The Prestige (2006)

Rating:

Just a few movies make you really think and leave you thinking even after the lights go up. “The Prestige” is an intellectually ballsy movie that’s among them. Startlingly sharp, this movie will keep you guessing until the end and at some point, make you feel it’s too much for your brain to comprehend.

The onset justifies the growing bitter rivalry between the two apprentices of Cutter (Michael Caine) a magician who conceives, steals and modifies magic tricks but prefers to carry them out behind the scenes. Now performing magicians themselves, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) try to edge out each other by surmounting the other’s acts reaching to a point of sabotaging each other's performances. Robert, always outdone and driven by jealousy now witnessing Alfred’s most recent act he accedes to be the greatest magic trick he has ever seen, fritters some time discovering the mystery behind it. Still unsure how Alfred carries out this one trick, Robert is led to Nikolas Tesla’s (David Bowie) invention which easily spells success and recognition in his succeeding performances, ensnaring Alfred to a crime thus convicting him effectively and securing Alfred’s “defeat”. Twice as cunning, Alfred realizes the design, gets away with the crime and emerges to be the true Prestige.

The story’s twists and turns enhanced by the astute storytelling technique keep your brain cells engaged. Dragging scenes accomplish effective character development fostering compelling storyline and characters which by the way are also portrayed very intensely and maturely. From being Wolverine, a big step up is evident in Hugh Jackman’s acting who this time around gives a standout performance. He and the rest of the cast carry out sneaky performances effectively revealing multiple faces furthering the illusion. Thanks also to its top notch director Christopher Nolan and his brother Jonathan Nolan who both have since “Memento” provided evidence of their skillfulness.

A refreshing break from sequels, prequels and movies of recycled materials, “The Prestige” is by far the best film this year.

© 2006 Jonathan Susvilla