A young boy, growing up in an old age home, has become obsessed with death. Living so close to those who are dying, he is intrigued with ghosts, the paranormal, and proving that there is life after death. He keeps a journal, and puts a tape recorder under the bed of anyone who looks like they might be leaving this world real soon. His parents are so busy struggling, trying to keep their business afloat that they have little time to notice his antics. He hates sharing his home with the elderly, especially when it means losing his own room, but since he must, it’s the perfect place to conduct his research.
Enter Michael Caine, as Clarence the magician. He is sent to Edward’s parent’s home by Social Services to replace the most recently departed, who’s death Edward has caught on tape. Edward, played by Bill Milner, was hoping to get his room back, but his parents need the additional rent, so Clarence now has the room. When Edward discovers that Clarence was once a magician, he ties to enlist him in his paranormal research and a bond between the two eventually forms.
The real magic in this film is the performance of Michael Caine. He brings his history with him so when we see the old, broken-down showman near the end of his life, we can still look into his eyes and see the great entertainer he once was. His melancholy, his grief, and his fits of rage are beautifully balanced with a touch of whimsy. This truly is a remarkable performance.
Rating: Second Run Too morbid for most, I found the story intriguing
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