The Prestige (2006)

Love Jackman and Bale in this Movie, Especially Jackman

Stars   :  Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine

Score  :  8.5 / 10

 

Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) is a good friend. They are a magician and always doing the show together. Borden is a talented magician, smart but a little sloppy. Angier is a charming magician. In every performance, an architect named Cutter (Michael Caine) helps them prepare the equipment from backstage. Their friendship turned into hostility after the tragedy that killed Angier's wife, Julia. Julia drowned in a box full of water in a show. Angier accuses Borden was negligent, causing the death of Julia.

Julia drowned in the box full of water

Borden and Angier then decided to do their own show. Caused of sympathy, Cutter chose to work with Angier. Angier called himself The Great Danton and Borden called himself the Professor.

They compete to make new tricks and oversee the progress of each other. They infiltrate as audience or volunteers. But the competition has become unwell and dangerous to each other. Angier attacked Borden show. Borden lost two fingers. Borden did not want to lose, he screwed up Angier show and make the audience hurt.

Angier attacked Borden show

Borden screwed up Angier show

Borden met and married Sarah. They have a daughter. Angier is getting jealous after seeing Borden live happily. Their rivalry getting fierce after Borden successfully held a show titled Transported Man.

Angier does not want to lose and do the same show. He did everything possible to get the Borden's tricks, though sacrificing the woman who loved him. He also requested a help from a scientist named, Nikola Tesla to create a machine for him., while Borden, lives with many tricks and secrets. He never trusts anyone including his wife. He did it to keep its reputation as the best magician.

Borden on stage, Transported Man

This is the second time I watched The Prestige and my assessment stay the same. I really love this movie. Although the idea of the story is not new, that is about competition, but the movie setting that made in the world magician, has made the film more interesting. Action of the magician on stage, the finger speed and the disclosure of a few magic tricks, has provided entertainment outside of the story. In addition, the setting that takes the 1890s also named two great scientists, Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison.

The story line of The Prestige move forward, backward, and irregular until the movie ends, that made me confused to understand the story. But after repeat some previous section, I could understand the story.

The Prestige also has a surprising ending and a bit asking for the audience to think. But do not worry, because it does not asking for the audience to find all the answer on their own. A few minutes before the movie ends, every question will be answered, including the explanation.

Christian Bale and Hugh Jack play very well in this movie. Both of them get a balanced portion of the story. They act like a real magician, especially Jackman. I really love Jackman when he was talking to the audience when the show will begin. I was immediately reminded David Copperfield. 

Angier on stage

Angier spectacular show

Who is the main character, Bale or Jackman? That was not no clear, the difference is very thin because they are ambitious and do everything for the sake of their careers. Traced from who first sparked competition and the end of the story, I concluded that Borden is the protagonist while Angier is the antagonist character. Their rivalry was very exciting, they retaliate each other. No one can guess who is dropping and who is the victim, everything can turn around quickly.

The meaning that can be taken from this movie is a success can be achieved with an effort and hard working. But, be careful with ambition, it can destroy.