Nov
16
2006
Dir: Christopher Nolan
Writ: Christopher Nolan, & Jonathan Nolan
- Hugh Jackman - Robert Angier
- Christian Bale - Alfred Borden
- Michael Caine - Cutter
- Andy Serkis - Alley
- Piper Perabo - Julia Angier
- Rebecca Hall - Sarah Borden
- Scarlett Johansson - Olivia Wenscombe
I really wanted to enjoy this film. I thought the trailer made it look intriguing, I liked the films of Nolan that I’ve already seen. And who isn’t a fan of Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman? But, something, I’m not quite sure what, felt flat and dull about this film.
The plot revolves around two magicians in London at the end of the 19th century. They start the story as friends, working in the same act, but then an accident happens and they end up bitter rivals. At first they try to ruin each other’s careers and lives, but soon both get caught up in “the ultimate trick” and try to figure out how it is done.
The plot unfolds through flashbacks and the reading of diaries, both men picking through the lives of the other. We start towards the end of the story, with Borden (Bale) in prison awaiting trial for the murder of Angier (Jackman), and at the end we return to that time for the grand finale.
All the acting is top-notch, but the story is a bit of a let down, and more than a little obvious. There are twists and turns, but all are signposted and although not everything turns out exactly as you might have thought, in most cases I could see what was going to happen. Then again I suppose that is part of the film, and for the most part the rest of the film makes up for this limitation.
What I really liked about The Prestige was the fact that there were no good guys and no bad guys, no one in a white hat to cheer on. Both rivals had their reasons for acting and the audience’s sympathies do switch from one to the other.
I did like the film, but I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed in it.
IMDb | SSD | Slant Magazine | Me against the Keyboard
Tags:
8 Stars,
Andy Serkis,
C19th,
Christian Bale,
Christopher Priest,
diary,
flashbacks,
historical fiction,
Hugh Jackman,
Jonathan Nolan,
magic,
magicians,
Michael Caine,
Piper Perabo,
Rebecca Hall,
Scarlett Johansson,
The Prestige
Related posts
Nov
16
2006
Thursdays. You gotta[1] love Thursdays. Only one more day to the weekend. Not that I have any great plans for the weekend, but that isn’t the point. Indeed it is quite far from the point, possibly it is a blunt hole[2] But this weekend I may not even get my lie-in, cause the digital peoples are coming on Sat morning, and that is about as definite as they get time-wise, so I’ll have to be up and dressed then. And on Sun the parentals may be around. Two of de brothers are going to the rugby[3] so they were thinking of driving up and doing some shopping[4] Course they might not be travelling yet, and even if they do they might not come to my place, so maybe I’ll get my snoozing done then.
Oops, saved this many many years[5] ago and meant to post it, but didn’t. And now I’ve forgotten if I had more to add or if all this rambling was all that I was going to say. Here, amuse yourselves with this:
Tara Maclay
45% amorality, 36% passion, 72% spirituality, 63% selflessness
|
|
What a woman! (Or man, as it may be…)
Tara is a moral, centered, spiritual and selfless person… rather, I suspect, like you. People like this make those around them love them.
Congratulations! (and stay away from windows, just in case)
If you enjoyed this test, I would love the feedback! Also, you might want to check out some of my other tests if you’re interested in the following:
Nerds, Geeks & Dorks
Professional Wrestling
Love & Sexuality
America/Politics
Thanks Again! — THE 4-VARIABLE BUFFY PERSONALITY TEST
|
|
|
My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
|
|
You scored higher than 99% on morality |
|
|
You scored higher than 99% on repose |
|
|
You scored higher than 99% on spirituality |
|
|
You scored higher than 99% on selflessness |
|
Linknotes:
- and by reading this statement you legally acknowledge that you do, on fact, love Thursdays. Furthermore you agree that all your belongings are now mine… ↩
- I don’t know what I’m saying ↩
- we will of course beat the Aussies, fingers crossed and all that ↩
- supposedly some big winter festival is happening soon, where present swapping is part of the happiness and joy-joy feelings ↩
- remember folks exaggeration is a GOOD thing. ↩
Tags:
BtVS,
Buffy quiz,
quiz,
Tara Maclay
Related posts
