The Magician is a 2005 Australian film written and directed by Scott Ryan. The film was originally shot over 10 days with a budget of . Ryan edited a half-hour version of the film for screening at the St. Kilda Film Festival, where it was seen by stuntman and film producer Nash Edgerton (brother of Joel Edgerton), who took the project under his wing. After receiving A$330,000 in government grants, the film was re-released in 2005. Plot A mockumentary that follows the escapades of Ray Shoesmith, a Melbourne underworld hitman who hires a film student to document his life. Cast Scott Ryan as Ray Shoesmith Ben Walker as Tony Richards Massimiliano Andrighetto as Massimo "Max" Totti Kane Mason as Benny Nathaniel Lindsay as Edna Box office The Magician grossed $182,164 at the box office in Australia. Reception The film holds a 75% approval rating from critics based on 16 reviews at Rotten Tomatoes. Awards and nominations Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards IF Awards Melbourne Underground Film Festival Spinoff series A television spinoff based on the Ray Shoesmith character premiered on FX in 2018 titled Mr Inbetween. Ryan reprised his role, and served as writer and producer on the show. Nash Edgerton also served as producer and directed every episode. The show ran for 3 seasons and drew critical acclaim. See also Cinema of Australia Mr Inbetween References External links The Magician at the National Film and Sound Archive 2005 films Australian crime drama films 2000s crime drama films Films shot in Melbourne Films about contract killing 2005 drama films 2000s English-language films 2000s Australian films