The Prestige [Blu-ray]
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Movie Reviews of The Prestige [Blu-ray]
Movie Review: Lethal rivalry for supremacy in prestidigitation
Summary: 5 Stars
Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman star as two young late 1890's magicians vying for preeminence on the London stage in the superb period piece, "The Prestige". Director Christopher Nolan skillfully directs his cast through a fascinating plot abounding with unpredictable twists which he and his brother Jonathan collaborated on. The artfully designed sets accurately represented Victorian England.
Bale playing Alfred Borden and Jackman playing Robert Angier were friends and associates working under a popular magician of the time and also working on their own routines. A mishap during a water escape trick performed by Jackman's wife Julia played by Piper Perabo caused her unfortunate drowning. Allegedly Bale had tied a knot around her wrists that she was unable to undo. Jackman blamed Bale and would seek vengeance.
As they launched their careers each man would attempt to sabotage the efforts of the other. This culminated in the loss of two of Bale's fingers during a bullet catching trick hampered by Jackman. Bale, however, the superior magician, persevered and found immense fame with his unprecedented trick "The Transported Man". Jackman tried to copy the ruse but could never perform it as well. He became obsessed with stealing Bale's diary which would reveal the details of the trick. Using his alluring assistant Olivia played by Scarlett Johansson, he tried to pilfer Bale's secrets. His plans were thwarted as Johansson and Bale became lovers.
Jackman finally coerced Bale into revealing that eminent physicist Nikola Tesla played by an intense, fearsome looking David Bowie, had invented a machine which juxtaposed science and magic and was the key to "Ther Transporting Man" illusion. Michael Caine playing Cutter, the architect of Jackman's illusions, had his doubts. Jackman nonetheless made his way to Tesla's lab in Colorado Springs, no easy feat at that time travelling from Europe.
Jackman investerd hoardes of money into Tesla's creation to top the efforts of Bale. Their cutthroat competition caused hardship for both men as the film concludes in an incalculable finale that concudes the flick on a soaring high note.
Movie Review: Extremely entertaining
Summary: 5 Stars
I own both The Prestige and The Illusionist (although the latter is in standard DVD format) and I have to say that The Prestige blows The Illusionist out of the water. I'm a huge Ed Norton fan, and liked the job he did in his role, but the duo of Jackman/Bale was absolutely perfectly cast for this film.
The story is not so much one of dueling magicians, as has been emphasized so much, but one of obsession (as is constantly inferred throughout the vilm) and how far an obsession will drive a person. Viewed in that light, this film offers some very human, and often downright frightening characters.
As a period piece, it does an adequate job of placing a modern storyline into turn of the century London, but the film is certainly not a period piece at its core. The period is just a backdrop for some really good human drama, with some sleight-of-hand (the best of which is performed by director Chris Nolan) and science fiction elements, which are present simply to advance the story, not take center-stage.
If you pay close attention, you'll likely catch onto a couple of the 'twists' that are revealed at the end, but there is still enough going on that nearly everyone who watches the film will be entertained by all of the turns exposed late in the film.
As a human drama, this film is exquisite. As a revenge story, it is excellent. As a period piece it falls a little short. But overall the film is a 5 star offering. And the BluRay presentation is absolutely phenomenal. I've only got fifteen BluRay titles, and this is hands-down the best overall presentation, especially visually.
Movie Review: "Now you're looking for the secret..."
Summary: 5 Stars
`The Prestige' marks one of the finest films I've seen this year, complete in every sense of the word. It's dark and mysterious and funny and strange and eerie and disturbing and thought provoking and engaging and unique in everyway possible. From star performances by Christian Bale, High Jackman and Michael Caine as well as titillating eye candy in Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall and Piper Perabo, `The Prestige' enlists an all star cast to help tell the twisted story of two rival magicians bound together by a tragic event that haunts their every action.
When Alfred Bordon (Christian Bale) accidentally causes the death of Robert Angier's (Hugh Jackman) wife Julia (Piper Perabo) not only is their friendship instantly over but they are now rivals, in every aspect of their lives. The film begins with the death of Robert Angier at the supposed hands of Alfred Bordon. As we await the result of the trial we are given, in flashbacks, the events that preceded the murder. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman deliver career highpoints here, adding layers upon layers to their characters and giving us, the viewer, every reason in the world to sit back and enjoy.
I don't want to give any of this movie away so I don't want to write too much. This film is utterly brilliant and one that is sure to please. I myself was utterly impressed with every second of this film and am positive that you will be as well. There has been much mention of the twists and turns this film takes and the surprise ending, just note that you may think you know, even I thought I knew, but I really had no idea. Excellent, excellent film!
Movie Review: Will stand the test of time.
Summary: 5 Stars
The Prestige
I thought this was great the first time around, but the second time only deepened my appreciation for it. This is a phenomenal piece of cinema. Christopher Nolan and Dody Dorn improve upon many of the startling editing, structural, and narration techniques they solidified for Memento, but here serving the story rather than the other way around. The character arcs, call-backs, and use of dialog are thrilling. Magic, and all the concepts surrounding it, including the double meaning of "the prestige", are intertwined intrinsically. This may have come from the novel, but it's a feat to translate anything so complicated with such purity when adapting forms. I found this film to mesh organically into itself with nary a self-conscious or contrived air to be found. While there were a few times I wished there was a tad more fire, spark, or intensity to the delivery in key scenes, the tone was always dead-on from the talent and I never found it unbelievable. David Bowie and Christian Bale, in particular, give remarkably nuanced performances...right down to one of the final whispers. I was also impressed with Hugh Jackman's final scene in the film, and how earlier he made such a perfect showman. The cinematography & lighting no doubt had a lot to do with it, but I'll give him credit for really filling out the role. Make sure to see this before it leaves the theaters, in an auditorium with good, loud sound, tight fine focus, and a bright lamp. You'll regret it later if the first time you see it is at a cineplex run by incompetents or, god forbid, on DVD.
Movie Review: The Prestige
Summary: 5 Stars
Rupert Angier (Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Bale), along with Rupert's wife, Julia (Perabo), are assistants to a magician at the turn of the twentieth century. Alfred causes a trick to go wrong, and Julia dies. Rupert blames Alfred, and the friends become enemies. They not only attempt to out-do each other on stage, but also attempt to actively sabotage and hurt each other. Soon, Rupert is off to Colorado Springs to meet with Nikola Tesla (Bowie). Tesla has created an integral part of Alfred's show, and Rupert is determined to get a similar device and top Alfred once again.
The story is told with three storylines, alternating between the three. Parts of one storyline that make no sense at first become clear as the other storylines progress. Even the murder at the very beginning is not what it seems. Christopher Nolan has once again constructed a fascinating tale, this time of obsession and the price that people pay for their obsessions. The cast is solid all around. Bale and Jackman, as the leads, own their roles and breathe life into their respective characters. Michael Caine, as their assistant, steals just about every scene he is in. Scarlett Johansson and Rebecca Hall as the love interests both do credible jobs. And finally, David Bowie makes Tesla into a memorable character. This is a great, entertaining movie. Christopher Nolan has quickly proved himself to be a great director. "The Prestige" helps to solidify that. I highly recommend this film.