Are you watching closely?

Rating: 9/10 (13 May 2020)

Split into 3 chapters, (much like the trick - The Pledge, The Turn & The Prestige) and played out in reverse chronological order using flashbacks and flash forwards, the entire film foreshadows it's ending. Elaborate & immaculately assembled, Nolan's movie-making skills must be applauded.
Most of Borden & Angier's conflict is shown entirely through other characters, or diary entries - yet despite very little screen time together, their rivalry remains a thoroughly absorbing watch until the closing credits.
Cutter's speech at the end was very clever. He breaks the 4th wall and makes you realise you have been a victim of The Prestige all along because you, like the audience wanted to be fooled and missed the numerous clues given throughout the film.
I really enjoyed the concept of the double, Rebecca Hall's portrayal of Sarah & the opposing traits of Borden & Angier. Borden is a poor, struggling artist - a dreadful showman but a real magician, and Angier is an affluent man who is a wonderful showman but has no desire to improve his tricks. This made Angier's hunt for Borden's secret all the more interesting as his intentions veer away from avenging his wife's death and become entirely self-serving.
I wasn't a fan of the Tesla machine. I understand the cloning plot was smoke and mirrors for Borden's secret, but I felt like it was a bit gimicky and swayed more into the realm of science.
*clues to the reveal*
-"We were two young men at the start of a great career. Two young men devoted to an illusion." - This was about Borden & Fallon
-Sarah's nephew asks "Where is the birds brother?"
-Chung Ling So > pretends to be a cripple (Borden admires the man because he too is dedicated to the trick and has sacrificed his life to protect it.
-Sarah notices Borden acts differently - "do you love me today?" - half of the time it was Fallon with her
-Borden tells Cutter he has a trick that magicians will scratch their head over.

the coin he shows Sarah's nephew (two heads / two sides)