The Magician (1958) Review in 2025
The Magician is a 1958 British drama film about a young magician named Fanny who becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a mysterious stranger and a magical artifact.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This film is not suitable for young children due to some mature themes and scenes.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is worth watching for fans of mystery and drama, but may not be suitable for young children due to some mature themes and scenes.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The film follows Fanny as she discovers the stranger's true identity and the dark secrets surrounding the magical artifact, leading to a thrilling conclusion that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a good balance of mystery and drama. However, it feels a bit predictable at times and could have benefited from a few more twists and turns.
acting7.00/10
The acting is generally good, with Michael Redgrave and Pamela Franklin delivering strong performances. However, some of the supporting actors feel a bit wooden at times, and could have benefited from a bit more training.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, but some of them feel a bit one-dimensional at times. Fanny is a particularly well-written character, but the supporting cast could have been fleshed out a bit more.
direction7.50/10
Guy Green does a great job of directing the film, using a good balance of close-ups and wide shots to create a sense of tension and atmosphere. The pacing is well-handled, and the film never feels slow or dull.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a good use of lighting and shadows to create a sense of mood and atmosphere. The black-and-white film stock is used to great effect, adding to the overall sense of drama and mystery.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Magician is a well-crafted film with a engaging story, good direction, and excellent cinematography. The performances are generally good, and the film has a good sense of atmosphere and mood.
Cons
The characters feel a bit one-dimensional at times, and the supporting cast could have been fleshed out a bit more. The film also feels a bit predictable at times, and could have benefited from a few more twists and turns.
Notable Quotes
"'The greatest magic of all is the magic of the human mind.'"
"'The truth is always hidden in plain sight.'"
