Illusion

Illusion is a 2004 independent romantic drama starring Kirk Douglas (post-stroke and currently his last dramatic role) and Michael Goorjian (who also wrote and directed the film).

Plot: In one fantastical night, dying filmmaker Donald (Douglas) is shown a series of films about his son, Christopher's (Goorjian) life.  A son that he has always refused to acknowledge.  Shown how this abandonment has affected Christopher, Donald sees a man whose lack of self-confidence gets him into a lot of serious trouble and keeps him away from the love of his life.  Will Donald be able to help his son or will it be too late...for the both of them?

My Take: Kirk Douglas, after his stroke, is still showing why he is one of the best actors of the past century.  This is a very angst-filled film, with a touch of fantasy intermingled. The parent-child dynamic in the film was well-done.  Can a father, who has been completely immersed in his career his whole life, learn to love the son he never knew by watching his life on film? Can a son find a way to get past the anger and hurt over this abandonment so that he can learn to live with love?  Another theme dealt with is destiny.  Are you just a victim of fate's purpose, or can you choose a path?  I definitely recommend it.

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