The Prestige

'The Pledge, The Turn, The Prestige'

One of the best movies of 2006, which for my tastes was a cut above 'The Departed', even. Not entirely sure what the criteria for the 'Best Picture' Oscar is -and I can't really comment, as I haven't seen all the other nominated movies - but am surprised 'The Prestige' didn't make it up there (which is based on my comparison with 'The Departed', I think).

The story is about two magicians (played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale), who continuously try to best each other with their magic tricks, with a moral emphasis on the cost of obsession. Both Jackman and Bale turn in good performances, as does Micheal Caine (that's usually taken for granted, though!), while Scarlett Johansson provides the required eye candy (though her delivery seems to be rather wooden, from time to time).

While the story itself twists and turns, I tend to see Angier (Jackman's character) as something of a victim, rather than the villain - as Borden (Bale) is the cause of a great loss to Angier. Still, if Borden is the hero, he is by no means an angel.

Christopher Nolan proved yet again why he's such a good storyteller - probably my fave, on top of 'Memento' and 'Batman Begins', though I wonder if that's limited to dark, twisted plotlines.

A very enjoyable movie - probably worth buying the DVD.

Year of Release: 2006
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10 (32,024 votes, as at the time of posting)