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Reviewed by: FilmMonkey

I've given myself 15 minutes to write this review because The Prestige is a film that I could quite happily write for hours about, and even then not be any closer to doing it justice.

The film is about two magicians from the turn of the century. These two wannabees (Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale) have a rivalry that begins to destroy their lives. Christian Bale is the better magician and it infuriates Hugh Jackman's character, especially when it appears as if Bale's character's life is better than his own - for which he also blames Bale. The rivalry is further inflamed by their differing views on life.

This rivalry and how each character handles the obsession with the other is the heart of the film. How they interact with the rest of the cast (another superb turn from Michael Caine) offers a compelling insight into the motivations and soul of the two main characters. If their rivalry is the heart of the film then the head of the film is a trick that Bale has been working on. Jackman cannot fathom how the trick is done and neither can the audience. It is this journey of discovery that gives the film it’s engine, the thing that drives it forwards.

Then we add in the Christopher Nolan factor. What could have been an interesting study of two characters with some mystery thrown in to make it fun is transformed into a utterly compelling magic trick. The characters and situations are shown to us and we are allowed to inspect them and all appears normal. Then we get the slight of hand. This involves multiple flash backs and forwards, without warning. This leaves the viewer clamouring to keep up with what is being shown and desperately trying to fit all the pieces together. Then the third act. The Prestige of the title, of which I will say only this, as with all magic tricks, some of you will love it and some of you will hate it.

Beware though, this film is slow. It takes it's time with the characters. It builds the tension. It shows you everything that you need to know whilst you are trying to work out what is going on, but as in all the best magic tricks, you just don't really see what is being presented to you by the master magician. You dismiss vital information, you focus on the wrong points - the misdirection is superb.

The problem that I have is that it is not easily likeable. You want to like it, but the main characters are not particularly nice. However it is in the detail, the cleverness, the script and the acting that the real pleasure is to be found. Christopher Nolan has crafted a deft and beguiling picture. It still blows my mind twelve hours later, I just hope that the same pleasure will the there the next time that I watch this.


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