Starring: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie
Synopsis: Sandwiched in between the first two components of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, is a step away from the superhero franchise for both he and the films’ lead, Christian Bale. The Prestige, just like the majority of Nolan’s films, was co-written with his younger brother Jonathan and produced by his wife Emma Thomas. Based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Christopher Priest, the narrative follows the intensely arduous rivalry between two luminaries of the vaudeville magicians’ circuit in 19th century London – Alfred Borden (Bale) and Robert Angier (Jackman) – stemming from a freak accident during the Water Torture Cell escape, of a show they once performed in together, as stooges for another magician.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4gHCmTQDVI&w=560&h=315]
The adaptation employs the same non-linear style of structure as all but one of Nolan’s previous productions: Following, Memento, and Batman Begins. This cleverly jumbled chronology is truly what makes the film such an enticing spectacle, even for those who’re rarely entranced by the wonders of misdirection – a word so potently relevant to this story, right to the finest details – that there are several instances where the audience are virtually handed paramount pieces of this intricate puzzle, but contrarily, at times where there are still enough pieces missing for the picture to not yet be abundantly clear.
Watch If You Liked: Any other film from Christopher Nolan. The Illusionist. The Magician.
Rating: 9/10 – Regardless of my inherent fascination with the core subject of the film, it is without a doubt, a consummately crafted, utterly compelling mystery-thriller.
Words by Alex Graham