The Leader

 “Are You Watching Closely?” is the tagline for the new Christopher Nolan film, “The Prestige,” and it’s a fitting one.  The film itself is one big illusion and its structure mirrors Michael Caine’s opening monologue about the structure of a good magic trick.  “The Prestige” is an engaging thriller with oodles of plot twists and mystery. 

Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) start out as partners in magic until an accident at a show leads to the death of Angier’s wife.  Rivalry escalates between the two magicians, as they go from destroying each other’s acts to nearly killing each other.  All this leads to a climax dealing with the greatest magic trick ever seen and more dead bodies than you can shake a stick at. 

Being that this is director Christopher Nolan’s first period piece, the costumes and scenery were very realistic and established the film’s mood very well.  A few of the movie’s twists can easily be seen from a mile off, but those twists that truly surprise the cast and the audience are the real gems here.  What the film also incorporates well into its tone is a fantastical element, especially with a certain electric machine.  In a classic Nolan style, “The Prestige” unfolds out of order and circles back on itself; a device that is often confusing at first but here is executed perfectly. 

Not surprisingly, the performances were all thoroughly convincing.  This is Christian Bale’s second role with Christopher Nolan after “Batman Begins” and he continues to prove his adaptability in each film he appears.  Hugh Jackman’s dark but emotional role is quite a change from his well known Wolverine role in the “X-Men” trilogy. Michael Caine was excellent as Jackman’s manager who watches as the two magicians slowly try to destroy each other. Another face you’ll recognize is Scarlett Johansson, who has such a tragically minor role in the film with little development of the character.  Also, watch closely for David Bowie’s cameo or you might miss it. 

“The Prestige” incorporates a lot of a summer blockbuster moments with big laughs and special effects yet it still remains an edge-of-your-seat thriller.  Surprises are hiding around every frame of the film and the characters learn more about one another once the story unfolds.  As Michael Caine’s character said, “The Prestige” is the part with the twists and turns, where lives hang in the balance, and you see something shocking you've never seen before,” so watch closely. 

4 out of 5

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