The Prestige

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie
Director: Christopher Nolan
Studio: Buena Vista
Year: 2006

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this film given I had watched another period-magic flick not all that long ago (The brilliant Illusionist). Might two similarly themed movies coming out so soon after one another be overkill? The all-star cast featuring some Hollywoods leading actors (and hunks!), as well as the supposedly intriguing plotline, had me salivating at the possibilities however.

And what a sumptuous feast of a movie! This is a film that works on every level, from script to production to acting; even that intangible X-factor, The Prestige is one of the best motion pictures I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying in quite some time.

After starting out as partners in turn-of-the-century London, Angier (Jackman) and Borden (Bale) suffer a massive fallout following the accidental death of Angier’s wife, the responsibility for which is laid squarely at the hands of Borden. The story then evolves into these two competing magicians playing a deadly game of one-upmanship. With twists and suspense by the absolute truckload, you won’t want to blink in case you miss something crucial to the unfolding plot. It all culminates in a superbly executed crescendo of death, revealed secrets and mysterious outcomes in what is the one of the best film endings since The Usual Suspects.

Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are two of my absolute favourite leading men, not just because both are gorgeous to look at with chiselled bodies (although that helps!), but because they are tremendous actors with range and subtle charisma. Their combination in the two leading roles is brilliant; they play of each other like fire and ice. Throw in Michael Caine who, in my opinion, is the very picture of the refined English gentleman and becoming a more charismatic actor as he gets older, as well as the delicious Scarlett Johansson, and even an understated David Bowie, and you have the essential components of a well acted and character driven film. Each character is given life and substance.

The direction of Christopher Nolan is another highlight. I enjoyed the dark overtones of his other work, such as Batman Begins and Memento, and he carries that into this film with wonderful layouts, a brooding atmosphere and engrossing plot build. His ability to add intrigue into each scene is one of the key elements of what makes this film work, and is one of the reasons it will have you precariously placed on the edge of your seat. Bring on more work from this up and coming superstar director!

Christopher Nolan also played a part in developing the script with his brother Jonathan. Based upon a 1995 novel by Christopher Priest, the Nolan’s obviously form a fantastic team when it comes to adapting a work of fiction into film-appropriate dialogue. It drives the story along, revealing enough to let you tenuously hold on to an understanding of what is happening, but also leaves this feeling growing inside of you that not all is as it appears (which it isn’t!).

The Prestige is another film which succeeds in completely immersing the viewer in the period that the story is taking place. Atmosphere and ambience…both of those hard to define characteristics are fully embraced by the production team with sets, costumes, extras and backgrounds transporting you back to turn-of-the-century London, with all of its struggles and hardships. Some films struggle to fully grasp these intangible qualities, where as The Prestige demonstrates how, if effectively achieved, attention to atmosphere and ambience can help the viewer more fully invest themselves in the movie. I’ve always felt this is one of the key differences between good movies and great movies.

And you might wonder where the title “The Prestige” comes from? As explained by Cutter, played by Michael Caine, every illusion performed by great magicians comprises of three parts. The first part is “The Pledge”, which sets the scene and draws the audience in. The second part is “The Turn”, which startles and intrigues the spectators. Lastly, you guessed it, comes “The Prestige”, which leaves them gasping and questioning their beliefs in what is real, and what is possible. The great thing about this movie is that it is assembled in exactly the same way!

One of the complaints I heard about this film is that the plot is too complicated and hard to understand, and I have to admit there were a couple of people scratching their head at its completion. Believe me though, the plot is complex but not indecipherable, and will appeal to your inner sleuth whilst simultaneously leaving you thrilled with the suspense. In fact, it is fun trying to work out the truth amongst the illusions. I can promise you…you will be thinking about this film well after the credits have rolled!

Overall, a stupendous creation and one you will want to own on DVD!