Movie Review: The Prestige


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Movie Review: The Prestige
11.11.06 (3:42 pm)   [edit]
Now Playing in North American Cinemas
Rating: 4/5
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson (in a mercifully limited role)

Set in the early days of the Industrial Revolution, Jackman and Bale play duelling magicians, constantly looking to one-up each other and take their place in history. Jackman's Angier is more of a showman, while Bale's Borden has more ingenuity but lacks the flair to captivate his audience. A tragic incident between the two men early in their careers leads them on a path of revenge, self-destruction and obsession.

While the audience might feel sympathy early on for Angier over Borden, they will discover that neither man is purely devil nor saint. There seems to be no limit for these two men, in their pursuit of fame and supremacy. Their relationship is mirrored by the rivalry between the renowned Thomas Edison and the lesser known Nikola Tesla.

The film evolves like a magic act itself, starting chronologically near the end, dangling a prize in front of the audience, making it seemingly disappear only to emerge later, leaving us with more questions than answers. This style of story telling has been done before and it is not my favourite, but it serves this film well.

The mood is dark and murky, the people pale, the surroundings dirty and decaying. One can understand why magic and illusion mean so much to the people whose attention over which these two men compete. It gives them an escape from the drudgery of their lives. None of them will leave the theatre believing in magic, yet they sit transfixed in their seats waiting for that momentary trick of the mind that can only be described as awe and wonder.

This is a wonderful and compelling film which resonated with me long after I left the theatre and turned on the tube for the evening news. In fact, I can't get it out of my mind. There are some seriously disturbing moments and this film never lets you turn your brain off. So if you're in the mood for something less cerebral, check out the third instalment of The Santa Clause. Otherwise, I highly recommend it.
 

posted by: JoolieWoolie (reply)
post date: 11.12.06 (12:24 pm)

It had me at Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman is the icing on the cake! It came out over here on Friday, I can't wait although I fear it will do Paul's head in! Joolie xxx


posted by: HunnieBunnie (reply)
post date: 11.12.06 (3:40 pm)

Hopefully we will see it in the next couple of days but I am waiting for Casino Royale on friday:)


posted by: JoolieWoolie (reply)
post date: 11.18.06 (8:53 am)

Finally seen it, I'm unsure about it to tell the truth although it definitely would have done Paul's head in! Joolie xx


posted by: dangerkitty (reply)
post date: 11.20.06 (4:07 pm)

Reply to: JoolieWoolie
I think doing Paul's head makes it all worth it!


posted by: dangerkitty (reply)
post date: 11.20.06 (4:08 pm)

Reply to: HunnieBunnie

Saw Casino Royale and now I am in love. For the first time since Sean Connery, I actually fancy James Bond. I want to be Bonded. Ahem.

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