Masterclass

Rating: 10/10 (18 November 2006)

Two friends start out as aides to a popular magician, but soon become professionals themselves. This starts a trek along a path that will lead to rivalry, surprising revelations about their work, betrayal, and murder.
Once again, Christopher Nolan proves to be a great director of thrillers. Not just plot wise with the winding and ever surprising story, but with also with the intricate visual appeal and masterclass acting. Like the visual comic book feast "Batman Begins" this darkly toned, but highly enjoyable thriller puts you into another world, that feels familiar, but is top-notch escapist entertainment also. The winding plot, which actually incorporates historical and scientific fact, is one of the best in years and will keep you hooked from the first to last scene. Also, everyone has seen little table magic tricks like doves appearing out of nowhere, but this film really draws you in to the world of magic as not only a performing art, but an art of shameless lies and illusion. A world where reality and illusion literally collide and become one and the same.
Terrific cast. Terrific script. Terrific direction. Terrific film. 10/10
Rated PG-13 for violent content