MOVIE REVIEW: ‘The Prestige’ is pure magic
Are you watching closely?
It doesn’t matter.
For you will still be mesmerized by this strategic, cunning mystery.
Director, Christopher Nolan (“Batman Begins”) has proven, once again, his talent for ingenious treatment of original subject matter.
And before you deride this film for being a copy of last month’s “The Illusionist,” go see it. Yes, both films are about controversial magicians and yes, both films are cerebral dramas. But if you look closer, you’ll see that “The Prestige” is a film all its own.
Taking place during the turn of the century in England, two virtuoso performers are on the rise displaying impossible magic tricks to the astounded public.
These colleagues (Christian Bale, “Batman Begins”; Hugh Jackman, “X-Men”) separate after a tragic accident and soon become rivals ready to thwart each other’s feats of the supernatural.
This plot is easy enough, but “The Prestige” goes much deeper in its exploration of two men overcome by the obsession of competition and supremacy. The seemingly chronological storyline is broken into pieces and then piled on top of each other in a disarrayed order, which keeps the audience on their toes every second to keep up.
In addition to the smart style of storytelling, “The Prestige” presents superb performances from everyone. All the actors comfortably nestle into their roles, enticing us to do the same.
And having so many unforeseen shocks keeps the film interesting and moving at a brisk pace. With “The Prestige” containing so many surprises throughout, it gets a little easier to predict them and a little harder to stay fascinated near the end. But the film makes up for this surplus with an entertaining story, strong characters, and spotless authenticity all fitting nicely in a shadow-filled world.
Caseyl T. Allen is a movie critic for The Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent to him at caseyal@cc.usu.edu.