Superb exploration of its subject matter

Rating: 10/10 (15 April 2008)

I've just watched The Prestige and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I've always had a fascination for stage and street magic - not so much to "figure out the tricks", but with an appreciation of the combination, of stagecraft, misdirection, and sleight of hand. The great magicians aren't remembered for "clever tricks" - rather, for the overall entertainment, for the illusion.
And this film is perfect for all that. There is a mystery to it (in fact, at least two mysteries), but the clues to each are telegraphed all throughout the film, in plain sight. You have to watch and be alert.
I figured out one of the mysteries in the middle of the film, but was still fascinated by how it was done. I think this is the same thrill I get when I'm watching a film about con artists (or a good episode of the old Mission Impossible), because what is shown is not always what is.
And as this film explains, it's not how such things are done that matters (because once it's explained, no one cares any more), rather, it's that creation of illusion so that we have "mystery", that does.