October 25, 2006 -- “The Prestige” is one of the best movies about magic I have ever seen (I haven't seen “The Illusionist” yet, so I can't compare those two). Ordinarily, I'd call this a gimmick movie, like “Memento” or “The Sixth Sense,” but the gimmicks in this movie are part of a magician's stock and trade, so they are legitimate gimmicks as used here. The screenplay, written by Jonathan Nolan and his brother, Christopher Nolan (“Memento,” who also directs this film), is both entertaining and highly complex. This movie, like a magician's trick, is full of deception and sleight-of-hand plot twists. There are hints throughout the movie, however, and I had guessed most of the film's secrets before they were revealed. There was one little plot twist at the end that had me fooled, however. This is one tricky movie.

Hugh Jackman (“The X-Men” movies), stars as magician Rupert Angier, a man bent on besting his bitter rival, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale of “Batman Begins”). The movie begins with Borden on trial for the murder of Angier. Through numerous flashbacks, we find that the two were once friends until a tragic accident makes them bitter enemies. Their games of one-upsmanship and revenge get more and more serious until they end in death. More flashbacks follow the careers of the two magicians. The entire film is a lesson on how hatred and revenge are tragically self-destructive. It is also a lesson about the sacrifices these magicians were willing to make to further their careers.

In an attempt to create an unbeatable illusion for his magic act, Angier travels to America, where he meets the mysterious scientist Nikola Tesla (played by David Bowie of “Basquiat”). Tesla, a real historical figure, was both a genius and a crackpot. He builds a strange machine for Angier that creates the most astounding magic trick anyone who has ever seen. Borden, consumed by anger and curiosity about how Angier has managed this fantastic illusion, sneaks below the stage, where he finds out just how far Angier is ready to go to get even with Borden. In addition to their past, the two magicians have yet another rivalry. They both have fallen in love with the same woman, a pretty stage assistant, Olivia Wenscombe (Scarlett Johansson of “Match Point”). This part of the rivalry is even more complex than it sounds. Another thing the two rivals have in common is they both work with a man named Cutter (Michael Caine of “Batman Begins”). Cutter is an Ingénieur, a man who designs magic tricks. This part of the rivalry, too, is more complex than it sounds.

Because of the complexity of the story, the final showdown between these two rivals requires a couple of extra scenes that you would not expect from this brief description of the story. This is a very entertaining screenplay. It is not without its weaknesses, but it is very clever, indeed. It might even get a best screenplay nomination come Oscar time next year. The acting is also superb, with Jackman giving what may be his best ever performance. Also in the cast is a real magician, Ricky Jay (“Boogie Nights”), who appears briefly as a magician named Milton, and is also a magic consultant on the film. Andy Serkis, better known as Gollum in the “Lord of the Rings” movies, appears here as Tesla's assistant, Alley. Piper Perabo of “Cheaper by the Dozen 2” is very effective in the small, but important role of Julia McCullough, Angier's wife. Rebecca Hall is excellent in the role of Borden's long-suffering wife, Sarah. The film features lavish period sets (the film is set in Europe about 100 years ago) and high production values all around. It is very slick. This film rates a B+.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in video and/or DVD format, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics, theater tickets and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 2006 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

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