The Prestige

The Prestige ***1/2

I would say that it probably isn't the best time to release "The Prestige" as there is the chance that many will confuse it with "The Illusionist," one of the most entertaining films of the year, from last summer. It's easy to see why, basically because both of them explore the world of magicians. But, they are different from beginning to end, with just the occupation of the main characters holding any kind of similarity. While "The Illusionist" was very straight in telling its tale, "The Prestige" is much more complicated, and even had a strange and interesting science fiction twist. This is not your average period piece, and I will admit that there is no way that you will see the last half coming throughout the first. However, it is important to remember that this is not "The Illusionist" and skip it, as it is a well worthwhile film to check out. To start off at first is the steller cast, with Christian Bale at the helm, and Michael Caine in the supporting spotlight. Then there is Hugh Jackman, who I never rave or hate about, but here is an acceptable role, and Scarlet Johansson, who I have found to be a give or take. There are times when she is fantastic in her performance, like "Lost in Translation," and then times where she is simply phoning her performance in(and here I am talking directly to "The Black Dahlia").

The story is pretty simple, with the twists confusing things up towards the end. In the beginning we are introduced to two magicians, Alfred Borden and Rupert Angier. Both of them trained by Mr. Cutter, the two aid in the act of another magician. Angier's wife Julia is a prime feature in one of the tricks, with her being tied up and then put into a large tank of water. The tank is covered by a curtain, and the twist is that she somehow manages to get out alive. However, this trick goes horribly wrong one night, killing Julia, and killing the friendship between Angier and Borden. Angier believes that Borden is responsible, as he might have tied a faulty knot, making it impossible for Julia to break free. Over the next few years, the two magicians set out to ruin one another, by way of their magic tricks. They often show up in the middle of the acts, ruining their tricks and harming them and others. However, Borden ends up creating his own show, and ends up performing what Angier believes is the greatest magic trick ever. He decides that he must find out how it works and copy it, and he enlists in Cutter's help, as well as hiring a new assistant, the lovely Olivia. Angier also begins to work with Nikola Tesla, a scientist who also competing with Edison in the struggle for electricity, and is shocked to discover who Tesla is able to do.

In the end, "The Prestige" does not really have a point. I have thought about it in the weeks since I've seen it, and there is no real moral to the story. But it's damn good storytelling, and it is extremely entertaining and constantly puzzling. I enjoyed every minute of this tale, along with the fine performances and stunning visuals. Then again, I could be biased as magic always intrigues me, as well as magic in movies. It always seems to create a perfect dark atmosphere, as we begin to know the unknown. Michael Caine's character begins the film with a short monologue about every magic trick. They consist of three parts: The Pledge, The Turn, and The Prestige. The first is when the magician presents us with something normal, a box or a cage. And then the second part involves suspending belief, but the real kicker does not come until the third part. Nobody will give a magician credit for making something disappear. The important part is bringing it back. This films structure works in the same way, beginning as an average story of rivalry, and then turning to unexpected ways. We are constantly looking for the secret, and it does not fully explain itself until the very last shot. Pay attention, and listen to Bale's advice in the beginning, and pay close attention. Even small filler scenes, which during the film we think we can just throw away, end up becoming important later on. Christopher Nolan has crafted a very entertaining and fun magic story, which may not be as quick and romantic as "The Illusionist," but will not be forgotten anytime soon.