One of my favorite performances to watch, on screen or on stage,
is magic. It's an exciting subject that, although it isn't necessarily
wizardry, is exhilarating and enticing, establishing new twists and turns with
the use of modern technology. The most recent, as many know, is the
recent hit Now You See Me,
a film about a con job using magic but was smothered with too much boring
detective work rather than the super cool magic patrons expected. Let's
take a trip back, however, to the late 19th century, when magic was difficult
to pull off, and the auditoriums were packed just for a one-hour show of
wonder.
The film, despite earning $100 million in
the box office when it was released in 2006, went under the radar and up to now
is one of the least talked-about films by the great British director
Christopher Nolan. It should become relevant in discussion of films, as
it makes a powerful impact on the audience and is one the better modern
classics of the 21st century. Expectations were high coming into this
film, and they were exceeded by the wonders of gorgeous sets, creative makeup
costumes, and smooth editing. This film is proudly comparative to some of
the best technology use Nolan has used for his films.
Of course, the most moving performance out
of them all is by the great Michael Caine as Cutter. He always has the
presence of respect that not many other actors his age can pull off as well as
he can. Though Caine feels reminiscent of other Caine characters in Nolan
films, he is very eloquently-spoken, with a calm tone to his voice that can
soothe a baby to sleep, even in a powerful scene when he raises it.
Cutter serves as the watch over what happens through Angier's ambitions
and Borden's ability, and even advises him
to stop at points, but his devotion to
magic is what keeps him from abandoning Angier.
The Prestige is a thought-provoking film that is too exciting to turn
away from. The film is proud of being something more than what is advertised.
It is full of substance with perfection written all over it, and is one
of the best historical thrillers of all time. And between this and Now You See Me, The Prestige definitely takes the cake.
4/4.