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December 17, 2008
The Prestige (2006)
Should I see it?
Sure.


Short Review: The best film about morose turn-of-the-century illusionists I've seen in weeks.



Christopher Nolan (Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) is clearly one of the best of his generation of American directors. This film is further testament to his deft hand at the art of directing and for his ability to reduce intricate narratives to consumable and enjoyable films.

This film tells the story of a dueling duo of turn-of-the-century illusionists. The two ramp up their efforts to upstage one another to a point of ridiculous extremes and, of course, end up hurting everyone around them in the process. While this may not seem like much of a concept, the script (by Nolan and his brother Jonathan Nolan) is actually quite well done. The two illusionists Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are complicated men and this film has the patience to allow both Jackman and Bale the opportunity to get into their characters and flesh them out. The competition between the two men is reasonable at first but quickly takes an extreme turn. The lengths at which these men go to out do the other are so obtuse they could easily overtake the film and push it into being laughable. Because Nolan’s script and direction allow for Jackman and Bale a patient forum to explain these men, the film doesn't suffer from its excesses.

The concepts of the duality of man fill this production. Each person, with the exception of the God-figure Cutter (Michael Caine) an illusion engineer and stage manager, each character is swamped in dual roles that thwart their happiness. Their professional aspirations and their private need for vengeance trap the men. They are stuck creating great works in order to destroy their enemy. Olivia (Scarlett Johansson), a stagehand who gets wrapped up in the lives of these illusionists, finds herself being a lover to both men while deceiving them both in due course. Even the central illusion of the piece belays the dual nature theme. Both men obsess over a trick known as “The Transported Man” which is an impossible illusion involving body doubles. Nolan plays out his themes and symbolism with careful direction. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Nolan’s voice never shouts over his work.

Looking at the this overall, it is a wonderfully executed and smart work and matches Nolan’s other efforts. The performances across the board are very strong and inviting. Comparisons to the film The Illusionist is unavoidable. Both are haunting tales about turn-of-the-century stage magicians and were released practically side by side. This film has a smarter edge and better acting. The other is far more attractive and sports a superior final act. Between the two however, this film wins. With the quality of the performances, along with Nolan's clever hands holding the reigns, this film gives more to its audience. Even with its rather obvious final act this piece still finishes with a greater satisfaction.


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Other Critic's Reviews:
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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 9:00 AM




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