#31 The Prestige

In Summary

The Prestige is a rare example of a film with a twist ending that is arguably improved by knowing it.

However, without spoiling things, The Prestige is a tale of a deadly rivalry between two up-and-coming magicians in Victorian London. The film details the great lengths to which each magician attempts to gain an upper-hand on the other.

The most impressive thing about The Prestige is watching how the twist mechanically fits in with the story upon re-watching it. On the first watch, the film feels a little flat.

The film contrasts the technically skillful Alfred Borden - portrayed by Christopher Bale - with the greater showman, Robert Angier - portrayed by Hugh Jackman. It presents the difference between being talented and being able to convey that talent to a wider audience.

The story is told through flashback after the death of Angier, seemingly at the hand of Borden, tracking how their rivalry developed from the days of having worked together to being the two biggest names in the industry. Starting the story at this point underscores the depth to which the rivalry has toxified.

Of course, with there being a twist to the story, things aren't exactly what they initially seem to be. Much like a magic trick itself, The Prestige points the audience one way before revealing the truth lies elsewhere.

Also, David Bowie is in this film.

A Memorable Quote

The secret impresses no one. The trick you use it for is everything.

Things You May Not Know

• Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Skyfall, 1917) was originally set to direct this film, only for the author of the novel upon which The Prestige is based to be sent a copy of Christopher Nolan's film The Following and opt to go with him.
• There are 146 time-jump cuts in the film - where the next scene is either a flashback or jump forward - which averages to just under one timeline jump per minute.
• The main characters' initials spell out the magical word 'ABRA' (Alfred Borden, Robert Angier).

One of the Greatest of All Time?
While the film is reasonably smart and engaging, its biggest area of weakness is that the sense of a rivalry between the two lead characters feels flat, despite of the actions they take against each other. Talented actors though they are, neither Christian Bale nor Hugh Jackman are particularly compelling in their roles, given that this is a consistent issue in Christopher Nolan films, the finger of blame has to be pointed towards the director.

Nonetheless, The Prestige is a solidly entertaining two hours with a few nice twist along the way to keep an audience on its toes. Is it one of the greatest films of all time? No. Will you be bored watching it? No.