The Illusionist--- any explanations on how it all worked out?

Answer 1

The ending of this film was vaguely reminiscent of the end of "The Usual Suspect," where the detective finally REALIZES that he's been set up the whole time, and we (along with him) go racing back through a series of flashbacks.

Think of it this way (and, mind you, I'm going to have to see "The Illusionist" at least a few more times before I'm real solid on this): from the moment that Sophie tells Eisenheim that they can't run away together because the jealous Crown Prince would hunt them down "...as long as he lives," EVERYTHING else that Eisenheim does is a plot to bring about Leopold's death and to escape with Sophie. Everything.

I don't want to reveal the particulars (this might be read by people who haven't yet seen the film...and, if you haven't, shame on you!), but that's how it is. At the end of the movie, Chief Inspector Uhl realizes that the whole thing has been an elaborate setup, and he was fooled along with everyone else.

Answer 2

Are you talking about the movie? I like Edward Norton!