The Prestige (2006)

This 2006 picture, directed by Christopher Nolan, is set in 19th century London and stars Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as two magicians who are embroiled in a one-upmanship war. Their animosity builds to a tense crescendo of devastation, putting their lives and the lives of those around them in jeopardy.

The gripping story takes you behind the scenes of old-fashioned showmanship and mystique, revealing some of the more heinous aspects and repercussions. The Prestige's setting also lends itself to a certain epoch, with technological advancements clashing with traditional notions of magic.

Following up on his introduction to Batman in Batman Begins, Christopher Nolan collaborated with Christian Bale once more in this 2006 film. There are some very dramatic and highly cerebral moments in the film, which stars Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine, and David Bowie.

The plot twists and turns are among Nolan's best, and the several acts of magic including sleight-of-hand and escape artistry rate far above most films featuring magicians. The best illustration of the art is still Caine's monologue about how magic works to deceive the audience.