Batman Begins director Christopher Nolan reunites with Christian Bale and Michael Caine for a twisted murder mystery set in the world of Victorian era magicians.
Bale plays Alfred Borden, a conjuror accused of murdering his rival, Robert Angier (Jackman), after a life long feud. As Borden awaits trial on death row he receives Angier’s diary from a mystery source, and through a series of flashbacks we learn how the two men were originally close friends before a tragic accident destroyed their relationship forever.
From that moment on, Borden and Angier become fatally obsessed with outdoing each other as they dedicate their lives to inventing the greatest illusion the world had ever seen.
They say:
Total Film: “A grand illusion to keep smart arses guessing to the end. An evocative mystery from one of the most consistent directors working today.”
Empire: “Odd, but brilliantly so. It’s a small film that feels big, a period drama that looks modern, defying comparison to anything but Nolan himself.”
BBC Films: “Nolan's now you see it, now you don't magic trick delivers prestige by the bucket load. In fact, it brings the house down. Abracadabra!”
We say:
Adapted by Nolan and his brother Jonathan from Christopher Priest’s novel, The Prestige follows the traditional three stage structure of a magic trick - set-up, performance, reveal (the prestige) – with thrilling results.
Using an intentionally muddled plotline involving flashbacks, framing devices and misdirection, the movie is most reminiscent of Nolan’s career defining 2000 hit Memento.
Working out the answer to the age old question of “how did he do that?” is a challenging experience, particularly after the level of deception and cinematic sleight of hand employed by Nolan to throw his viewers off the scent.
But as well as cunning trickery, the movie tackles interesting themes of obsession, retribution and the power of celebrity, proving there is also substance under the stylish sheen.
Of the all star cast, Jackman gives a mature performance as the slick showman driven by ambition, while Bale confirms his stance in the Hollywood A List, and Johansson even manages a fairly decent English accent.
Early on in The Prestige Borden asks “Are you watching closely?” Make sure you are.
Extras:
With only a “Director's Notebook documentary” to accompany the film, you'd be foolish not to wait for the inevitable “Special Edition” release later in the year.
CAST
Hugh Jackman
Christian Bale
Scarlett Johansson
Michael Caine
David Bowie
Piper Perabo
Andy Serkis
Rebecca Hall
DIRECTOR
Christopher Nolan
TIME
128 mins
POSTED...
Thu 9 Nov 2006 at 7:33pm
