The Prestige [Blu-ray]
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Movie Reviews of The Prestige [Blu-ray]
Movie Review: One of the best movies of the year 2006! It's Batman vs Wolverine!
Summary: 5 Stars
Before I begin the proper review of the movie itself a quick word about the director Christopher Nolan. Nolan is quickly becoming one of the greatest directors of our time. All his works have been quite diverse and exceptional. MEMENTO and BATMAN BEGINS are two of my all time favorite movies and INSOMNIA was a pretty decent thriller.
When THE PRESTIGE was announced I immediately thought "this has to be the best movie to come out in a long time!" especially since I've been a huge fan of Nolan and Bale's previous works. Simply put, both of them are among some of the most talented people in the movie business right now!
THE PRESTIGE is based on a novel by Christopher Priest. Personally, I've never read the book but after watching the movie I am looking forward to reading the book, just like I got into Chuck Palahniuk's writing after watching FIGHT CLUB.
Set in the 18th century, the plot revolves around two rival stage magicians Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman). The intense rivalry and it's effect on the two men's lives and those they love is the main focus of the story. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing till the end. I don't want to give more details about the story because it's best if you watch this movie with very little information. And I personally loved how everything was tied up in the end. This is one of those movies where you will be compelled to watch again after it's over! That's how Nolan makes his movies, you want to watch them again... and again!
The direction is wonderful. If you loved BATMAN BEGINS, THE PRESTIGE is a treat to watch. The editing is superb. Some shots won't make any sense in the beginning but become more and more sense as the film progresses. This is a film that's meant to be watched carefully... picking up clues the director leaves for you. The production values are amazing, the sets are gorgeous and the entire look of the film is a joy to watch. Simply, this is one of the best looking films you'll see this year!
Coming to the cast, how can you ever go wrong with a cast the includes Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johanssen, Piper Perabo, Andy "Gollum" Serkis and David Bowie as Nikola Tesla? Christian Bale is once again awesome! He has a psycho vibe going on throughout the film. You never know when the guy would go all psycho and do something really crazy! We all know how well he does these type of characters, be it AMERICAN PSYCHO, THE MACHINIST or the current HARSH TIMES or even BATMAN BEGINS, Bale nails it! Hugh Jackman also gives a decent performance, in fact his character was the most complex and he fit the part perfectly. Another success for him this year! The ladies do a decent job even though they all have quite brief screen times. Michael Caine is great, as always and David Bowie makes this movie extra cool as the enigmatic scientist Nikola Tesla.
So my review has been extra positive so far, so are there any flaws in this film? If you ask me... NO! It's one of the best films to come out in a long time! Great direction, an interesting and complex plot and an amazing cast. What else do you want in a movie?
I personally can't wait for THE DARK KNIGHT to watch Nolan and Bale back in action in 2008!
Movie Review: Are you watching closely?
Summary: 5 Stars
Review: Christopher Nolan uses the skillful magician's art of misdirection in the powerful drama "The Prestige". Using a magician's slight of hand to direct the audience in this intricate story about the rivalry between magicians Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman) set in turn-of-the-century England Nolan constructs a drama that deals with themes as old as Shakespeare's "The Tempest". The less you know about the plot of the film outside of what I've described the better as the film will unfold its mystery just as the best magician's tricks do with showmanship and a sense of awe. ***
Featuring a number of stunning performances everyone from Jackman & Bale to Michael Caine & David Bowie as Nikola Tesla one of the first men to harness the power of electricity shines in the film. Although Scarlett Johansson lights up the screen time Rebecca Hall ("Wide Sargasso Sea") as Borden's long suffering wife has the better, showier part in the film and makes the most of it.
***POTENTIAL SP0ILERS HERE GO NO FURTHER IF YOU WANT TO BE COMPLETELY SURPRISED BY THE FILM***
Nolan constructs his story in flashback as we see Rupert Angier die during one of his tricks and Borden put on trial for his murder. Weaving back and forth in time Nolan paints devastating pictures of two very different driven men who use misdirection as the seeds of their lives and how that ultimately costs them both in tragic ways.
***END OF SPOILERS***
Based on science fiction and fantasy writer Christopher Priest's novel of the same name Nolan and his co-screenwriter/brother Jonathan Nolan (who co-scripted "Memento") do a marvelous job of keeping the audience orientated as to when the flashbacks that we are seeing took place. Since the film is less than chronological skipping back and forth (using the marvelous conceit of diaries that both magicians have kept about their rivalry, magic tricks and experiences) audiences will be very involved in putting the pieces of this puzzle together. As the tagline suggest you should watch this entertaining, clever and ambitious drama very closely as there hints throughout the film that will lead clever audience members to the conclusion before it takes place. That doesn't make the film any less satisfying however as it is a good example of modern filmmaking that doesn't place technique above content. The leap of faith necessary for the conclusion of the film will put some people off--after all it is played as a straight ahead mystery thriller for most of the film but it's precisely this unusual twist that makes the film so vital and entertaining. Certainly Nolan's dark film won't be for everyone but neither was "Momento" or "Insomnia".
I highly recommend "The Prestige". Featuring a number of powerful, confident performances, a terrific script based on a top notch novel and sharp direction by Nolan the film continues to suggest he is one of our most talented film directors working. As with all of Nolan's previous films "The Prestige" continues to demonstrate an ambitious filmmaker whose ultimate goal is to tell an involving drama that will challenge an audience's perceptions.
Movie Review: "The Prestige" is excellent!
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Prestige" is excellent! This is one of the year's best! This isn't better than "The Illusionist" (2006), but, however, it establishes its own pace and is different than "The Illusionist". The directing by Christopher Nolan (who is directing the upcoming Batman movie "The Dark Knight" (2008) and also wrote the story, Nolan also co-wrote the screenplay to "The Prestige" with his brother Jonathan, which is based on the novel by Christopher Priest. Nolan has also done "Batman Begins" (2005), which he co-wrote the screenplay and directed, which in fact is the prequel to "The Dark Knight", he has also done the American remake of "Insomnia" (2002), and the impressive psychological thriller "Memento" (2000), which he, again, also co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan and both were nominated for an Oscar for their screenplay and he also wrote and directed his debut film "Following" (1998) is excellent! Nolan is one of the best directors of our generation! The performances by Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, & Michael Caine (both Bale and Caine worked with Nolan on "Batman Begins" and are currently working with him again on "The Dark Knight) are excellent! The music by David Julyan (who also did the music to Nolan's "Following", "Memento", & "Insomnia", he also did the music to "The Descent" (2006) is excellent! The cinematography by Wally Pfister (who also nominated for an Oscar for his work on Nolan's "Batman Begins", he also done Nolan's "Memento", "Insomnia" & the upcoming "The Dark Knight") is excellent! The film editing by Lee Smith (who was nominated for an Oscar for his work on "Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World" (2003), he has done Nolan's "Batman Begins" & the upcoming "The Dark Knight") is excellent! The casting by John Papsidera (who also done the casting to Nolan's "Memento" & "Batman Begins", he has also done the casting to "Final Destination 3" (2006) is excellent! The production design by Nathan Crowley (who also done the production design to Nolan's "Insomnia", "Batman Begins", & the upcoming "The Dark Knight", he has also done the production design to "The Lake House" (2006) is excellent! The art direction by Kevin Kavanaugh (who also did the art direction to "The Lake House") is excellent! The set decoration by Julie Ochipinti (who was also an assistant art director on Nolan's "Batman Begins") is excellent! The costume design by Joan Bergin is excellent! This is another one of Nolan's films that has put him in the place of master filmmakers. This is a visually, brilliant looking movie and it is also an impressive, smart, and excellent film that makes you think and keeps you guessing and makes you want more answers and questions. It is at times, confusing, but, it didn't affect me at all, because it is different than any movie out there right now, just like "The Illusionist" was before it or is, in some terms.Movie Review: Film that means more than a Film
Summary: 5 Stars
Whilst some reviewers will only give you their opinion on what they thought of the ending and the twists and whatnot, do not miss the important point of film.
the proverb that "its about the journey, not the destination" definately applies here. I for one enjoyed the ending and found it justified. Films that can entertain you AND get you thinking are very important. If you like to piece together puzzles or play puzzle games in your head, then this film will definately delight you whilst watching it, and even after its over and you know the answers.... you will be tossing around the moments that have happened all throughout the film upon rewatching it.
That will free your mind to enjoy the amazing cinematography and direction that this film recieves. I believe the best compliment that i can give this film is that if a book had been written of its plot first, no one would have believed that a film adaptation would be possible. That should be a testament to the Nolan brothers' talent, who are quite intelligent and far ahead of their time.
As far as the Blu-Ray, whether you like the film or not, its encoding at 1080P at AVC-1 are outstanding. The picture is alive and breathtaking. i do not use the word breathtaking lightly, i mean the picture, if it could phsycially do it, WOULD jump out of the TV and punch you in the chest, knocking all wind out of you, its so delightfully vibrant.
The sound is equally amazing, and can be best experienced on a 5.1 surround system.
This flick really has more to it than any old flick you can pick up at your local blockbuster. Whether you're a thinker or not, its important to give this film a thought to come up with your own conclusions on the matters that the film addresses. Films that make you think, whilst entertain you at the same time, WITHOUT BEING PRETENTIOUS is a quality and an asset to a great film maker.
Do enjoy THE PRESTIGE for what it has to OFFER, its a film that definately meets your expectations at the door, and invites you into its house, rather than yours.
If that is too intimidating for you, then please skip it and do not bash this film, because with any good art, it is meant to bring something OUT of you, not please your editorial whims. Having said all that, i was delighted by the overall presentation of the film, and enjoyed it very much.
Highly recommended with 5 stars.
Movie Review: Ultimately bizarre but good - underrated
Summary: 5 Stars
The few reviews I'd read of this film were mediocre. I also had just viewed The Departed, which received rave reviews, and in my opinion lived up to them. Surprisingly enough, I could find very little to criticize about The Prestige. In fact, every minute of it intrigued me.
The Prestige is put together like a puzzle. The narration is cut into pieces and not presented chronologically. It follows magicians Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) in turn of the century London. Once having worked together, throughout most of the film they are enemies, obsessed with humiliating each other and surpassing the other's magic tricks.
Jackman is the initially charming performer who is eventually driven to obsession. Bale is the focused artist who is very difficult to decipher. Michael Caine plays Cutter, an assistant. Rebecca Hall is Sarah, Borden's wife. All actors are excellent, including Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie, and Andy Serkis. Andy Serkis deserves special recognition for his small role. Piper Parabo has little onscreen time, but she manages to look lovely.
The Prestige has been criticized for its unpleasant protagonists, complexity, and predictable or ludicrous conclusion. The two main characters become their fixations, making them indeed unlikable. Their actions are intended to shock the audience. That's where I found the surprises. I guessed some of the secrets behind the tricks, but I did not guess the twisted lengths Borden and Angier would go to perform them. Many questions are raised at the film's conclusion, but I didn't find it incredibly difficult to follow. The film forces you to be patient and let the connections unfold.
Cinematography, outfits, and the setting are beautiful and add to the eerie atmosphere. Others have compared The Prestige to Sleuth, and the disturbing competition brought Sleuth to my mind. Some have called this movie cold, but I find it subtle, making it all the more creepy. Its running themes were threaded into the story well. One theme involved us all wanting to be tricked; we want neither a simple answer nor brutal answer.
The title of The Prestige has an interesting significance. I'd recommend this curious, meticulously intriguing, and troubling movie to those who enjoyed Memento and don't expect a hurried film or one with much comic relief.