Watch closely

Rating: 9/10 (19 September 2014)

Definitely a film that can be seen more than once, Christopher Nolan's detailed and intense exploration of a rivalry between two magician's is intelligent, thoughtful and at a times thrilling drama piece set in the late 1800s; an exciting time of innovation and technological achievement. Making use of a non linear time line the director is able to explore several themes concerning human perception and obsession by tracking the triumphs and failures of two 19th century magician's which remains interesting right up to the last minute and does not lose it's energy and intrigue when exploring the mechanical and psychological techniques that the characters use to perform illusions. Complimented by an exciting 1878 setting, well executed Magician set pieces and strong performances from Christian bale, Hugh Jackman and Michael Caine, this Drama cleverly allows the viewer to witness the secrets behind certain magic tricks that are performed on stage and the various techniques involved in deception so that the viewer becomes captured by the art and not fooled by it. What is interesting is the exploration of deception and trickery within characters as well as the apparatus's that the magician's use which makes this both a visually and philosophically fruitful movie experience. It's not clear whose side the audience is meant to take between Bale and Jackman's character, so the dramatic focus is all the more effective as the characters remain interesting and so avoid becoming archetypal good and bad characters Overall the films qualities are visual, meaningful, intriguing and suspenseful which compliments the actors and the director is this film of strong quality