25 of 29

Write now Article Tools

I can't quite make my mind up about Christopher Nolan. "Batman Begins" is a terrific movie whereas "Memento" confused the hell out of me. Renowned for his non-linear plot lines, Nolan is one of the more sophisticated directors that you either get in a big way or simply hate. So when I realized that he'd been the inspiration behind the recent movie "The Prestige" I had mixed feelings about what to expect. Thankfully, I needn't have worried.

Adapted from Christopher Priest's award-winning novel, the film depicts the obsessive rivalry between the magicians Robert Angier and Alfred Borden at the turn of the 19th century. Initially allied through a stage act, when Borden apparently ties a knot too tight for Angier's wife to untie and escape from a tank full of water, her ensuing death sparks an intense mutual hatred that lasts a lifetime. Set against the prosecution of Borden for the murder of Angier's wife, the story unfolds via a series of flashbacks with the remarkable coincidence that both men come by their opponent's diaries and follow the inner most thoughts contained therein. As the story unfolds, we discover that both were determined to make their mark with their respective acts, setting out on a chain of lethal one-upmanship designed to constantly undermine each other leading to tragic consequences.

As ever, Nolan adopts a unique slant on the story line with a plot woven according to the premise of the movie (screenplay written by Christopher and Jonathan Nolan). As we are signposted on several occasions, a magic trick is made up of three parts - the pledge, the turn and the prestige. The pledge is the magician showing the audience the proposition, the turn is the trick itself and the prestige is the showstopper where the trick delivers its punch line like a disappearing person reappearing again to tumultuous applause. Both leads play a prominent part in the credibility of the story line. Hugh Jackman is intense as Robert Angier graphically delivering the profile of a man ripped apart by grief and bitterness in a thoroughly convincing manner which even manages to wipe away any persistent images of him as Wolverine in the X-Men movies. Christian Bale gives a competent performance as Alfred Borden although I've seen him operating on a higher plateau in the classy "Batman Begins" and the hugely underrated "Equilibrium". As phlegmatic as he is, it's hard to rise above a poorly executed London accent (just ask Johnny Depp). Michael Caine as the sage-like Albert

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Movie reviews: The Prestige?
We want to hear your view. Write now!