A Trick inside a Trick

Rating: 9/10 (19 April 2020)

This movie starts with the introduction (1st Phase) of the Characters. It then destracts us by setting up the main theme of the movie as a rivalry (2nd Phase). After that it is revealed to us that Christian Bales Character is alive (The Prestige) and operated with a twin brother. Thus we get behind the trick that was done here. But as you might think the movie establishes a second trick much before you figure out the first. The Tesla Cloningdevice. It is first established to us (1st Phase) and then the effect is shown to our human eyes (2nd Phase). Lastly we see Hugh Jackmans Character once drowning and once reappearing (or the Hat, whatever). This is the Prestige.
So, the movie tricks us with its first trick right into the second, that it leaves unanswered. We can make up our own mind about it, but we're still left guessing, just like the perfect magic trick.