The Prestige
"The Prestige" centers on the bitter competition between two talented magicians, Robert Angier (played Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (played Christian Bale), as they strive to outdo each other and unravel the secrets of each other's greatest tricks. They each develop their signature tricks: Borden creates "The Transported Man," a seemingly impossible teleportation act, while Angier presents "The New Transported Man," a variation of Borden's trick but with a baffling twist.
And central to the story is the mysterious figure of Nikola Tesla (played by David Bowie), a famous brilliant inventor who becomes entangled in the magicians' feud. Tesla's experiments with electricity hold the key to the ultimate magical illusion, and Angier seeks his help in creating a truly astounding act. As the narrative unfolds, "The Prestige" expertly navigates a series of twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing and engaged until the shocking doppelganger climax.
"The Prestige" is not merely a tale of magic and rivalry; it also explores human nature and the pursuit of greatness. The line between illusion and reality becomes increasingly blurred, leaving the audience questioning what is real and what is merely smoke and mirrors.
Release: 2006
Stars: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76%