The Prestige - 2006

Magic tricks are based on three parts. First comes the 'pledge' where an item/person is presented. Then comes the 'turn' where something special happens. The third part is called 'the prestige' and it's where the illusion is produced.
This movie details a deadly feud between two stage magicians (Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale) in the 1890's. Between them is blood and jealousy and one very special trick. Bale has developed a trick called The Transported Man where he disappears in one spot and reappears instantly in another. Jackman becomes obsessed with finding out the secret.
When 'The Sixth Sense' came out, a friend of mine called me the day after she'd seen it and insisted that we go and see it with her. I feel the same way about this movie. Go out and rent it!
The movie was nominated for Best Cinematography, deservingly so. It's beautifully shot. The director is the same guy who did 'Memento' and the story is told in flashbacks.
The acting is very good. Michael Caine plays the engineer for the magicians and he's wonderful. Bale and Jackman are quite good. The story carries the day, though.
A great film.

Comments

Anne Hedley said…
You appear to have a good grasp of this excellent film but when you say that Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale were 'quite good' makes me feel we were not watching the same characters. Nolan's stroke of genius pairing Hugh Jackman and Christan Bale paid off with absolute excellent performances in their quest for love, and the best trick even though death and murder were in the mix. I think that Hugh Jackman's performance had the extra edge on Bale because there was more to the actual character of Angier - he was happy, in love, and a wonderful showman who could sell a magic trick so easily, whereas Borden although the better magician could not get his tricks over in style. Despair from Angier when his wife died in an ''accident'', the rivalry between the two for the best trick, and the eventual bitterness that crept into Angier as his hatred ate into his very soul. Borden never really cared. I think besides the for Best Cinematography I and many others would have nominated Hugh Jackman for his portrayal in this film
1:19 PM
Anonymous said…
You appear to have a good grasp of this excellent film but when you say that Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale were 'quite good' makes me feel we were not watching the same characters. Nolan's stroke of genius pairing Hugh Jackman and Christan Bale paid off with absolute excellent performances in their quest for love, and the best trick even though death and murder were in the mix. I think that Hugh Jackman's performance had the extra edge on Bale because there was more to the actual character of Angier - he was happy, in love, and a wonderful showman who could sell a magic trick so easily, whereas Borden although the better magician could not get his tricks over in style. Despair from Angier when his wife died in an ''accident'', the rivalry between the two for the best trick, and the eventual bitterness that crept into Angier as his hatred ate into his very soul. Borden never really cared. I think besides the for Best Cinematography I and many others would have nominated Hugh Jackman for his portrayal in this film
1:37 PM
Peder said…
Anne, it really was an excellent movie. I didn't mean to shortchange the actors, but I really thought that the story outshone the acting. I don't mean that as an insult to the acting but as praise of the script (and directing).
3:41 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Pedar

Thank you for your reply and I am certain you did not wish to short change the actors but that is the way it came over. What you have missed is that the wonderful direction and a great script can only make an excellent film and story if the lead actors are talented to make it work. If they had give poor or 'quite good' performances we would not have had such an excellent film. I am sure you understand - and forgive me I am such an ardent fan of the very multi talented Hugh Jackman
5:32 PM
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