Incredible

Rating: 9/10 (23 November 2006)

This movie is quite possibly the worst adaptation of a book I have ever seen in my life. Christopher Priest's novel is brilliant, and it has been some time that I haven't been able to put a book down. That being said, this was one absolutely incredible movie.
Frankly, I am content with it being a horrible adaptation. Christopher Nolan has taken Priest's genius premise and created another genius story. While I feel sorry for Priests, the Nolan brothers definitely deserve immense credit for a such a difficult task. I was completely engrossed in the film. It ranks, certainly, as one of the best thrillers I have seen, alongside Memento, The Usual Suspects, Fight Club, and some of the great Hitchcock films. It's hard to discuss the plot without giving much away (and a very simplistic storyline can be obtained from this website elsewhere), but I will say that the twists, even if they are already known, are mind-blowing. Keep in mind, however, that this film is a fantasy, or science fiction, whichever term you prefer.
The Nolans' script is marvelous, as is Christopher's directing. Michael Caine gives a very good performance, as do all the supporting cast members, namely Andy Serkis' and David Bowie's short roles. The very fact that Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman are in a film together is enough to see that said film, and they both give outstanding performances (as both usually do). Jackman does an awesome job as a gentlemanly sort of character, consumed by his obsession for the secrets of his opponent. But it is Bale (who stands as my favorite actor) who steals the show (perhaps the last parenthesized quotation reveals a bias). His portrayal of a Cockney ruffian is brilliant, and he, like Jackman, completely assumes the identity of his character. Both are equally deserving of Oscar nominations (and, quite possibly, wins), and it can unfortunately be a rare thing to have two such marvelous actors in the same film doing marvelous jobs.
The Prestige is one of the finest films of the year and may unfortunately be out-shadowed by other very fine films. It is an incredible story, one only strengthened by the fantastic performances of Bale and Jackman.