The Prestige (2006)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Bob S

  
  six or seven dollars worth of movie

• Albert K

  
  This revenge thriller twists and turns through different points-of-views, time, and setting and manages to keep the audience engaged and shocked throughout. Great performances by both Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. "The Prestige"'ll surprise you, entertain you, and… More
  This revenge thriller twists and turns through different points-of-views, time, and setting and manages to keep the audience engaged and shocked throughout. Great performances by both Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. "The Prestige"'ll surprise you, entertain you, and shock you. A great time.

• Spencer M

  
  Perfect.

• Paulo G

  
  A dazzling piece of work that literally stuns you with magic. Its plot keeps you hanging on until the very end where it goes for the kill in your head. Weirdly enough, this proves that there are in fact forgotten cliches, but it cleverly contributes to the impact of the film. Also,… More
  A dazzling piece of work that literally stuns you with magic. Its plot keeps you hanging on until the very end where it goes for the kill in your head. Weirdly enough, this proves that there are in fact forgotten cliches, but it cleverly contributes to the impact of the film. Also, this movie is magnificently acted by both Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. Nolan truly stayed up with his standards and continued to make quality films in all of its aspect.

• Eric A

  
  This is my type of film, full of mystery & twists. With one of the best twist endings i've ever seen, The Prestige adds onto Christopher Nolan's genius and great filmmaking. I haven't read the book, but this film has to be a really great adaptation for it. I… More
  This is my type of film, full of mystery & twists. With one of the best twist endings i've ever seen, The Prestige adds onto Christopher Nolan's genius and great filmmaking. I haven't read the book, but this film has to be a really great adaptation for it. I don't think i've been as shocked towards an ending since I saw Se7en, i'm surprised this film didn't get more acclaim.

• Jason L

  
  It's 1860. 19th century London and the rest of developing societies have convinced themselves that they are at the height of civil progression and have delved into gratifying forms of entertainment. One of the less attractive forms are magic, magicians forming illusions and… More
  It's 1860. 19th century London and the rest of developing societies have convinced themselves that they are at the height of civil progression and have delved into gratifying forms of entertainment. One of the less attractive forms are magic, magicians forming illusions and mind-benders to test the intellect of theater goers. This is the backdrop to Christopher Nolan's 2006 adaption of Christopher Priest's celebrated novel. The film revolves around two rival magicians, Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale). The two once worked together, finding bigger and more elaborate ways to bend the minds of their theater goers. Angier's wife was there assistant. One performance is the popular escape the locked water chamber- the start the pocket watch and the woman is behind the curtain. The minute's up, they pull the curtain, and the woman is dead. Angier blames Alfred, who later marries and starts a family. He envies his partner's life. He quickly returns to magic acts, and utilizes a simple transport sequence. Everyone, including Angier's new assistant, Olivia, (Scarlett Johannsen) and his manager, Cutter (Michael Caine) say it's an illusion, using a behind the scenes duplicate. But Angier reads between the lines. He knows that Alfred is doing something different-is it true magic? An optical illusion, or the obvious answer, science? Angier spends years searching for the answer, growing corrupt and insane. Alfred isn't faring well, all the while leading his ex-partner on a false trail and dealing with his wife (Rebecca Hall) who is tired of secrets. Angier seeks science and researches the possibility of cloning, which Alfred only tricked him into doing, but finds out it really is real. He suspects, however, that what Alfred may be performing the greatest illusion of all time-or perhaps true magic. It's made clear from the beginning that this movie isn't about magic tricks. The screenwriter doesn't toy with the supernatural elements but cleverly invests most of the plot in character development. Director Christopher Nolan helmed this film after Batman Begins but right before The Dark Knight, so he had already set a tone for himself as a film maker by the tone at this time. This, to me, feels a lot like a 19th century Inception. What makes this film engaging to watch is seeing the rival magicians trying to outsmart each other. Christopher Nolan brilliantly balances his multiple time periods in this (much like Inception) so that a wary viewer won't get confused but is still in for a surprise in the end when the final card is laid on the table. He manages to juggle multiple subplots as well as mold the character psychology into the execution of the story, which in another's hands would become disjointed. The camerawork is purposefully shaky and the cinematography purposefully dark as to illuminate the story's tone and conflict. The film is bolstered by powerful performances from its leading cast, who carry a lot of the weight here. It's Jackman in particular who holds the viewers' attention, managing to inject just the right amount of borderline psychosis that his character needs. The little exposition that there is in the story is mostly left up to him, as Bale's perspective is purposefully kept in the dark due to plot demands. He's not only easy to watch but riveting in his role as a man driven to madness by obsession, idiosyncratic in his performance and chilling as an afterthought. This is possibly the most psychologically dark performance he's given, which according to Hollywood is puberty for actors. Gripping, disturbing, and with just the right amount of narrative complexity, The Prestige proves to be a thrilling and unique period piece that racks up another cinematic success for Christopher Nolan.

• Joel K

  
  A film about jealousy, deceit, and bitter rivalry, The Prestige is an excellent film. A dark and complex story which is put forward brilliantly to the watcher through the diary within a diary style, a unique and genius way of executing the narrative. Each diary acts almost like its… More
  A film about jealousy, deceit, and bitter rivalry, The Prestige is an excellent film. A dark and complex story which is put forward brilliantly to the watcher through the diary within a diary style, a unique and genius way of executing the narrative. Each diary acts almost like its own story, and as each gets resovled you see the connections between each one, until the past is completely resolved and in the final act the story focuses on the present. The sets, and costumes are all briantly designed, creating the illusion that this realy is late 19th century london. The acting is at a high standard, and i thought it was a shame that Micheal Caines character didn't have the amount of screen time as everyone else, but Bale pretty much fills the acting gap. Despite being baised before the twentieth century, The Prestige has the same cutting edge and modern and dark atmosphere of other Nolan films. The ending comes with at leat 3 genuine suprises, and despite the darkness, the ending is a happy one. This shuold require repeat viewing to be fully apreciated.

• Martin S

  
  Very good movie. There is no doubt in my mind who is the best director of post 2000 time. A very interesting story (I'm a fan of magic...) And very good acting performances. I say...keep up the good work

• Jan Marc M

  
  The Prestige is a nonlinear mystery thriller from Christopher Nolan with "the pledge," "the turn," and "the prestige" in story, style, and form. The Prestige is a dark and sadistic illusion, a brilliant deception to the unsuspecting audiences. Look… More
  The Prestige is a nonlinear mystery thriller from Christopher Nolan with "the pledge," "the turn," and "the prestige" in story, style, and form. The Prestige is a dark and sadistic illusion, a brilliant deception to the unsuspecting audiences. Look closer. It is magic.

• Randy T

  
  I'm guessing that 5 or 10 years from now people are going to revisit this film and wonder what all the fuss was about.

• Kase V

  
  Christopher Nolan's 'The Prestige' is a film not enough people recognize, because its so damn good. Aside from being very well made with great editing (making the time differences and journal readings distinguishable) and cinematography from the always good Wally… More
  Christopher Nolan's 'The Prestige' is a film not enough people recognize, because its so damn good. Aside from being very well made with great editing (making the time differences and journal readings distinguishable) and cinematography from the always good Wally Pfister, the performances given by every single actor in the film are well done, especially that of Jackman and Bale. Character development is all here too, proving Chris and Jonathan Nolan's excellent skill as writers. Every twist, every turn, every snip of dialogue has profound meaning behind it, and Nolan makes sure each word counts. It is endlessly entertaining, but Nolan adds to the fact that his films are quite like Jackman's character within the film, Rupert Angier. As far as skilled magicians go, Angier is not as extraordinarily talented as Borden (Paul Thomas Anderson or David Fincher, for this analogy). But he knows how to dress it all up, disguise it, and make the audience cheer in approval at the wonder they behold before their eyes. Are you watching closely?

• Jameson W

  
  Wow! Genius! Christopher Nolan did it again. One of the smartest flims I have ever seen. This film starts out as a simple rivalry between to two magicians, but through a series of personal and emotional attacks towards each other, it becomes an intense obssession for superiority.… More
  Wow! Genius! Christopher Nolan did it again. One of the smartest flims I have ever seen. This film starts out as a simple rivalry between to two magicians, but through a series of personal and emotional attacks towards each other, it becomes an intense obssession for superiority. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman give strong performaces as the lead roles, truly portraying the transformations that occur in their characters. Also the supporting cast gave great performances as well, Micheal Caine, Scarlet Johansson, Andy Serkis.....but especially Rebecca Hall. She too does a great job of showing the transformation in her character as Mrs. Borden. This is yet another fantastic film by Christopher Nolan. He has yet to disappoint me, and he has continued to blow my mind. I find it very impressive that his most straighforward movie is Batman Begins. He is just the king of deep, smart, trickly, detailed films. I love his movies for that! I love The Prestige! One of my favorites.

• Bently L

  
  Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale play two aspired and famous magicians. Their names are Robert Agnier and Alfred Borden. During a performance, their latest trick, "The Transported Man", goes terribly wrong. Borden and Agnier are bound to improve the trick with a secret that… More
  Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale play two aspired and famous magicians. Their names are Robert Agnier and Alfred Borden. During a performance, their latest trick, "The Transported Man", goes terribly wrong. Borden and Agnier are bound to improve the trick with a secret that no other magicians will ever know. However, they begin to sabotage each other's tricks and get involved in a love triangle. With who? The beautiful Scarlett Johansson, thats who! It all happens in Christopher Nolan's "The Prestige", the only film I hope to ever find in my movie watching days that I find better than Nolan's overrated declared masterpiece, "Inception". What is a prestige? You see, every magic trick has three steps, or acts. The first is the pledge. The magician takes an ordinary object and may ask to inspect it and make sure eerything's okay with it. The second is the turn. The magician alters the object. The last is when the illusion kicks in. That is called the prestige. Pretty cool, eh? The story is very original and well put together. Almost everything about it (i.e. acting, lighting, writing, directing) accomadated the story very well. Christopher Nolan's writing is sometimes too good for words. The dialogue is BA Nolan dialogue like usual. Its detailed, well put off by the actors, and very memorable. The acting is superb. Christopher Nolan's #1 rule about being an actor is don't suck! Say the lines well, when you have a flip out moment, do it well, yada yada yada. Jackman and Bale have excellent chemistry together and their performances are superb. Michael Caine always great in a supporting role, Andy Serkis was good, and Scarlett Johansson was very good as well. I think I fancy her. I didn't like Bale's acting in one scene. He gets injured but groans as he was taking a painful dump. We've all had those moments, right? Nolan's direction is awesome! Its very different from his past films and thats why I fancy it. The funeral scene looks like it was directed by the great Stanley Kubrick with the camerawork and music cues. The effects almost looked like the magic tricks as well. That means its good! But what really got me into the movie was the twist! Its so incredible! You would want to pay attention (Not too much!) during the viewing. After the twist, you would want to see it again and catch all the clues. However, that didn't happen to me. If I get this on DVD, I'll see it again. Great acting and effects and awesome writing, "The Prestige" is near-near-perfect magic. See if you like magic, Nolan films, the actors, and films with awesome twist. Remember the three acts of a magic trick. The film progresses like that and is a wonder to behold! If you have ADD, I don't reccomend it. When you get cured, check it out! "A pretty assistant is the most effective form of misdirection."

• Thomas B

  
  Incredible filmmaking once again from Nolan and a slew of incredible performances. Full review later.

• Shawn E

  
  "The secret impresses no one. The trick you use it for is everything." A great mystery full of secrets, twists, and turns. I wouldn't say it's 'magical', but it certainly dazzles and intrigues. Fantastic acting by the cast, and a story about a power… More
  "The secret impresses no one. The trick you use it for is everything." A great mystery full of secrets, twists, and turns. I wouldn't say it's 'magical', but it certainly dazzles and intrigues. Fantastic acting by the cast, and a story about a power struggle between two magicians that is suspenseful right 'til the end. Easily one of Nolan's best works.

• Brad W

  
  Magic is a complex skill, but Nolan does with his hands tied. The plot was extraordinary, a true mind bender. The production was a big part of the movie, you can tell they worked hard on it. The acting was great, Bale and Jackman are very talented actors. This movie is one of my… More
  Magic is a complex skill, but Nolan does with his hands tied. The plot was extraordinary, a true mind bender. The production was a big part of the movie, you can tell they worked hard on it. The acting was great, Bale and Jackman are very talented actors. This movie is one of my favorites, Nolan does it again.

• Stephen M

  
  Hmm, how can I write about this one without giving too much away for those who haven't seen it? Christopher Nolan's greatest conjuring trick here - possibly counter-productive - is to disguise an intimate character piece as a high-concept blockbuster, thereby alienating two… More
  Hmm, how can I write about this one without giving too much away for those who haven't seen it? Christopher Nolan's greatest conjuring trick here - possibly counter-productive - is to disguise an intimate character piece as a high-concept blockbuster, thereby alienating two sections of his audience in one fell swoop, starving the lowest common denominator of pyrotechnics while the film snobs carp about artistic shallowness. Far from being a hollow box of tricks, however, <i>The Prestige</i> is actually a richly rewarding experience, provided you are willing to put a little effort in yourself. It's the character relationships that make the movie so intriguing, but because the true nature of these is withheld until the final scene, much of what the movie has to offer only reveals itself retrospectively, through repeat viewings and/or rumination. The film is not without its faults, admittedly. Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Borden's (Christian Bale) tit-for-tat sabotaging of one another's acts becomes tiresome after a while, and were it not for the fact that Nolan has the last laugh in this regard, one would marvel at the magicians' chronic inability to see through fake facial hair. Even so, one can't help thinking that a good deal of tragedy might have been averted with a little careful vetting of audience participants, especially of the eager, bearded variety. Though the story draws a nice parallel between the magicians' feud and the professional rivalry of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, early pioneers in the field of electricity, the film suffers because Tesla, as played by David Bowie, is not only more enigmatic and interesting than both our magicians put together, he also possesses genuine power, whereas Angier and Borden are essentially just smoke-and mirrors showmen. Also, stunning though the implications of Angier's 'prestige' are, one can't help feeling slightly disappointed and cheated when the story ceases to be about sleight of hand and tips over into pure fantasy; conversely, people will grumble that Borden's version of "The Transported Man" is old hat, but at least he has the laws of physics and plausibility on his side. However, it would be churlish to dwell on these points, because how the tricks are performed is less important than the sacrifices that are made to achieve them. Possibly not for everyone, but I've seen plenty of artier, worthier pictures that don't provide a fraction of the pleasurable food for thought that <i>The Prestige</i> does.

• Megan S

  
  I really enjoyed this movie. It was a good adventure and I loved the way it looked. I didn't even realize it had david bowie in it until I went back and really looked at the pictures.

• Conner R

  
  A great magician experience from Chistopher Nolan. It is a perfectly crafted mind game. Christian Bale was incredible and unforgettable as an overly eccentric magician(s). It was also one of the best performances from the Powerhouse known as Hugh Jackman. Michael Caine and David Bowie… More
  A great magician experience from Chistopher Nolan. It is a perfectly crafted mind game. Christian Bale was incredible and unforgettable as an overly eccentric magician(s). It was also one of the best performances from the Powerhouse known as Hugh Jackman. Michael Caine and David Bowie were also nice touches. The plot was extremely entertaining and suspenseful, a power struggle until the very end. It perhaps approaches the subject matter in the best way possible. The entire movie is a magic trick. In my opinion it is a completely underrated movie and easily a tie for Christopher Nolan's best.

• Mike S

  
  Splendid work by Nolan as always. A fascinating and intricate storyline, about two rivalring magicians, who will go to any length in their aim to become the best and most reputable among them. Marvellous cast, that even includes a terrific David Bowie as the famous scientist Nikola… More
  Splendid work by Nolan as always. A fascinating and intricate storyline, about two rivalring magicians, who will go to any length in their aim to become the best and most reputable among them. Marvellous cast, that even includes a terrific David Bowie as the famous scientist Nikola Tesla. However intelligent and well-acted this may be though, I can't help but feel that it's been raised too far into the skies. It's good, but not <i>that</i> good. An 8.4 rating on IMDB is more than it deserves, and I've seen far better films by the director in question. Despite falling short of greatness though, it does hold an agreeable doze of magic - in both the abstract and tangible sense of the word.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings