Death Defying Acts is a 2007 British-Australian supernatural romance film directed by Gillian Armstrong.
The film stars Guy Pearce as Harry Houdini and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Mary McGarvie, a young woman who claims to be a psychic.
The film is set in 1926, 13 years after Houdini's mother's death. Houdini arrives in Edinburgh, Scotland for a series of performances and offers a large cash reward to any psychic who can accurately contact his mother from the afterlife. Mary McGarvie, a gorgeous swindler, rises to the challenge and engages Houdini in a dangerous flirtation that blurs the line between truth and deception.
The film explores the relationship that develops between Houdini and Mary as they navigate the complexities of love, identity, and the supernatural. It also features Saoirse Ronan as Benji McGarvie, Mary's young son.
Reviews for Death Defying Acts were mixed, with praise for the film's visuals and performances but criticism of the pacing and lack of character development. The film had a limited theatrical release, earning just over $8 million at the global box office. However, it received recognition, including a win for Best Soundtrack Album at the 2009 APRA-AGSC Screen Music Awards.
Overall, Death Defying Acts is a romantic drama that delves into the life of the famous illusionist Harry Houdini and the intriguing woman who tries to deceive him.