Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman attempt to outdo one another in the craft of magic in Christopher Nolan’s turn-of-the-century thriller, THE PRESTIGE. Bale is Alfred, and Jackman Rupert, former partners, now competitors following a disastrous magic act the two men assisted in. Alfred and Rupert are both extremely devoted to their craft, but are just as driven with their disgust towards one another.
With a tagline reading, “Are you watching closely?” THE PRESTIGE challenges its audience to unravel a mystery. Despite the outward challenge, Nolan disguises this thrilling piece of magic as a character study of two dark and brooding men. The key to any successful magic trick lies in the ability of the magician to distract his audience, even if just for a moment, to what is actually occurring in front them. Nolan pulls this same trick on his audience. As much as I was trying to piece together the puzzle, I found myself engaged in the passion and angst that both Alfred and Rupert experience. Bale and Jackman are very convincing as determined and deranged magicians. In spite of their characters mad actions, both provide grounded, yet colorful performances. THE PRESTIGE is an interesting puzzler, but is just as rewarding as yet another dark and compelling study of human nature from Nolan.
Grade: B+
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