The Prestige (2006)

Director:

Christopher Nolan

Writers (WGA):

Jonathan Nolan (screenplay) and
Christopher Nolan (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

20 October 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Fantasy | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Tagline:

A friendship that became a rivalry. A rivalry that turned deadly. (DVD)

Plot:

Robert and Alfred are rival magicians. When Alfred performs the ultimate magic trick, Robert tries desperately to find out the secret to the trick.

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Hanging | Magician | Illusion | Bullet Catching

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 14 nominations

Cast

Hugh Jackman	...	Robert Angier
Christian Bale	...	Alfred Borden
Michael Caine	...	Cutter
Piper Perabo	...	Julia McCullough / Angier
Rebecca Hall	...	Sarah Borden
Scarlett Johansson	...	Olivia Wenscombe
Samantha Mahurin	...	Jess Borden
David Bowie	...	Nikola Tesla
Andy Serkis	...	Alley
Daniel Davis	...	Judge
Jim Piddock	...	Prosecutor
Christopher Neame	...	Defender
Mark Ryan	...	Captain
Roger Rees	...	Owens
Jamie Harris	...	Sullen Warder

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for violence and disturbing images.

Runtime:

130 min

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS | DTS

Certification:

UK:12A | Denmark:11 | Philippines:R-13 | Argentina:13 | France:U | Canada:14A (Alberta) | Canada:PG (British Columbia/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Ontario) | Finland:K-11 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Australia:M | Hong Kong:IIA | Ireland:12A | Portugal:M/12 | Norway:15 | USA:PG-13 (certificate #42935) | Canada:G (Quebec) | South Korea:15 | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | Netherlands:12 | Brazil:14 | Spain:18 | Malaysia:18PL | Singapore:PG | Italy:T | Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Belasco Theatre - 1060 S. Hill St., Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Newmarket Productions

Trivia:

Borden's infant child is played by one of director Christopher Nolan's own children.

Goofs:

Continuity: In the scene when Angier first meets Alley, Angier is getting up after being shocked by the fence, and his watch falls out of his pocket. In the next shot, the watch is in his pocket again.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Alfred Borden: Are you watching closely?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Prestige: Now That's Magic (2006) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Tripping Gaily

One of the best movies EVER

What makes this movie so incredible is that while it is indeed a movie about magicians (or illusionists) it is also a complex character study about how self destructive obsessions are with a sideline love story and a sci-fi twist. A unique plot with an amazing cast--any of whom could believably garner an Oscar nomination. Christian Bale was amazing in one of his rare cockney performances. We already know from Kate and Leopold how well Hugh Jackman plays a distinguished English gent. He's absolutely priceless. Is there any point in discussing Sir Michael Caine? He brings polish to the movie.

This is the kind of flick that you can discuss for weeks after. The plot is so detailed and complete and open to interpretation. My friend and I have been discussing various nuances of this film for the past 3 weeks. It definitely stays with you.