The Prestige (2006)
8.205 /10
16983 Reviews
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A mysterious story of two magicians whose intense rivalry leads them on a life-long battle for supremacy -- full of obsession, deceit and jealousy with dangerous and deadly consequences.
Videos & Photos
cast
... Robert Angier
... Alfred Borden
... Cutter
... Julia McCullough
... Sarah
User reviews
Perplexed by the storyline at the beginning, deeply attracted to the narratives of the intense rivalry between two actors in the main body of the show, and finally shocked by the revealed truth, or *The Prestige* in the end. This is one of the most mind-blowing mysteries that I've watched in recent years.
One of the best part, I think, is how the characters of two young magicians are depicted -- through small but noticeable details like the facial expressions, one or two words, the novels et cetera.
In fact, the title of the movie, even being explained by Cutter in the beginning, still puzzles me and I can't stopped thinking about the meaning of it. Not to mention other puzzles. But ultimately, I came to realize that the plot structure corresponds to a epic magic show as well.
Director:
Genres:
Release Date:
2006-10-17
Run Time:
130 min
MMPA Rating:
PG-13
Reviews of
The Prestige
Perplexed by the storyline at the beginning, deeply attracted to the narratives of the intense rivalry between two actors in the main body of the show, and finally shocked by the revealed truth, or *The Prestige* in the end. This is one of the most mind-blowing mysteries that I've watched in recent years.
One of the best part, I think, is how the characters of two young magicians are depicted -- through small but noticeable details like the facial expressions, one or two words, the novels et cetera.
In fact, the title of the movie, even being explained by Cutter in the beginning, still puzzles me and I can't stopped thinking about the meaning of it. Not to mention other puzzles. But ultimately, I came to realize that the plot structure corresponds to a epic magic show as well.
There is great entertainment in seeing the two fellow-rivals battling each other, but it is only after the final twist that the viewer realises the entire film is a magic trick, a prestige, itself.
10/10
Nolan should make more period dramas.
'The Prestige' is tremendous!
An expertly made movie about magic, one that lasts just over two hours but it is most definitely 120mins+ well spent. I was sold by the whole vibe of it from the very beginning, sometimes you can just tell you're going to absolutely enjoy something from the opening minutes and this, for me, was one of those films.
The casting is terrific, many well known faces appear. Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine (how about that speech), Christian Bale and Scarlett Johansson are all brilliant, the latter two do hold minimally iffy accents though; or maybe it was just me. There are a few other strong performers too, like Andy Serkis and David Bowie! No-one onscreen puts a foot wrong.
Christopher Nolan is again back to his twisty best with this one. It's admittedly nothing as super deep as, say, 'Inception' and I did read where this one was going in certain aspects, though certainly not every angle - either way, it's just as thrilling to watch no matter how much or how little you pick up. Big fan of the way the film depicts its events throughout.
Just now seeing how highly this is regarded, on Letterboxd at least. I know I do try to avoid as much as I can with movies, but based on the aforementioned I'm kinda shocked I hadn't heard anything about this growing up or even in recent years. Most of Nolan's other works I at least recall hearing through the grapevine, yet this one evidently somehow slipped through the net. Probably a good thing, mind you.
As ever with Christopher Nolan films the chronology needs close attention - as so many of the clues as to what the hell is actually going on require a considerable degree of concentration (and multiple viewings) before any semblance of quality emanates from the outwardly cluttered and, frankly, preposterous plot. We start with Christian Bale ("Borden") about to swing for the murder of Hugh Jackman ("Angier") but of course it is not that simple; and through a series of complex flashbacks we discover just how these two, erstwhile friends and colleagues, got themselves into this predicament. This is a story about ambition, obsession - to succeed and to hate; it has elements of love - both men have relationships, one the cause of their estrangement; the other (with Scarlett Johansson) continues to fuel it. The whole nature of their profession - illusionists; conjurers of/to the imagination - lends itself splendidly to the subject of this vendetta. The look of the film is first class, with Wally Pfister creating a gem of vivid imagery with some wonderful visual effects too. The performances are OK - they are not great; the dialogue is likewise. For a film essentially about seeing being believing (or not) the script is frequently too wordy and overpowers the subtle opportunities for the actors to demonstrate rather than speak their parts. Sir Michael Caine probably brings the most authentic accent to the proceedings - the others left me needing quite a bit of convincing; and the brief appearances of David Bowie as Tesla were a poor choice of casting, I felt. This is a good film, and I enjoyed it - but I did need to watch it 4 times before I felt half way comfortable writing anything down about it!
Cast & Crew of
The Prestige
Cast
... Robert Angier
... Alfred Borden
... Cutter
... Julia McCullough
... Sarah
... Olivia Wenscombe
... Jess
... Tesla
... Alley
... Judge
... Prosecutor
... Defender
... Captain
... Owens
... Sullen Warder
... Stagecoach Driver
... Hotel Manager
... Milton
... Virgil
... Boy
... Chung Ling Soo
... Policeman
... Voice
... Merrit
... Man
... Elegant Lady
... Ticket Hawker
... Moderator
... Jess (Toddler)
... Jess (Toddler)
... Scalper
... Man in Hotel
... Man in Hotel
... Ackerman
... Burly Stagehand
... Blind Stagehand 1
... Blind Stagehand 2
... Blind Stagehand 3
... Carriage Driver
... Glamorous Assistant
... Housekeeper
... Workman 1
... Warder
... Leonard
... Will
... Upscale London Boy (uncredited)
... Piano Player 1 (uncredited)
... Stagehand (uncredited)
... Handkerchief Lady (uncredited)
... Dancer (uncredited)
Crew
... Screenplay
... Original Music Composer
... Director of Photography
... Editor
... Screenplay
... Producer
... Producer
... Costume Design
... Sound Effects Editor
... Executive Producer
... Script Supervisor
... Hairstylist
... Makeup Artist
... Hairstylist
... Executive Producer
... Supervising Sound Editor
... Still Photographer
... Hairstylist
... Set Decoration
... Steadicam Operator
... Sound mixer
... Makeup Artist
... Production Design
... Still Photographer
... Novel
... Makeup Department Head
... Hair Department Head
... Sound Designer
... Production Supervisor
... Associate Producer
... Art Direction
... Makeup Artist
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Sound Re-Recording Mixer
... Producer
... Executive Producer
... Sound Effects Editor
... Music Editor
... Executive Producer
... Assistant Director
... Visual Effects Supervisor
... Post Production Supervisor
... Special Effects Coordinator
... Casting
... Unit Production Manager
... Location Manager
... Casting
... Post Production Supervisor
... Executive In Charge Of Production
... Stunt Coordinator
... Thanks
... Grip
... Wigmaker
... Set Costumer
... Rigging Grip
... Second Assistant Director
... Stunt Double
... Location Manager
... Stunt Double
... Assistant Editor
... ADR Voice Casting
... Dialogue Editor
... Director
... Stunt Double
... Stunt Double
... Utility Stunts
... Stunt Double
... Stunts
... Stunt Double
... Second Second Assistant Director
... Special Effects Coordinator
Videos & Photos of
The Prestige
Videos (2)
Photos 32
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