The Prestige (2006)

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson

After a tragic accident, two stage magicians in 1890s London engage in a battle to create the ultimate illusion while sacrificing everything they have to outwit each other.

In magic (or illusion for that matter) every trick consists of three acts – just like a movie. The first part is called The Pledge. The second part is The Turn. And the third part is called The Prestige.

Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman star as rival illusionists Borden and Angier. They were friends who worked together, until an unfortunate incident made them enemies. Now they are competing in the world of magic, and intentionally ruining each other’s shows.

Most of the film takes place in the past, telling us about the troubled relationship between the two men, in the midst of an investigation into Angier’s death. Oops, spoiler? Nope, no spoiler. The film starts with Angier’s death, and then traces the events leading to that moment. ‘The Prestige’ is a stylish mystery thriller, with plenty of thrills and twists. As with magic, nothing is what it seems and you have to pay very close attention. It also effectively illustrates human obsession. Both men in turn are the protagonist, and the antagonist.

Michael Caine stars as Cutter, the man who invents the gadgets for Angier’s illusions. Borden’s main trick is The Transported Man, which Borden invented. Angier copies the trick to the best of his ability. However, Angier still doesn’t know how Borden does his trick, and Angier and Cutter are trying to unravel the mystery of this trick.

The trick is also the center of the movie, and has to be kept in mind when the film ends on a bit of a confusing note. If you’ve paid very close attention to the movie from the start, everything will make sense. Nothing here happens by chance. This is a brilliant script, very well acted by seasoned actors, and it is visually great, as well.

At the box office, ‘The Prestige’ earned nearly $110 million on a $40 million budget. It received several accolades, and received Oscar nominations for Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction.

Would I watch it again? Yes.