The Prestige Review

Directed by:
Christopher Nolan
Starring:
Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Scarlett Johanssen

A magic trick has three parts: the pledge, where you present a seemingly ordinary object, and then the turn, when you make that object disappear, and third, the prestige, when you bring back the object.

And really, the whole film was magic. I was amazed with how the story was seamlessly structured, going back and forth in time and in between two diaries, giving insight to two men's minds and memories. I have deep admiration for the man who wrote the script, and for the man who wrote the novel. And especially to Nolan, who have found a way to present the story in a clear, coherent, flowing style when half the time the viewers are shipped to and fro flashbacks and points of view. The actors have done justice to the story, inciting a deliciously suspenseful drama about what it means to pursue one's passion. Both Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale proved that they were versatile actors, who can play other characters other than their more popular portrayals of Wolverine and Batman, respectively.

The effects in the film are stunning - huge light bulbs lighting an entire field, gigantic contraptions and instruments that emit huge voltage of electricity. The set design was great too. The color scheme, the costumes, down to the details like the posters and the miniature playing card, give off the atmosphere of Old America, when the main entertainment took place in the theater. Watching the film even gave me a desire to watch live magic shows, and see how they do it these days, and if these magicians are as dedicated and committed as in the film.

In The Prestige, we see that it is not enough to have burning passion - it is important what you do to pursue it. At what costs are you willing to give to attain your dreams? What is the most important thing - your dream or the people that you love? Are you willing to die for your passion? All these questions are addressed at the subtext of the film, and it may very well serve as a guide not only to artists but to anybody who has a craft to speak of. Also, the inclusion of Nikola Tesla in the story was incredible in adding to the question of passion. Knowing a bit about Tesla's background, it will give any viewer an added appreciation of how passion works in the universe. I highly recommend this film to anybody who has gone after something and failed, or who has dreams and does not know the first steps to take. The Prestige shows man's capability of reaching his dreams, albeit to different ends.