, the narration seems to be as if a friend is telling you a story, as the narrator has no real affiliation with the story, whereas in the adaptation, the narrator is clearly Inspector Uhl, as the end of the tale is the beginning of the film. In the adaptation Inspector Uhl is seen shortly thereafter going to the Crown Prince's office and explaining the situation and the failure to formally place Eisenheim into custody. The crown prince, of course, is furious and accuses Inspector Uhl of being inadequate. Inspector Uhl, in turn, overturns the charges as he now has enough evidence to arrest the Crown Prince for killing his fiancée, Sofie. Sofie, one of the new characters introduced by Neil Burger, was not introduced by Steven M...... middle of paper ...... during an intense battle between the two. The battle in the adaptation is strongest between the crown prince and Eisenheim, which ends fatally for one of them. Because of Eisenheim's web of lies, skill and cunning - in the film adaptation - and Inspector Uhl's eagerness to learn from him, Uhl becomes deeply enmeshed in Eisenheim's illusions and the master's illusion. Even though Uhl is ultimately rewarded with the secrets of the orange illusion and a great sense of wonder from the main illusion, the audience can't help but feel like themselves and Inspector Uhl have been manipulated. Whether it is the short story or the film adaptation, nothing is what it seems, reality and illusion are significantly distorted. Works CitedBurger, Neil. “The illusionist”. 2006. Film. April 2014.Millhauser, Steven. "Eisenheim the Illusionist." Unknown. Network. April 2014.