Film Review: The Prestige (2006)
Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman Deliver Dark Magic In Shadowy Drama
Mar 3, 2009
Director Christopher Nolan has an obsession with obsession. Each of his films, Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, have dealt with the obsessive nature of people and the nature of obsession itself. Each of his films explores the darkness of the obsessive character and they capture a sense or realism immersed in surreal worlds and they always seem to succeed in being interesting, thrilling and most of the time, original.
The Prestige - Turn of the Century Story of Obsession Turns Lives Upside Down
The Prestige is the story of two magicians who form a rivalry following a tragic night on stage where magician Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman) loses his wife after an illusion goes wrong. He and his rival, Alfred Bordan (Christian Bale), cascade into ever murkier territory as rivalry becomes an obsession to become the greatest magician. Their contempt for each other and the escalating depths to which they will go to upend the other turns the lives of those around them into chapters of loss and betrayal. Bordan’s Wife (Rebecca Hall) struggles with the duality of her husbands emotions and his life shrouded in secrets and mystery. Olivia Wenscombe (Scarlett Johannson), Angier’s on-stage support, becomes embroiled in each man's passion and their intense obsession with seeing the other fail, while Cutter (Michael Caine), the career illusion designer (or ingenieur), fights for some sense of reason as the scales of obsession are tipped past the point of no return.
Director Christopher Nolan Uses Strong Talent To Tell Help Tell This Dark Tale
Director Nolan chose two fine actors from his Batman films to play pivotal roles. Christian Bale and Michael Caine (Batman and his butler Alfred respectively) fill The Prestige with unrestrained cockney accents and genuine authenticity with their performances. The rest of the players are perfectly cast with Jackman demonstrating that there is more to him than the ever-angry Wolverine character from the X-Men films. Johansson provides further proof that she has many good years ahead of her (as long as she continues to explore darker roles) and Hall provides an effective, sorrowful performance. Nolan has at his disposal a cast of considerable talent, convincingly transporting us to a turn-of-the- century London and the shadowy underbelly of magic shows.
Worth mentioning also is the fine acting of David Bowie as Nikola Tesla and Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings) as his assistant, Alley, in small but vital roles.
Film Requires the Audiences Attention - But Repays That Viewer Diligence
While The Prestige is a cinematic treat; an intelligent and genuinely intriguing film, there are moments of the film where extra close attention must be paid to prevent confusion. After the film opens, the audience is quickly introduced to a number of characters, and keeping track of who’s who could be a challenge. However, this film credits the audience with an attention span longer than the typical sound bite which then allows it movie to simmer and coalesce into a deeply engrossing tale of mystery and infatuation.
The Prestige is a great example of top-notch film making. Intense direction, rich cinematography, atmospheric music and acting of high caliber combine with a great script to help create one of the most satisfying movie experiences of recent years. Note, however, that depending on your point of view, you may find a small or a big question mark about the plot lingering that will either frustrate you or keep your mind working long after the credits have rolled. Either way, as long as you are quite adept at suspending disbelief, The Prestige will call on you to quietly contemplate its nature and the nature of obsession itself. Dark and demanding, The Prestige is a terrific.
