The Little Magician

Absolutely captivated by the film and its ingenious concept, I found The Little Magician to be a delightful cinematic experience. The journey into the world of magic and illusion is genuinely captivating. The film's merits far outweigh its limitations, resulting in an enjoyable and engaging viewing.

This is a black and white silent film by 14 year old high school student Tibet Aslan .The film's creative storytelling, and themes of magic, secrets and the consequences of seeking admiration are thought-provoking and can spark meaningful discussions among viewers of all ages.

I appreciated the inventive premise of a young magician's ascent and the suspense surrounding his hidden tricks. The film’s ambiguity hinders smooth comprehension, affecting the audience’s appreciation. The film's commitment to the silent era's authenticity adds charm. It challenges grasping plot intricacies and character emotions. Additionally, the black-and-white visuals evoke nostalgia.

The Little Magician showcases a unique blend of ingenuity and limitations in its cinematography. Filmed entirely with an iPhone, the camera work exudes a raw authenticity that reflects the director's resourcefulness. While the visuals pay homage to the silent film era. Close-ups capture the magician's emotions effectively, and select angles provide intriguing perspectives. I applaud the director's creative use of an iphone to create this film.  The strategic use of a stage for the magician's performance stands out as a well-executed choice, enhancing the film's immersive quality and anchoring the narrative within the storyline's context. The background music, featured tracks, and sound effects effectively evoke the ambiance of a 1920s movie. The music selection aligns well with the era, enhancing the story's development by immersing the audience in the time and adding emotional depth to critical moments. The careful sound curation enhances the viewing experience and contributes to the film's authenticity.
The characters in The Little Magician are intricately interwoven with the film's creative force, particularly Tibet Aslan, who directs, writes and produces the film and takes on the role of the key cast member. Tibet Aslan plays the part of the theater owner in the production. His dual role as the director and an actor adds an intriguing layer to the film, allowing for a unique perspective on character portrayal and story development. As the theater owner, Aslan's performance contributes to the narrative's tension and conflict, highlighting his versatility and creative involvement in the project. Behind the scenes, Tibet Aslan's multifaceted involvement shines with his directorial, writing, and acting roles. As the producer, his dedication is evident in crafting a visually engaging experience. Using a stage set for the magician's performance, overseen by the production designer, stands out as a clever choice, enhancing authenticity. Under Aslan's direction, the music complements the era flawlessly, elevating emotional resonance. The synergy among Aslan's roles and the team's strategic choices manifests exceptional dedication and creativity. My favorite part is the scene depicting the reading of the magician's contract for the theater. This humorous moment, masterfully executed, offers a delightful touch of comedy. The cleverness of the scene not only contributes to the film's overall tone but also showcases the director's ability to infuse lightheartedness into the storyline while maintaining its essence within the 1920s era.

The film beautifully captures the magic of secrets and the price of admiration. It reminds us that chasing fame without honesty can lead to loneliness and misjudgment.

I recommend it for ages 12 to 18. It would appeal particularly to anyone interested in the history of filmmaking, who can easily appreciate the homage to black and white films of the 1920s.

 

By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST! Film Festival.