Movie Review: The Prestige

The Prestige is movie magic. This is one of the reasons that people go to the movies. Christopher Nolan has crafted an intricate mystery that has a story that is involving, a cast that is highly talented, and an ending that is satisfying, yet leaves you thinking about what you just saw.

The film opens with the voice of Christian Bale's Alfred Burden urging us to "watch closely." They are not just idle words. The Prestige requires active participation from the audience. In order to get the full experience, you need to pay close attention to what unfolds before you, and even then you may not quite get it. When I left the theater, I knew I had seen something special but I was still putting the pieces together in my head. Plus, while I feel like I understand what happened, I am still not positive that I can trust my memory. I have the distinct feeling that this film will have something new to offer through a number of successive viewings.

Christopher Nolan masterfully plays with the timeline, mixing things up in a way that heightens the suspense and mystery. The saga starts with the arrest of Alfred Burden (Bale) for the murder of Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman). From here we flash back to a better time, when Alfred and Rupert were friends, and up and coming magicians, who were assisting a more accomplished performer.

Alfred was a man of deadly seriousness when it came to the craft, always searching for that one big trick that would cement his name in history. Rupert, on the other hand was much more of a showman, always seeking the approval of the crowds for which he performs. Tragedy strikes the friends when a trick they were assisting with goes tragically wrong, resulting in the death of Rupert's wife.

The loss of Rupert's wife sets off a lifelong rivalry that crosses all personal and professional barriers. It starts with Rupert's desire to gain some sort of revenge on Alfred for his part in the death of his wife. But, when Alfred debuts that elusive trick, the one thing that will give him a place in history, Rupert sets out to discover how he does it. Rupert and Alfred's intimate rivalry is intercut with scenes a little further in the future, with Rupert searching for the mechanism behind Alfred's trick.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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