Susan Hated Literature

Nov 16 2006

The Prestige

Published by Fence under Moving Pictures

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

7 responses so far

Sep 25 2006

Children of Men

Published by Fence under Moving Pictures

Dir: Alfonso CuarÃ³n
Writ: Alfonso CuarÃ³n, Timothy J. Sexton, David Arata, Mark Fergus, & Hawk Ostby
Based on the novel by P.D. James

Clive Owen - Theodore Faron
Julianne Moore - Julian Taylor
Michael Caine - Jasper
Chiwetel Ejiofor - Luke
Charlie Hunnam - Patric
Claire-Hope Ashitey - Kee

In a previous review at some stage I mentioned that Iâ€™m quite a fan of Clive Owenâ€™s. Not in â€œomg heâ€™s lovelyâ€? sort of a way, but in a â€œheâ€™s a good actorâ€? sort of a way. And he is often in interesting films. Course, he is also in some terrible films, but you win some you lose some.

This may be the first film where he actually lives up to what Iâ€™ve always thought he could do, because he is perfect as Theo. Cynical, slightly depressed and weary of life, but he also has flashes of humour and a definite personality.

Theo used to be an activist, that is where he met his wife Julian. But his son died in when flu swept across the country, he and his wife divorced. Not only that, but there is also the fact that no more babies are being born. The human race is dying out. And without the hope that new life brings societies are being ripped apart in violence and chaos.

Only England still stands. Or so the English government adverts would have you believe. But at a high price. Terrorism is common. Suicide kits are advertised everywhere. And every immigrant is illegal. Sheltering, feeding or helping an immigrant in any way is also a crime.

Owen is perfect in his role as everyman turned possible hero in this dystopian England of 2027. And the film itself is very entertaining. In certain situations it isnâ€™t at all subtle. Images of Bexhill, the refugee camp echo the images of torture Abu Ghraib. Images of London mourning the death of â€œthe worldâ€™s youngest inhabitantâ€? are strikingly similar to those from around the time of Dianaâ€™s death.

But that is the point. To point out the possible future by showing us a reflection of the present.

It also manages to blend the bleakness and darkness of this fascist regime with the odd bit of humour. Michael Caineâ€™s character of Jasper is a perfect example. And the surreal aspect of Theoâ€™s minister cousin going around the world, saving great works of art from destruction, despite the fact that in 40 or so years time there wonâ€™t be anyone left to appreciate them.

It does get a little obvious, and there are attempts to hit hard with the emotion, but I think it works. Mainly because it is balanced by the fact that the sentiment doesnâ€™t really win out. There are also a few surprising deaths along the way. Always a good thing.

It also looks great, but we knew from CuarÃ¡nâ€™s work on Harry Potter that he could make a scene look fantastic. Overall, well worth the watch.

IMDb | Official Site | Torque Control | The Best Brew | Cinema Blend

Tags: 9 Stars, Alfonso CuarÃ³n, based on book, Charlie Hunnam, Children of Men, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Claire-Hope Ashitey, Clive Owen, David Arata, dystopian future, future, Hawk Ostby, hope, humanity, Julianne Moore, Mark Fergus, Michael Caine, P.D. James, sff, Timothy J. Sexton

4 responses so far

Jul 04 2005

Batman Begins

Published by Fence under Moving Pictures

Dir: Christopher Nolan
Writ: Bob Kane, David S Goyer & Christopher Nolan

Christian Bale …. Bruce Wayne/Batman
Michael Caine …. Alfred
Liam Neeson …. Ducard
Katie Holmes …. Rachel Dawes
Gary Oldman …. Jim Gordon
Cillian Murphy …. Dr. Jonathan Crane

Ignore all the previous films, this is new Batman origin film. And we get it all, from the fall down the well to the parents being gunned down in an alley. There is the training, the gadgets, and a batmobile like you’ve never seen before

When I first saw the trailers I didn’t really care much one way or the other. After The Machinist I wasn’t really all that looking forward to seeing Bale in anything for a while. I mean his acting in that was great, but he just made me uncomfortable.