Death Defying Acts
2007 · Movie · PG · 97 min · ★ 6.0 · 45% critics
In 1926, a famous stage magician tours Britain while publicly challenging psychics to prove themselves. In Edinburgh, a struggling performer who claims spiritual powers sees a chance at a big reward, but their risky scheme turns complicated when real feelings and doubts about the afterlife start to blur the line between showmanship and belief.
Also known as Death Defying Acts: Houdini's Secret
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Details
- Years
- 2007
- Release date
- 2007-09-13
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 97 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 45/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.0/10 (279 votes)
About
You may enjoy this if you want a moody, old-fashioned romance with a light mystery angle and a famous showman at the center; Not for you if you expect a fast, twisty magician thriller like Little Buddha or As You Like It.
Pros: atmospheric period setting; intriguing Houdini premise; a few lively moments | Cons: slow, low tension; romance feels flat; uneven, unfocused story
Themes
- scotland
- escape artist
- clairvoyant
- woman director
- 1920s
- houdini
Awards & recognition
- AACTA Award — Best Production Design · 2008
- AACTA Award — Best Cinematography · 2008 · nominated
- AACTA Award — Best Actor in a Leading Role · 2008 · nominated
- AACTA Award — Best Production Design · 2008 · nominated
- AACTA Award — Best Costume Design · 2008 · nominated
Cast & crew
Catherine Zeta-Jones
as Mary McGarvie
Guy Pearce
as Harry Houdini
Timothy Spall
as Sugarman
Saoirse Ronan
as Benji McGarvie
Malcolm Shields
as Leith Romeo
Leni Harper
as Leith Romeo's wife
Ralph Riach
as Mr. Robertson
- OD
Olivia Darnley
as Flower Stall Seller
Anthony O'Donnell
as Oily Librarian
- BM
Billy McColl
as McTavish
Directed by Gillian Armstrong