Are you watching closely?

Rating: 10/10 (2 June 2016)

The Prestige is one of those rare films that truly reward repeated viewing. One would think that a film that relies so heavily on a twist at the end would feel flat the second time around but instead knowing how things fit together allows you to fully appreciate how masterfully it is all foreshadowed.
The script is great, the editing is brilliant and the vision required to bring this to life is staggering. I have watched it three times now and I'm yet to find a flaw in how this is put together. My appreciation grows with each new viewing. The cinematography is great as well. For a period piece it feels remarkably fresh and almost contemporary.
The acting is good if not great. Christian Bale gives a restrained but nuanced performance as Borden while Hugh Jackman impresses as his nemesis Angier. Not Oscar-worthy material but more than serviceable. Among the supporting cast it's worth mentioning Rebecca Hall as Borden's wife Sarah and Michael Caine as Cutter. They both provide the heart and soul of this movie, a counterpoint to the single-minded obsession shown by the two protagonists. David Bowie and Andy Serkis are always a delight to watch even if their parts here are fairly small.
A great study in the nature of obsession and how it brings two men into a downward spiral that can only end in disaster. And the journey is just so, so enjoyable. Christopher Nolan's best movie, which is saying something. 10 stars out of 10.