Review of The Prestige (2006) by Dillinger P — 10 Nov 2014

An underrated classic in its own right, The Prestige not only embodies its message, it rivets until the final frames, where the magic trick has been pulled. 3 stages of magic, in this case the 3 acts, all set us up for what is in my mind, one of Nolan's finest hours.

Cutter, an experienced and well lived magician, trains a couple of young, talented artists to take over in his footsteps. Borden and Angier. After a magic trick goes horribly wrong at the cost of Angiers wives life, the men go their seperate way.

Only to find themselves locked in a twisted rivalry that not only threatens their lives, but the lives of the loved ones around them. Conceptually it seems like a straight forward tale, however to call it that would be to disservice its true worth.

The Prestige dazzles in a time where magic dazzled the public. The fight to pull of the greatest trick ever, something no one has ever seen before and forcing yourself to put everything you have on the line to embody it.

The film is chalk full of layers, the psychological torture of 2 men trying to outdo each other, double lives, science being warped for ones sadistic good, affairs and double crosses. It's all here in this period piece and its so satisfying to watch it all fold out, Nolan really should consider this his masterpiece.

Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman are both equally fantastic in their roles, cast perfectly to their strengths as human beings and actors. Bale, a more methodical actor takes on the role of Borden, a man who lives his magic, every waking second.

Jackman, Angier, who's showmanship and talent shine through in popularity. Supporting is none other than Michael Cane one of his most heavily involved roles from Nolan, he is the important glue that holds this together, the pathway in for the audience, into this wild and warped world.

Scarlett Johanson plays Olivia, a gorgeous and outgoing assistant who ends up becoming part of the duelling duo's mind games. David Bowie plays real life scientist Tesla, he adds an obscurity to the role which is subtle but needed, with his assistant played by Andy Serkis, who puts in a worth while performance but has nowhere near enough screen time.

The film flits back and forth, in and out of situations and times, flinging us where we need to be, when we need to be. In fact only in our final moments do we truely realise the magnitude of what both these mens obsessions have caused.

The editing is sharp and concise, very rarely did I see a flaw, never was I bored and the grade was gorgeous. The set design, costume and photography are all presented flawlessly. Whether its the dank streets of pre Victorian England or the Colorado Springs, each one is alive and breathing and contrast perfectly off one and another.

I have watched this film, many times now, still have I to find any crippling flaws, there are barely any. It gives us the right portion, the performances are spot on, the visuals gripping, the concept outragiously good.

Simply put, this is Nolan's finest hour, yes he bedazzles with continuation and outragiously ambitious and outstanding films but this here, is where the magic truly lies.