10 Fantasy Films Exploring the Art of Manipulation

Description: In this dark fantasy, the Skeksis manipulate the world through their control of the Dark Crystal, using it to extend their lives and maintain power over the Gelflings.

Fact: The film was created by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, using advanced puppetry techniques. It was one of the first films to use CGI for the opening sequence.

Description: A young boy and his grandmother encounter a convention of witches who plan to turn all children into mice, a sinister plot of manipulation and transformation.

Fact: The film was based on Roald Dahl's novel. Anjelica Huston's performance as the Grand High Witch was critically acclaimed.

Description: Four teenage girls delve into witchcraft, gaining powers that they use to manipulate their lives, but their dabbling in dark magic leads to dangerous consequences.

Fact: The film was inspired by the book "The Wicca Handbook" by Eileen Holland. The character of Nancy Downs was based on a real-life Wiccan.

Description: In this sci-fi fantasy, humans are unknowingly trapped in a simulated reality created by sentient machines to distract and pacify them, a form of mass manipulation on an unprecedented scale.

Fact: The film's concept of the Matrix was inspired by philosophical ideas from Plato's Allegory of the Cave. The Wachowskis wrote the script in just three weeks.

Description: In this film, Eisenheim, a master illusionist, uses his skills to manipulate the perceptions of the audience and the authorities, all while trying to win back his childhood love, Sophie, from the clutches of a manipulative Crown Prince.

Fact: The film was inspired by the short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist" by Steven Millhauser. Edward Norton performed many of the magic tricks himself.

Description: Two rival magicians in Victorian London engage in a battle of wits and manipulation, each trying to outdo the other with increasingly dangerous and elaborate tricks, leading to a climax of deception and betrayal.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Christopher Priest. The Tesla machine in the film was inspired by Nikola Tesla's real-life experiments with electricity.

Description: A modern-day sorcerer's apprentice must learn to control his magical powers, which include the ability to manipulate the physical world, to stop an evil sorcerer from unleashing chaos.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the poem "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The character of Balthazar Blake was inspired by Merlin.

Description: Dom Cobb, a skilled thief, uses experimental technology to infiltrate the subconscious of his targets, planting an idea in the mind of a target, which is the ultimate form of manipulation.

Fact: The film's dream layers were inspired by the concept of dream within a dream. The spinning top used by Cobb was not a prop; it was a personal item of Christopher Nolan's.

Description: A group of magicians known as The Four Horsemen pull off bank heists during their performances, using their skills in misdirection and manipulation to evade the law and expose corruption.

Fact: The film features real magic tricks performed by professional magicians. The character of J. Daniel Atlas was inspired by real-life magician David Copperfield.

Description: An aging magician, struggling to find his place in a world that no longer believes in magic, uses his skills to manipulate reality for a young girl, creating a touching tale of manipulation and kindness.

Fact: The film was directed by Sylvain Chomet, known for his work on "The Triplets of Belleville." It was inspired by an unproduced script by Jacques Tati.