Watch closely.

Rating: 10/10 (25 October 2006)

As if I don't already disrespect The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, my bias and unfavorable view of AMPAS will be reinforced if THE PRESTIGE is not at least nominated for Best Original Screenplay. In that category alone, is where the film succeeds. Another tautly written piece of Gothic cinema and heavy drama from Christopher Nolan, and Jonathan Nolan. Good and intense performances from everyone all around, and although Scarlett Johansson is the hottest thing to look at, it was hard for me to adjust to her playing an Englishwoman.
The movie takes the audiences behind the scenes in the art of ledgerdemain, but more essentially - behind the intricacies of the relationships of these rivaling performing artists. More than trap doors, and body doubles (although the latter element will be a heavy aspect of the plot, that I say without spoiling much) - each complexity and nuance of the interpersonal relationships in this film are thoroughly explored, without the audience hinting that some of these little details are foreshadowings in themselves that will be exploited as shattering revelations as the film concludes. So pay attention to detail.
There may be a little pomp in the SCI-fi element, and I do mean Science Fiction, NOT magic or prestidigital fiction, but the way Nolan crafts the story make it all seem acceptable, and maybe even worthy of your standing ovation because of the tautness of this dark masterpiece. So really, without trying to merely parrot the movie's tagline, I echo it in of my own accord: Watch closely.
10/10