The Prestige

There are directors that stick to the same people, and are able to deliver strong stories. There are actors that work together to bring us a world we love to watch. There are composers that bring us music we love to listen to. And there are movies that make us rush to see them as soon as they open. The lineup: Director Christopher Noland; Actors Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlette Johansson; composer David Julyan. Put them together and you get The Prestige.

Only a few weeks after the release of Edward Norton’s The Illusionist, The Prestige takes a similar path. Rival magicians Bordon (Bale) and Angier (Jackman) start off working together. But when an accident leaves Angier’s wife dead, the feud begins. Deception and hate fills the mind of Angier, as he focuses his life on outdoing his former friend. Leaving Bordon crippled by shooting his finger, Angier obsesses over the secret of Bordon’s magic. The story is told from the perspective of Bordon, as he recounts the tale from his jail cell. He is tried for the murder of Angier, and reads his journal. He recounts the discovery of Nikola Tesla (played by David Bowie,) and how he created one of the greatest magic tricks of all time. With the help of Cutter (Caine,) Bordon learns the true secret of Angier, and the lengths he was willing to go, to deliver success.

This film plays out like a strong version of Batman Begins. The cast, and direction almost entirely the same, they deliver a strong performance all around. Though the camera never seems to do anything special, the special effects, and story entirely make up for it. Christopher Noland has never been known for his outlandish camera techniques; but he is known for his strong direction, and intelligent writing. Coming from the background of Batman Begins, Insomnia, and Memento, he brings us this tale of two rivals so willing to outdo each other that the go to extraordinary lengths merely for the success over the other.

Unfortunately, their lives suffer in the meantime. Bordon’s family is split apart, as his wife seems to fade away, and his daughter is threatened placement in an orphanage. Bordon must find the way to prevent all this from happening while in jail, with only his rival’s diary to guide him. This film draws its strength from the actors, and the emotions that we are exposed to in a hateful relationship between two men. And they bring it to us beautifully.

Though the film is a bit on the long side, I never felt bored, and I never once wondered how much time was left. The story was interesting, and entirely enjoyable. That may come from my love of both the director and the actors involved in this film. I wanted to see it, and knew that it was going to be strong from the minute I saw the preview. But going to it, I was able to confirm all my thoughts. If you don’t have the time to check this one out in the theater, I’d wait until it’s on DVD. Grab it then, as it’s a great story. I try not to say that one particular film is better than the other, but when placed side by side against Norton’s The Illusionist, I have no choice but to say that The Prestige was a much stronger film, in acting, in visuals, in direction, in all. Check it out, and enjoy. Catch the rubber ball if you can, and keep your eye on his hands, as Bordon isn’t what he seems. And that makes all the difference! 7.25 of 10.