If cinema is escapism, then why the paucity of films about escapology? It’s been over half a century since Tony Curtis pulled on a straitjacket for Harry Houdini’s 1953 eponymous biopic, so it’s about time for the world’s most renowned trap-dodger to get another outing – this time the remit to act one’s self out-of-a-tight-spot having fallen to Guy Pearce. Fresh from playing that another great 20th century icon Andy Warhol, Pearce-as-Houdini travels to 1920s London where he meets Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Mary McGregor – a psychic out to con the alliterative artist.

The move from paintbrush to thrill-rush hasn’t been easy, with the one-time Neighbours man admitting lifestyle changes – namely giving up the fags – were essential for a man who, judging from our exclusive pic, spends much of his time doing stupid things. “I like to take in a deep breath and have it not hurt,” Pearce tells Buzz. “I don’t work with a trainer because I know what I’m doing. I started Pilates last year. It’s the greatest thing since marijuana.”

With Death Defying Acts set just 30 years after The Prestige and being labelled a “supernatural romantic thriller” by those in the know, director Gillian Armstrong’s film is shaping up to be our magic’n’mockney dose for 2008. However, Pearce must face a more tricksy adversary than Christian Bale had to; namely Mary’s sprog Benji, played by Saoirse Ronan. A sprightly Irish girl already cast as the Lovely Bones lead and described by Pearce as “a young Cate Blanchett”, Ronan’s going to be a hard one to escape… (Sorry.)