The Prestige (Christopher Nolan, 2006)

Whilst The Prestige is the least critically lauded film of Nolan’s back catalogue (it’s the only one of his movie that has less than an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes), that does not mean it shouldn’t be given its due. Having not seen it since prior to the release of The Dark Knight, what surprised me upon this viewing is how, in actual fact, it is every bit as good as Batman Begins and Memento. Whilst many critics have lambasted it as contrived, I feel this is unfair. Sure it has the most ludicrous plot developments of any of his movies (remember, his Batman flicks are comic books movies, therefore can be silly) but what Nolan and brother Jonathan have constructed here is a filmic rubix-cube of deception upon deception, a trait that, whilst being a trademark of the brothers Nolan, has been exploited to full effect here.

Both protagonists are both despicable in their own right but what I love about them is the switch in character. Bale as Borden is the initial villain and, post his wife’s death, we somewhat feel justified when Jackman’s Angier opts for some professional embarrassment on Borden’s part. But things escalate to the point where Angier as we first knew him becomes a much darker man bent less on one-upmanship than flat out revenge. Borden is not an innocent party: his dedication to his art costs him his wife, his lover and his professional career but, when things have really turned on him, Angier opts to twist the knife harder.

I love movies that are essentially a battle of wills (also watch There Will Be Blood: The Finest Film of the Last Decade as said by moi) and when both parties are played by Batman and Wolverine there is much to admire. Both actors are terrific, with Jackman giving possibly a career best performance (it’s arguable whether his performance in The Fountain is better) but Bale also shines, giving his role enough of a nuance to determine when he’s Borden and when he’s Fallon on repeat viewings. Scarlet Johansson is the only weak link with her often-questionable English accent but she does well with what is an underwritten role.

One thing to note too is the love affair between Nolan and his DP Wally Pfister. The two are a match made in their own squewed heaven. Their work together is exceptional.

5/5