Go see it !

Rating: 8/10 (22 October 2006)

This is an very good "period" film. The look of the movie (sets, costumes, etc.) are excellent and work well to set the dark, mysterious tone. Christian Bale is well cast as magician Alfred Borden and Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine, & Hugh Jackman all turn in nice performances. Jackman especially seems to have fun with his portrayal of the drunkard, out of work actor "Root". David Bowie however, as Nikola Tesla was disappointing. Having read the book it was probably easier following the story's twists and turns better than someone who has not read it. That said, the screenplay for this film is so much different from Christopher Priest's book, I was confused by some of the movie's jumping back and forth from past to present. Although not as creepy as the book's conclusion, I found the movie's ending more satisfying.