A magic trick in itself

Rating: 8/10 (8 November 2010)

This twisted, cleverly plotted movie is a favorite of mine. The movie progresses like a magic trick which as you're told at the very outset by veteran genius Michael Caine's character has three parts: The Pledge, The Turn, The Prestige. Analyze the movie after watching it and you can identify how well it fits into this description. Everything unfolds in front of your eyes but you still didn't watch while Nolan amazes you with a new trick from his seemingly inexhaustible bag of tricks. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman play the obsessed magician roles perfectly while the cinematography and terrific production values set this mystery drama in Victorian London. One can uncover a few plot flaws on re-watch but that is because you know the secret. Once you know the secret, the magic is nothing.