Director: Christopher Nolan
Writer: Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan (Screenplay) Christopher Priest (Novel)
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Piper Perabo, Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie, Andy Serkis
Plot: Two stage magicians engage in competitive one-upmanship in an attempt to create the ultimate stage illusion.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Watch Carefully
Story: The Prestige starts by giving us narration from Cutter (Caine) explain who magic works and how to perform the perfect trick. With this going on we see Alfred Borden (Bale) trying to uncover the truth about fellow magicians Robert Angier (Jackman) master trick. The trick goes wrong and Angier drowns leading to Borden being put in prison awaiting his death. Cue the flashback to how the two rivals reached the place they did.
We see how Angier goes to America in hope of meeting Tesla (Bowie) to learn more about Borden’s secret. This leads to another flashback where we learn how the two first met working for another great magician. We see how Borden was an ambitious magician who wants to push the audience to the next level while Angier was all about the show. We see how tragedy strikes leading to the death of Angier wife, which leads to the start of their rivalry that will span over years.
The Prestige really tests the attention of the audience with a story that seems to have a twist round every corner, many of which you just don’t see coming. The rivalry between the two shines through and we do get the old story of a friendship turned bitter at the source of the rivalry. While you watch you do get a chance to support both sides of the rivalry because neither side comes off clean but neither comes off evil. This story is one that will end up needing a re-watch because once you see the final outcome you feel like you might have missed something that gets hinted throughout. (9/10)
Actor Review
Hugh Jackman: Robert Angier the showman magician who after losing his wife becomes obsessed with out shining Alfred and will go to extraordinary lengths. Hugh gives a great performance in a role that isn’t as clean cut as his previous work. (9/10)
Christian Bale: Alfred Borden the brilliant magician who lacks the showmanship but has the ability to make any trick possible. His dedication to his art is unbelievable but will lead to giving up more than he could ever imagine. Christian gives a brilliant performance that is one of my favorite of his. (10/10)
Michael Caine: Cutter creator of the trick who sides with Angier but wants to keep the tricks pure. Michael gives a solid supporting that we have come to know in Nolan films. (7/10)
Support Cast: The Prestige has a large supporting cast that all come into the lives of the magicians in different spells on the rivalry. They all help with the motivation of the characters and show the sacrifice they end up making to be the best.
Director Review: Christopher Nolan – Nolan is known for all his films being a brilliant standard and this doesn’t disappoint. (10/10)
Mystery: The Prestige offers plenty of mystery throughout as we try and work out how a trick is done. (9/10)
Thriller: The Prestige keeps you guessing to what is happening throughout the film. (10/10)
Settings: The Prestige has perfectly created settings for the time period in which the story takes place in. (10/10)
Suggestion: The Prestige is a must watch for all and I would recommend watching it twice just so you can pick up on the hints you may have missed first time around. (Watch)
Best Part: Final reveal.
Worst Part: We don’t get any real idea of the time period the rivalry goes through.
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: 2 Oscars nominations
Box Office: $109 Million
Budget: $40 Million
Runtime: 2 Hours 15 Minutes
Tagline: A friendship that became a rivalry.
Overall: The Illusion of Winning
Rating 
