Illusion

What a wonderful movie. I loved it so much that I never want to see it again, but I know that eventually I will pick this movie back up and watch it again. I know what you're thinking, She's crazy what's she talking about? What I am talking about is simply this, the movie made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me think all about the things that I did in life up until now. It made me think about those I left behind and or whom left me behind. It made me feel things that I did not want to feel, that I thought I had l gotten over. I do not think that I could handle watching this movie again, but I know eventually I will give it another watch or two, or three because it was that great. I loved it.

Are the highlights of our lives inscribed in a great "Book of Life?" What kind of impact do our actions (and inactions) have on others' lives? Can we redeem the past with good works in the present? Can a movie that takes on these deep questions be captivating, entertaining and inspiring … all at once? In his new film, Illusion, director/writer/co-star Michael Goorjian answers these questions with an emphatic yes! Illusion is a love story pairing Christopher Baines (Goorjian) with Isabelle (Karen Tucker) in a dance of thwarted intentions. But it's Christopher's father, Donald, played by the legendary Kirk Douglas in a luminous performance, who may hold the key to their future. Donald, on his deathbed, regrets having forgone love in his life for the sake of his career, his biggest regret being the abandonment of Christopher, his illegitimate son, 30 years earlier. With some "magical" help from Stan (Ron Marasco), a long- deceased favorite film editor, Donald is shown three films -- three visions -- each representing a different period of Christopher's life, each reflecting the impact of his abandonment. In a romantic homage to Capra's classic It's A Wonderful Life, Goorjian masterfully leads us through the yearnings, the dangers and pathos, and the possibilities for redemption that we all face. This is terrific storytelling, a drama of life, love and death, with a tone and texture that lead us all to question, how real and immutable is this life we lead, and how much of it is just a fable, a dream, an Illusion? A treat for heart and soul.

This film is wonderfully moving and beautifully crafted. Kirk Douglas's performance was near perfect as the hard-headed businessman producer, a man's man, who has an experience that penetrates to the depth of his vulnerabilities. The scenes between Douglas and Ron Marasco as Stan are wonderful with captivating and moving performances on both sides.

Writer/director Michael Goorjian was nicely understated in his role as Douglas's son and Karen Tucker was charming as Isabelle.

We need more of this type of film. It has an uplifting message that leaves one smiling. It could have easily become saccharine and sentimental but does not. It made me smile.

We saw it paired with the short, "The 100% Perfect Girl" by Greg Boudreau, a marvelous combination.

The concept of our lives somehow being recorded by some celestial camera and ready for viewing at Judgment Day is an old one. What distinguishes Illusion is that there is no judgment except the one in your own mind as life on this plane ends.

That's what is happening to legendary film director Kirk Douglas as his life ends. During some dream he's visited by the ghost of a former film editor passed away long ago. And they go to the movies and see a life of his estranged son played by film creator Michael Goorjian and his pursuit of the love of his life Karen Tucker.

In the end Douglas asks for a different ending to the film and some heavenly editing.

Illusions is an ambitious undertaking and while it doesn't totally succeed there's enough there for us to enjoy and appreciate life. God knows we all look back at things we might have done differently, would we could edit out portions of our lives. In fact I'm not sure of an autobiography exists where the author is 100% truthful.

Goorjian and Douglas give wonderful performances. And Kirk did come back to do one more. But I think in many ways this is an epitaph film for him.

I saw the screening of this movie at the 2005 Sarasota Film Festival. The sold out theater LOVED this movie! Acting/story/directing was top notch. Mr. Goorgian charmed the viewers during the Q & A session after the screening. The story moved quickly and we couldn't wait to see the outcome. Mr. Douglas was excellent, but Mr. Goorjian stole the show with his acting. He stated that this film has strengthened the already solid bond between himself and his own father. "The best film of the Festival"...."It brought tears to my eyes"....."Excellent"....were some of the comments from film viewers. Every father and son should go see this movie.