7 quotes
The Nature of Time and Perception
Eisenheim
I would like to continue with an examination of time. From the moment we enter this life, we are in the flow of it. We measure it and we mark it, but we cannot defy it. We cannot even speed it up or slow it down. Or can we ? Have we not each experienced the sensation… that a beautiful moment seemed to pass too quickly… and wished that we could make it linger ? Or felt time slow on a dull day… and wished that we could speed things up a bit ?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Exploring the Concept of the Soul
Eisenheim
I thought we might end this evening with a discussion of the soul. All of the greatest religions speak of the soul’s endurance beyond the end of life. So what then does it mean to die?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Encounter with Magic Sparks Transformation
Inspector Uhl
As a boy, I'm told, he had a chance encounter with a travelling magician. One version of the story was that the man himself vanished... along with the tree. People began to think he had some sort of special power... or at least that he was a bit different. And then he met her.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Forces of the Universe Unveiled
Fischer
Life and death. Space and time. Fate and chance. These are the forces of the universe. Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a man who has unlocked these mysteries. From the furthest corners of the world where the dark arts still hold sway he returns to us to demonstrate how nature’s laws may be bent. I give you Eisenheim.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Night of Enchantment and Debate
Crown Prince Leopold
Well done.
Eisenheim
Thank you for coming. I hope you enjoyed it.
Crown Prince Leopold
Oh, we more than enjoyed it. Stimulated great debate among us, hasn't it? Except of course for your assistant Duchess Von Teschen. You seem to have struck her quite speechless. A feat in itself. Did you hypnotize her?
Eisenheim
In a fashion.
Crown Prince Leopold
I'd like to learn that trick. Rainer here seems to think you have supernatural powers. Do you claim supernatural powers?
Eisenheim
I've never said anything of that kind.
Crown Prince Leopold
Then you won't mind a question or two?
Sophie
Now let's not ruin it.
Crown Prince Leopold
You needn't divulge anything I can't guess.
Eisenheim
As you wish.
Crown Prince Leopold
Your assistants are behind the mirrors somewhere, in robes obviously. Lights in the frame perhaps to illuminate them, or angled mirrors.
Eisenheim
That would be one way to do it.
Crown Prince Leopold
I think I understand it all except the ghost. That was very, very good.
Josef Fischer
Another viewing, perhaps?
Crown Prince Leopold
You must come to the Hofburg next time. We'll make an evening of it.
Eisenheim
That would be my pleasure.
Crown Prince Leopold
So be it. Sophie? And we'll gather our best minds next time. You'll really have a challenge then.
[motions to Sophie; leaves with Sophie, then turns]
Eisenheim
Then I shall prepare something special. Perhaps I'll make you disappear.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Addressing Unfinished Business
Crown Prince Leopold
You're late.
Chief Inspector Uhl
My apologies, your Highness. I was attending to loose ends of the case.
Crown Prince Leopold
Are there still loose ends?
Chief Inspector Uhl
Very few.
Crown Prince Leopold
Did he do it again? How does he do it?
[Uhl nods]
Chief Inspector Uhl
I'm afraid I still don't know.
Crown Prince Leopold
Did you ask him?
Chief Inspector Uhl
He's not talking at this point.
Crown Prince Leopold
Well, I'm sure you have methods for that kind of thing. I want you to put an end to it. Surely you have something on him. Something from his past?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Corruption and Accusation in The Illusionist
Eisenheim
Are you completely corrupt?
[angrily]
Chief Inspector Uhl
No, not completely, which is why I'll advise you not to accuse anyone.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.