absolutely worth watching... closely

Rating: 8/10 (15 May 2007)

I finally, got to see "The Prestige" last night, and it certainly did not disappoint me. It is one of those movies that is just so well made through and through. The acting is overall excellent, the plot is very entertaining with so many twists and turns that it keeps you constantly guessing what is really going on, and the directing is almost flawless. If you have ever seen "The Usual Suspects" (which I recently saw for the second time) and liked it, you will probably like "The Prestige". They share a lot of the same qualities.
Most of the film takes place in late Victorian London. Interestingly, even though it seems like great pains have been taken to give a historically correct depiction of the period, the film feels very modern. Partly, this is due to the way the film is told, with a lot of jumping back and forth in time, forcing the viewer to make some effort to form a coherent story. (Not surprising for a film by the director of "Memento".) But also do the characters feel relevant and "up-to-date" for a modern viewer. Quite an achievement, since they don't in any way seem anachronistic in the Victorian environment.
The story revolves around the rivalry of two young magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jckman) both trying to perform the ultimate magic trick. In the beginning of the film they are friends, but due to a tragic accident, they become deadly rivals, and it becomes unclear what drives them the most, the want for one's own success or the wish to see the rival fail. Soon it becomes a struggle of life and death, both trying to achieve the impossible, namely to at least seemingly transport themselves from one place to another instantly. Angier thinks Borden is able to do this trick, and he tries every possible way to discover the secret. This leads to him seeking out the historical inventor Tesla (David Bowie) in Colorado, a scientist who may be able to invent the impossible.
Every time you think you have figured out what will happen next an unexpected twist happens, which takes you back to square one. Frustrating for some perhaps, but it keeps the movie interesting and challenging. The acting is overall very good, Michael Caine never does a bad job, Jackman and Bale are perfect in the lead roles (and this is from a man who always have had a problem with Bale), and David Bowie is entertaining as Tesla. (Although I am such a huge fan of David Bowie the musician, that I find it hard to give an impartial account of his acting.)
Of course, if you really sit down and think some of the things that happen in the movie through, you will conclude that there are quite a few things that are a bit contrived to say the least. However, this does not matter, as long as it all makes perfect sense while watching...