Chuck Mayer
Senior HTF Member
I wasn't terribly sure what to expect. The film opened my eyes to the world of magicians and their secrets, and it's a very interesting world to visit. but this is a pretty dark visit. And it goes a bit farther than expected.
There are several mysteries in the film, and Nolan provides AMPLE evidence to the audience to figure them out...well ahead of the characters, I might add. So much so, I feel the trick is looking deeper and seeing the craft in them. I won't go into any of those mysteries (except one at the end) here, except to say they are telegraphed, but professionally and with style.
The craft behind the film is exceptional. One of the notable things about Batman Begins was how good it looked, how solid and well-structured it was. Nolan brought Nathan Crowley back as the production designer for The Prestige. Wise decision. The casting is a reunion of sorts, with a few new players. All acquit themselves excellently. Fans of Memento will enjoy the editing in The Prestige...it flows back and forth through multiple journals and secrets and events, across several years, showcasing a rivalry gone beyond profession. As for the cast, beautiful. Men and women.
It's a film Hitchcock would have been proud of, and one that was thoroughly enjoyable to experience, before and after the secrets are known.
Spoiler ahead...gives away a major plot point, so skip until you've seen the film:
In the flashback where Angier (Jackman) first tests the device, note what he says (starts to say) before he is shot and where the device places the "copies". I believe Angier dies in that scene, killed by his "copy".
An excellent film, a fun puzzle box, and a pleasure.
9/10,
Chuck
There are several mysteries in the film, and Nolan provides AMPLE evidence to the audience to figure them out...well ahead of the characters, I might add. So much so, I feel the trick is looking deeper and seeing the craft in them. I won't go into any of those mysteries (except one at the end) here, except to say they are telegraphed, but professionally and with style.
The craft behind the film is exceptional. One of the notable things about Batman Begins was how good it looked, how solid and well-structured it was. Nolan brought Nathan Crowley back as the production designer for The Prestige. Wise decision. The casting is a reunion of sorts, with a few new players. All acquit themselves excellently. Fans of Memento will enjoy the editing in The Prestige...it flows back and forth through multiple journals and secrets and events, across several years, showcasing a rivalry gone beyond profession. As for the cast, beautiful. Men and women.
It's a film Hitchcock would have been proud of, and one that was thoroughly enjoyable to experience, before and after the secrets are known.
Spoiler ahead...gives away a major plot point, so skip until you've seen the film:
In the flashback where Angier (Jackman) first tests the device, note what he says (starts to say) before he is shot and where the device places the "copies". I believe Angier dies in that scene, killed by his "copy".
An excellent film, a fun puzzle box, and a pleasure.
9/10,
Chuck