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THE PRESTIGE Send This Review to a Friend
Not only are there two competing magicians in “The Prestige.” The film itself is competing with “The Illusionist,” this year’s other film devoted to the art of entertaining deception. I shouldn’t really say competing, as “The Illusionist” wins hands down as the more interesting, far superior film.
In “The Prestige,” directed by Christopher Nolan, the competitors in the turn-of-the -century piece set in London, are Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale). Well portrayed by both actors, they fiercely attempt to outdo and sabotage each other, and the running events get very serious before this elaborately constructed film and effects-oriented film is over in a burst of disclosure.
Michael Caine smoothly plays Angier’s manager and Scarlett Johansson—she’s everywhere these days—plays the sexy assistant who switches allegiance. David Bowie has a character role that you best discover for yourself, if you are inclined to see the film.
With a set-up and cast like this some of “The Prestige” is bound to be entertaining, especially since there is an effort to carry through the deception theme by putting the audience in play as well. But the back and forth maneuvering by the rivals begins to grate after a while. The film tries to be too clever for its own good and diminishing returns set in. Enough already. In contrast, “The Illusionist,” while also building a mystery to be unveiled at the end, is far more clean-cut, dramatic and energetic in its plot and execution. Elaborate is not necessary good. A Touchtone Pictures release.
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