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The Prestige (2006)
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Overview
User Rating:
Your Rating:
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Release Date:
20 October 2006 (USA)
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Tagline:
A Friendship That Became a Rivalry. more
Plot:
The rivalry between two magicians is exacerbated when one of them performs the ultimate illusion. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
Another 3 wins
&
14 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(139 articles)
David Goyer and Jonathan Nolan Working on Batman 3 Script?
(From Filmofilia. 8 February 2010, 12:55 PM, PST)
Has Batman 3 Finally Gotten off its Ass and Back to Work?
(From Beyond Hollywood. 8 February 2010, 8:23 AM, PST)
(From Filmofilia. 8 February 2010, 12:55 PM, PST)
Has Batman 3 Finally Gotten off its Ass and Back to Work?
(From Beyond Hollywood. 8 February 2010, 8:23 AM, PST)
User Reviews:
A Stylish, Uniquely Twisted Period Piece
more (826 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Hugh Jackman | ... | Robert Angier | |
| Christian Bale | ... | Alfred Borden | |
| Michael Caine | ... | Cutter | |
| Piper Perabo | ... | Julia McCullough | |
| Rebecca Hall | ... | Sarah | |
| Scarlett Johansson | ... | Olivia Wenscombe | |
| Samantha Mahurin | ... | Jess | |
| David Bowie | ... | Tesla | |
| Andy Serkis | ... | Alley | |
| Daniel Davis | ... | Judge | |
| Jim Piddock | ... | Prosecutor | |
| Christopher Neame | ... | Defender | |
| Mark Ryan | ... | Captain | |
| Roger Rees | ... | Owens | |
| Jamie Harris | ... | Sullen Warder |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for violence and disturbing images.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
130 min
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Ireland:12A |
Singapore:PG |
UK:12A |
Finland:K-11 |
Hong Kong:IIA |
Malaysia:18PL |
USA:PG-13 (certificate #42935) |
Philippines:R-13 |
Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) |
Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) |
France:U |
Argentina:13 |
Netherlands:12 |
Australia:M |
Italy:T |
Sweden:11 |
Germany:12 |
Portugal:M/12 |
South Korea:15 |
Spain:18 |
Brazil:14 |
Denmark:11 |
Canada:14A (Alberta) |
Norway:15 |
Canada:G (Quebec) |
Canada:PG (British Columbia/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario)
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Christopher Priest created the "Langford Double Knot" for the original novel as a tribute to his friend and business partner, the author David Langford.
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Goofs:
Continuity: When Angier puts on his vest he buttons it up while talking to Julia then the shot switches. After it goes back to him he is buttoning up his vest again.
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Quotes:
Movie Connections:
Featured in "Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: (2006-10-21)" (2006)
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Soundtrack:
Tripping Gaily
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FAQ
What is this movie about?What is the connection between Angier and Lord Caldlow?
Is "The Prestige" based on a book?
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more (826 total)
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What "The Prestige" does very well is recreate a period of show business history near the turn of the century in which competition between magicians was serious and intense. The workings of the complicated illusions are gorgeously brought to life via smartly detailed apparatus that replicate the actual mechanics of Victorian legerdemain.
Much of the film rings very true, such as the all-consuming obsessions of the lead characters to be the best and outdo all others. It's an easy step to accept that such unwavering determination spills over into deadly territory, as rival magicians suave Rupert Angier (a riveting performance by Hugh Jackman) and audacious Alfred Borden (Christian Bale effortlessly playing a brooding lower-class Brit) each seek to wreak continuing revenge upon the other.
The story, though adapted from a novel, feels like a perfect fit for director Nolan's sensibilities, as the machinations of the two men become increasingly convoluted during a back-and-forth tug of wits that keeps you guessing in the style of Nolan's "Memento." As the game grows increasingly deadly, and threatens to consume all they love, the film becomes a fascinating study in single-mindedness.
The work is epic in sweep, beautifully filmed, and strongly acted. The only odd note in casting is David Bowie as Nikola Tesla (he looks nothing like the actual Tesla, if you care about these sort of things, and his appearance calls attention to itself as superstar casting often does), but Mr. Bowie holds his own. Solid performances are all around, with Michael Caine adding dignity and depth as the old master, Scarlett Johanssen as the as the lovely stage assistant who becomes the third point in a twisted love triangle, and even Andy Serkis (Gollum!) in a memorable supporting role.
The introduction of Tesla adds yet another twist, as the film shifts from real-but-possible stage illusion to steam-punkish sci-fi. This transition is a hard note to pull off, since the beginning of the film doesn't quite suggest such a direction, but if you're willing to let Nolan lead you on the journey into increasingly fantastic realms, the narrative rewards you with thought-provoking moral and dramatic exploration of the issues raised.
A truly entertaining movie, and an original, unusual, dark ride -- well worth seeing in a theater for its grand scope and vision.