Are you watching closely?

Rating: 8/10 (5 August 2007)

Olivia Wenscombe: It won't bring your wife back. Robert Angier: I don't care about my wife. I care about his secret.
Christian Bale (The Machinist, Batman begins) was absolutely stunning in the tale of two magicians who are constantly trying to outdo each other. X-man Hugh Jacman was his rival, who ostensibly wanted revenge for the death of his wife, but who was really more interested in being number one.
The is the basic story, but it is what is going on beneath that that makes this a superior film. While you are watching the rivalry, the magicians are preparing a trick that will amaze and astonish you. You know it has to be a trick, but they pull it off anyway, and that is what makes this film.
The outstanding camera work was by Wally Pfister, who did Batman Begins, and who will be doing The Dark Knight. The superb direction was by Christopher Nolan, who also did the two mentioned films.
Both stars were admirably supported by Michael Caine, British star Rebecca Hall, and the ever-lovely Scarlett Johansson.