First trailer out for Sylvain Chomet’s The Illusionist

There’s not that many 2D animated films out there in the theatrical release world, which is one of the reasons why I’ve been excited to hear more about Sylvain Chomet’s The Illusionist. Not only does it have absolutely gorgeous animation, but it has a nice story to boot that already looks promising from what’s shown in the trailer down below.

The story, written by Jacques Tati, details the tale of a dying breed of stage entertainer whose thunder is being stolen by emerging rock stars. Forced to accept increasingly obscure assignments in fringe theaters, garden parties and bars, he meets a young fan who changes his life forever.

Watching his performance to the excited villagers who are celebrating the arrival of electricity to their remote island, Alice becomes awestruck by our hero and believes his tricks are real magic. Following him to Edinburgh, she keeps his home while he goes to work in a small local theatre. Enchanted by her enthusiasm for his act, he rewards her with increasingly lavish gifts he has ‘conjured’ into existence. Desperate not to disappoint her, he cannot bring himself to reveal that magic does not exist and that buying these gifts is driving him to ruin.

But as Alice comes of age, she finds love and moves on. The Illusionist no longer has to pretend and, untangled from his own web of deceit, resumes his life as a travelling entertainer, a much wiser man.

The Illusionist will be making it’s way into the States later on this year under Sony Pictures Classic. Continue on to check out the first trailer (via Collider).: