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The Prestige By: Andrew Moran 4 ˝ Stars out of 5 Stars Starring: Christian Bale, David Bowie, Michael Caine, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Piper Perabo & Andy Serkis
From acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan, comes a mysterious story of two magicians whose intense rivalry leads them on a life-long battle for supremacy full of obsession, deceit and jealousy with dangerous and deadly consequences. From the time that they first met as young magicians on the rise, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) were competitors. However, their friendly competition evolves into a bitter rivalry making them fierce enemies-for-life and consequently jeopardizing the lives of everyone around them. Full of twists and turns, The Prestige is set against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century London, the exceptional cast includes two-time Oscar® winner Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson and David Bowie. The Prestige is an intriguing and fascinating film to enjoy for 2 ˝ hours. This film is one of the best of 2006, I know it’s a bold statement but it’s the truth, to me anyway.
The Prestige consisted of three great aspects. One: The Adapted Screenplay. I have not read the original book, but I would like too now, however the screenplay was great. The story was unique because this was actually what the story of business was like in the late 19th century. Where stage performers were actually in that great deal of competition and kept monitoring each other’s performances and see what new ‘tricks’ they could steal. I think this is truly one of the better screenplays of the year. (I know I’ve been saying that for quite some time, but hey it’s the season of great films). Two: The picture itself. Christopher Nolan (Memento & Batman: Begins) did an amazing job in directing this picture and his cinematography was absolutely extraordinary. Also with the twists and turns he and Jonathan Nolan added to this film. I think Christopher Nolan is the new Tony Scott with amazing visuals and beautiful production designs. Three: The acting. I have said it many times and I still say it, Christian Bale (Batman: Begins & The Machinist) is probably one of the best ‘young’ actors out there today. Christian Bale basically stole the show, for me anyway. His character was sharp and clever and he portrayed perfectly. Hugh Jackman (Scoop & Someone Like You), Michael Caine (The Quiet American & The Italian Job), Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation & Match Point) and David Bowie (The Hunger & Zoolander) all did terrific jobs in their respective roles. The film score was amazing and matched every single scene. It was pulsating and had that Immediate Music feel with Hans Zimmer. However the song in the end credits didn’t match the film itself. The whole film had an intense but subtle score while the end consisted of Rock Music.
Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige was an enjoyable unusual dark film, which is great entertainment. There has been talk of Oscar Nominations but I doubt that. But this is truly one of the great films on my 2006 Best of the Year list. |
