Death Defying Acts

Review by Anthony Morris

The increasingly commonplace - at least at the movies - story of love between a beautiful woman and a mysterious old-time illusionist is given a welcome spark of insight in the latest film by Aussie director Gillian Armstrong (Oscar and Lucinda).

The year 1926, and Harry Houdini (Guy Pearce) is offering a $10,000 reward to any psychic who can deliver his mother's final words to him from beyond the grave. 

As the world-famous escape artist passes through Endiburgh on the final leg of his latest world tour, bogus music hall medium Mary McGarvie (Catherine Zeta-Jones) decides to try for the cash.

But while her daughter (Saoirse Ronan) and Houdini's manager (Timothy Spall) see the relationship as strictly monetary, Houdini and Mary are soon exerting an influence on each other that isn't so easily tallied.

This mix of fact and fiction never fully inhabits Houdini's life, merely skimming across the surface of this fascinating man's story (and let's not even start on the liberties it takes with actual events). Those looking for thrilling stunts and fun magic tricks should keep on walking: where this film succeeds (thanks largely to great performances from Pearce and Zeta-Jones) is as a look at two cynical people slowly allowing themselves to fall in love, even as those around them realise love is something they can't afford. 

It might not be a feel-good message, but for this story it does feel right.

3 out of 5

Death Defying Acts
Australian release: 14th February, 2008
Cast: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall
Director: Gillian Armstrong

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