There is no understandable Dutch dialogue in the film (only some mumbling).
This film is the visual sequel to writer/lead actor's Freek de Jonge's theatrical show "De Tragiek".
During production, writer and star Freek De Jonge felt that any dialog that was written would not come across as intended in the noisy, windy locations planned, and decided to remove all dialog as a result.
The Illusionist was made entirely without a script, causing confusion and arguments between the writer, director and crew.
After initially being edited as a family comedy, the music (by composer Willem Breuker) was added, turning the movie into a dark tragedy. The entire movie was then re-edited into a tragedy.