Houdini: The Motion Picture
| Houdini: The Motion Picture | |
|---|---|
 A movie poster | |
| Directed by | Phil Stevens |
| Produced by | Phil Stevens |
| Screenplay by | George Barcelona |
| Based on | Life of Harry Houdini |
| Starring |
|
| Music by | Sony Music |
| Cinematography | John Georias |
| Edited by | Sony Pictures Preservation Section |
Production company | Sony Pictures Studios |
| Distributed by | Sony Pictures Television |
Release date |
|
Running time | 200 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $29 million |
| Box office | TBA |
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Houdini is an upcoming 2021 American motion picture film produced by Phil Stevens. It was written by Steven Spielberg and is based on the life of great escape artist Harry Houdini. The film follows Houdini throughout his lifetime, examining his career, legacy, childhood and love life using new clues discovered in his archives.
Films on Houdini date back to the 1950s, but this film, having been kept in extreme secrecy, attempts to shed new, unprecedented light on the life of Houdini. The film incorporates rare archival footage in a way that fits into a movie-style format. Spielberg wanted to maintain the whole motion picture aspect but include some vintage material as well.
Houdini: The Motion Picture is set to premiere in New York on August 27, 2021 as a late competitor for one of the 2021 summer blockbuster films. Critics have so far given the released material high marks.
Plot[edit]
Nine year old Harry Houdini is living with his parents in Budapest, Hungary in 1900. Harry is sneaking a peek at some vaudeville performers and becomes obsessed with the act. His attempts to practice go noticed, and He slowly gathers attention in the next years. He tours around, escaping in dire situations. Harry has recurring premonitions that show flashbacks of the restored archival footage. At the end, Harry's killer (the bad guy) punches him as he was reclining, leading him to die several days after. The final shot of the film shows his grave, resting in the abandoned graveyard, in the rain.
Sony's Description read: “For the first time, the public is gaining full, unprecedented access to the minds of one of history’s greatest artists. Houdini: The Motion Picture combines the powers of digitally restored footage that molds together perfectly with the professional acting of 90 seasoned actors and actresses, making this the well-named 2021 summer blockbuster.” (Released May 2021)
Cast[edit]
- Harry Houdini
- Bess Houdini
- Rabbi Mayer Sámuel Weisz (father)
- Cecília Steiner (mother)
- Jocelyn Gordon Whitehead (killer)
Production[edit]
Houdini was delayed from production in April 2020 due to the pandemic, but filming commenced in July. Phil Stevens, having just completed The Barraclough Series, was issued to produce the movie, with his extensive knowledge of film. Production broke in November for the winter and the second lock down, but resumed in February. Filming wrapped in May 2021. Two trailer were released, the first was a preview, the next was a sneak peek.
Awards[edit]
Houdini was issued the title of the #1 Summer Blockbuster for 2021, due to its strong cast, dramatic moments, use of archival footage and great reception.
| Category | Subject | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Blockbuster | Movie | Won |
| Best Acting | Cast | Won |
| Best preservation of footage | Film | Nominated |
