The Prestige film review

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THE PRESTIGE

With films such as Memento and Insomnia, director and writer Christopher Nolan has established a deserved reputation for creating intriguing, well-crafted psychological thrillers. The Prestige explores similar territory, with equal success, as it delves into the obsessive minds of two rival magicians.

Based on Christopher Priest's novel, The Prestige examines the destructive nature of revenge, framed elegantly within the illusory and competitive world of magic. Echoing the deceptive element of trickery, the tensely woven plot involves excursions into science fiction as it blurs the edges between reality and fantasy.

Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are, as Borden says, "Two young men devoted to an illusion." Originally friends, the two become archenemies when Angier blames Borden for the death of his wife Julia (Piper Perabo), who drowns when a trick they are performing goes horribly wrong. Following the tragedy, Borden's personal life and career flourish, the latter as a result of his startlingly original illusion The Transported Man. Angier's life takes the opposite trajectory. Filled with pain and anger as he views Borden's success - "I saw happiness, happiness that should have been mine" - Angier embarks on a vengeful path that has deadly consequences.

Possessed of the muddy veneer of Victorian London, The Prestige offers a fascinating, if somewhat cursory, insight into the trade of tricks. It also utilises the magical talents of its central characters to provide some humorous moments. In the capable hands of Jackman and Bale, Angier and Borden make for contrasting and determined adversaries, even if at times Bale's cockney accent comes across as a little deliberate.

Michael Caine brings his engaging rough 'n ready spark to the role of Cutter, an illusion designer who befriends both men. And as the decorative assistant to both Angier and Borden, Scarlett Johansson has little to do but look good, which is effortless but a waste, while David Bowie makes a rare accomplished acting appearance as the genius inventor Tesla.

As you'd expect in a film involving magicians, things are rarely as they appear. Buoyed by its original setting and multiple twists, the accomplished and absorbing The Prestige shows that Christopher Nolan is by no means a one trick pony.

Kevin Murphy