A tragic accident turns two stage magicians into bitter enemies, trapped in an obsessive cycle of one-upmanship that spirals out of control, threatening to ruin their lives and those of everyone around them.
The Prestige is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by British author Christopher Priest, was adapted by brothers Jonathan and Christopher Nolan, and directed by the latter. The Nolans were also responsible for collaborating on the breakout independent film Memento, as well as the first two films of the recent Batman series, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. The recently-released Inception was written and directed solely by Christopher Nolan.
The Nolans are known for favoring unconventional narratives, utilizing shifting points-of-view and non-linear plotting. The source novel's diary-entry approach was a perfect match for their sensibilities, and the study of theatricality and illusion is something found in both Batman installments, as well the nature of obsession depicted throughout their entire filmography.
Set mostly in Victorian-era London, the film was shot completely in Los Angeles, including various historic downtown theatres. The cast includes Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Piper Perabo, Rebecca Hall, and David Bowie as inventor Nikolai Tesla (whose well-publicized rivalry with Thomas Edison mirrors that of the main characters).
A moderate success financially and critically, The Prestige received Academy Award nominations for its cinematography and art direction.
Running time is approx. 2 hrs, 5 min.
No comments:
Post a Comment