High on Nolan: The Prestige Review

People spend so much time and money on the lackluster movies in the theatres they almost forget about these movies that have passed, and gone on unappreciated. So I find it relieving to look back at such films and take the time to fully absorb them. The Prestige is one of the most precise, beautiful, heartbreaking films I've ever seen, and it's a worthy addition to director Christopher Nolans body of work. Its arrival was met with trepidation upon its release, with critics taking both sides of the argument. Some found it too confusing, too long, and incomprehensible, while others loved the intricate story line along with the amazing double sided performances by Hugh Jackman, and Christian Bale. The film's first line is "Are you watching closely?", a warning that the former group of critics should have heeded.

The film is a story of two stage magicians who begin a heated professional rivalry after one of their tricks goes horribly wrong. The film soon focuses Robert Angier's (Jackman) obsession with discovering the secret behind Alfred Borden's (Bale) latest trick. Michael Caine plays Angier's mentor, who is a man who doesn't neccessarily have all the answers, but his heart is always in the right place. Over the course of the film our perceptions of which characters are good and evil blur until we're forced to face the terrifying truth behind each of the magicians respective illusions.

It's an extremely enjoyable ride if you know where it's going, and Nolan's films nearly always merit a second viewing. It's not just because you enjoy the movie (although if you had even half a brain you probably will), but also because you want to understand it. If you've already seen the film then you know that there are more than two main characters, and it's so gratifying to watch the movie and figure out the different characteristics of each of them. It's one of the pleasures that I get from watching Fringe, is that as these secrets are revealed you can look back at the rest of the story and appreciate it a little more. Nolan has often gotten more praise for his installments in the new Batman franchise, but it's always great to see him take on a more personal story like this. My grade for The Prestige is 4 out of 4 stars.