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From Amazon.co.uk
The Prestige attempts a hat trick by combining a ridiculously good-looking cast, a highly regarded new director, and more than one sleight of hand. Does it pull it off? Sort of. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman play rival magicians who were once friends before an on-stage tragedy drove a wedge between them. While Bale's Alfred Borden is a more skilled illusionist, Jackman's Rufus Angier is the better showman; much of the film's interesting first half is their attempts to sabotage--and simultaneously, top--each other's tricks. Even with the help of a prop inventor (Michael Caine) and a comely assistant (Scarlett Johansson), Angier can't match Borden's ultimate illusion: The Transporting Man. Angier's obsession with learning Borden's trick leads him to an encounter with an eccentric inventor (David Bowie) in a second half that gets bogged down in plot loops and theatrics. Director Christopher Nolan, reuniting with his Batman Begins star Bale, demonstrates the same dark touch that hued that film, but some plot elements--without giving anything away--seem out of place with the rest of the movie. It's better to sit back and let the sometimes-clunky turns steer themselves than try to draw back the black curtain. That said, The Prestige still manages to entertain long after the magician has left the stage--a feat in itself. --Ellen A. Kim
Product Description
Thriller starring Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. Rupert Angier (Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Bale) are London-based magicians of the highest order, both blessed with spectacular powers of deception and both cursed with unrelenting envy for one another's skills. When Alfred performs an awe-inspiring trick for which there seems no logical explanation, the friendly competition shared between the pair turns to deadly rivalry as the enraged Rupert determines to uncover his rival's deepest secrets. In the world of illusion, however, nothing is ever quite as it seems, and the rules of the physical world simply don't apply. Now, as bitter competition quickly begins to consume the souls of both performers, the firestorm birthed by their anger threatens to consume all who surround them.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By John
Format:DVD
This is a wonderful movie. Poignant, tragic, charming, enigmatic; and ideally-suited for a mature, attentive, intellient audience with a love of mystery.
The story follows two 19th century stage magicians in a tale of rivalry, obsession, and love. The film envokes strong feelings, some of these feelings are very hard to define, given the unusual and ambiguous circumstances of the characters; so there are definitely 'new' experiences to be had from watching this film.
There's also a very satisfying 'twist' along the way, which I don't think most people will see coming, and reminds me of an M. Night Shyamalan film in that respect.
The story is told in a non-sequential manner, with lots of "flash-forwards" to the future. This confused me at first, but it soon became obvious that there were three separate timeframes being shown out of sequence, and then once I'd "got" it, I was engrossed in the story. I am already looking forward to watching it again.
One thing is for certain: you will be talking about this film after watching it!
The story follows two 19th century stage magicians in a tale of rivalry, obsession, and love. The film envokes strong feelings, some of these feelings are very hard to define, given the unusual and ambiguous circumstances of the characters; so there are definitely 'new' experiences to be had from watching this film.
There's also a very satisfying 'twist' along the way, which I don't think most people will see coming, and reminds me of an M. Night Shyamalan film in that respect.
The story is told in a non-sequential manner, with lots of "flash-forwards" to the future. This confused me at first, but it soon became obvious that there were three separate timeframes being shown out of sequence, and then once I'd "got" it, I was engrossed in the story. I am already looking forward to watching it again.
One thing is for certain: you will be talking about this film after watching it!
25 of 27 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A typically brilliant, intelligent piece of cinema from Britain's most talented director.
4 Jan 2007
By Alex Roache
Format:DVD
Just to begin, I'd like to dispute the previous reviewer's assertion that Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) is the hero of the piece, and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) the villain. It is not as strightforward as that, and therein lies one of the film's strengths - both characters are extremely well developed (primarily, of course, thanks to Christopher Priest's superb novel) and finely acted by the leading duo, and events conspire to wrestle our sympathies between the two antagonists. Borden does initially appear to be portrayed as the villain, his careless actions causing a helpless Angier's life to crumble around him (he loses a loved one and his reputation). But as the plot progresses, we see Angier become twisted with obssession and revenge, his motives growing ever more suspect and really rather sinister. Borden, on the other hand, is a largely motiveless character (though certainly no less interesting for it), managing not to let his obsessive quest for the ultimate magic trick lead him to immoral behaviour.
Bale and Jackman are both on top form, and the supporting cast is strong (Scarlett Johansson struggles a little, apparently concentrating too hard on her English accent and forgetting to make us care about her character; Michael Caine is, as usual, faultless).
This is Nolan's best film since Memento. It doesn't quite pip his 2000 thriller, but it comes close. A lot of people will see the twist coming, and a few will think it is obvious... but in a way, that's the point. Like a magic trick, you're looking for some higher secret, but you're fooled only by its simplicity. And here's a simple fact: Chris Nolan is Britain's best director, and among the best in the business today.
Bale and Jackman are both on top form, and the supporting cast is strong (Scarlett Johansson struggles a little, apparently concentrating too hard on her English accent and forgetting to make us care about her character; Michael Caine is, as usual, faultless).
This is Nolan's best film since Memento. It doesn't quite pip his 2000 thriller, but it comes close. A lot of people will see the twist coming, and a few will think it is obvious... but in a way, that's the point. Like a magic trick, you're looking for some higher secret, but you're fooled only by its simplicity. And here's a simple fact: Chris Nolan is Britain's best director, and among the best in the business today.
48 of 53 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
"The secret impresses no one. The trick you use it for is everything"
29 April 2007
By M. B. Alcat
Format:DVD
"The Prestige", based on a novel by Christopher Priest, is a movie that surprised me. I had heard that some people liked it, and that some people hated it, but I didn't expect "The Prestige" to be the kind of film that makes you want to watch it again immediately, just to be certain you didn't miss anything. And that is exactly what happened in this case...
This film, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a drama set in late 19th century London that has some ingredients that can only be described as fantasy. All the same, the spectator won't be able to shake off the feeling that what he is watching is real, due to the excellent way in which the actors, the director and the scriptwriters managed to bring Priest's novel to life.
The title of this movie has to do with one of the three acts of which every outstanding magic trick consists. The first act is "The Pledge", when the magician shows you something seemingly ordinary. The second act is "The Turn", when the thing that seemed ordinary is turned into something extraordinary. The last act is "The Prestige", the act that crowns the magic trick and makes it unique. Magicians live and die for "The Prestige", and that act is somehow at the center of this story.
The main characters in this film are two magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman), that due to a tragedy go from friendly rivals to fierce enemies. The quest of each one of them is to best the other, no matter the cost, notwithstanding the means. Who is the best magician, who can really achieve "The Prestige"? And will he live to boast about it?
On the whole, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie, and that I would gladly watch it a third time. Highly recommended...
Belen Alcat
This film, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a drama set in late 19th century London that has some ingredients that can only be described as fantasy. All the same, the spectator won't be able to shake off the feeling that what he is watching is real, due to the excellent way in which the actors, the director and the scriptwriters managed to bring Priest's novel to life.
The title of this movie has to do with one of the three acts of which every outstanding magic trick consists. The first act is "The Pledge", when the magician shows you something seemingly ordinary. The second act is "The Turn", when the thing that seemed ordinary is turned into something extraordinary. The last act is "The Prestige", the act that crowns the magic trick and makes it unique. Magicians live and die for "The Prestige", and that act is somehow at the center of this story.
The main characters in this film are two magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman), that due to a tragedy go from friendly rivals to fierce enemies. The quest of each one of them is to best the other, no matter the cost, notwithstanding the means. Who is the best magician, who can really achieve "The Prestige"? And will he live to boast about it?
On the whole, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie, and that I would gladly watch it a third time. Highly recommended...
Belen Alcat
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant movie!
Loved this! It's a bit weird to begin with it, but stick with it and all will be revealed at the end.
Published 4 days ago by FJH
5.0 out of 5 stars
very intriguing
Recommended by my son. Very interesting film..but realised I had missed a vital clue when reading another comment under the heading 'confusing'. Read more
Published 15 days ago by janner
2.0 out of 5 stars
it's not brand new!
it's describe as brand new, but actually it's been opened, the plastics cover is gone, in good condition though, but def not new!
Published 18 days ago by Danni Luo
4.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant.
Best entrance for David Bowie in a film ever! Plot twists keep you guessing. Love how the film follows the same pattern as a magician's trick.
Published 1 month ago by Rebecca Fleur Hollingsworth
4.0 out of 5 stars
Top quality film
Love Nolan's work and this is a hidden gem of a film, great cast and the story is brilliant, highly recommended!
Published 1 month ago by K. Daniels
5.0 out of 5 stars
amazing
Probably one of the best films that I have ever seen. Christian bale and Hugh jackman are incredible. Abra kadabra
Published 1 month ago by Alex Parham
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely brilliant!
This is one of those films that doesn't sound that great when you read the synopsis or when someone tells you about it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Tonkalou
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible
I love a film with a good twist, this definitely has that. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale doing some of their best work here. Michael Caine is brilliant as always. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Miss WILLIAMS
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb Prestige
I just got around to seeing this brilliant piece of fiction.
It deals with common Nolan themes of obsessions and complexity. Read more
It deals with common Nolan themes of obsessions and complexity. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Roger Boyle
3.0 out of 5 stars
Left me cold
Having seen the majority of Chris Nolan's films, and generally loving them, I was surprised by how run-of-the-mill this 2006 effort seemed. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Scaroth, Last of the Jagaroth
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