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Suspension of disbelief: I usually reserve that comment for special products like direct-to-DVD Disney sequels or when I hear that a studio wants to remake another nostalgic piece of 70âs television iconology. I guess Iâll just keep cooling my heels until they finally announce that H.R. Puff-n-Stuff trilogy. But I digressâ¦
 Letâs talk about the THE PRESTIGE. If you like magic (and I do), if you like well thought out stories, terrific costumes, great dialog and ruthless characters willing to commit unthinkable acts for fame, fortune and gloryâ¦then, my friend, this is your movie.
Our story takes place in turn-of-the-century London where Hugh Jackman is up and coming stage magician Robert Angier, a well-groomed magicians assistant whoâs still learning the ropes but is ready to break loose. Alfred Borden, (Christian Bale) is a cocky street-smart illusionist who shows a knack for being a natural magician but lacks that David Copperfield-ish polish.
Mentoring them both is Cutter, magic gadget craftsman or as the say in the trade Ingeneur, played by a slimmed down but strangely younger looking Michael Caine. Heâs perfectly cast in the role because; wellâ¦heâs Michael freaking Caine. Lets be honest the only time heâs not great is when heâs not in a movie.
During an unfortunate incident involving, water, rope, and a dead wife the two part company and begin a life long rivalry as Londonâs most awe-inspiring magicians.
Even though Robert Angier commands a larger audience, bigger paycheck and super sexy stage assistant, Scarlet Johanssonâ¦heâs not happy. Alfred has a better trick called the Disappearing Man and itâs a showstopper. Jealousy is a terrible thing and can make you blind to the fact that the universe has given you super sexy stage assistant, Scarlet Johansson.
Through a series of deliciously devious attempts to humiliate and destroy each other, Robert eventually obtains a clue as to how his rival pulls off this baffling illusion. Whatâs most mystifying is that this parlor trick may have some basis in actual magic.
 It leads him across the world to Colorado Springs where he meets the worldâs only true living wizard: Nikola Tesla. Rock God David Bowie masterfully plays the famous inventor of Alternating Current and Radio with the dignity and respect he deserves. My hat is off to Christopher Nolan & Jonathon Nolan for getting this one right.
The rest of the film takes a dark turn for the creepy as Robert brings something back from Colorado that is so amazing that rival-magician-nemesis; Albert is prepared to do anything to know its secret. And pays the price.
Director Christopher Nolan (Memento/Batman Returns) is really beginning to shine. Heâs pacing himself and letting his characters breath. Heâs depending less on fast edits and is developing a unique style of camera work that I wouldnât normally associate with a period piece. But it works. A beautiful production.
My only issue with this film is a method of foreshadowing that takes place often with one of the characters. Itâs not in the story telling per se, but in the way itâs filmed. To me itâs a tell or nodâ¦one of those big ta-dahâs at the end. Youâll know it when you see itâ¦
This is not a simple film to categorize but its fair to say that itâs a thriller, inside a mystery wrapped around sexy stage assistant, Scarlet Johansson.
Great film. This is a full-price theatre worthy event, try to catch this one.
Christopher Nolan has given you the science of magic and has proven once and for all that nothing is as it seems.
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