The Prestige (2006)

The Prestige

I am typically a strong believer in not looking up films before watching them. I’ll usually indulge if it’s a film that isn’t super big named, but when I hear enough buzz around something, I’ll stay away from any kind of details. In this case, I wanted to know absolutely nothing about this, and I’m so glad that’s what I did. I’ve often heard it’s one of Nolan’s most underrated, and it’s got some fun twists and plot elements. I can confidently say it’s one of the best films of the 2000’s, and certainly has the Nolan touch. I absolutely loved the non-linear storyline, although it takes a little bit to get used to. I was constantly kept guessing about certain people and events, in the typical Nolan fashion. The film is both very grounded and very surreal, enough to where I’m categorizing this as a sci-fi. It’s more thriller-y, but I just love how it combines older times with fantastical elements. The themes of the film were also easy to see and relevant, yet they were still subtly disguised by magic and the entertainment business. The struggles of power, greed, and success are often used in film, but the way they are used in this is just……so freaking awesome. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale do a tremendous job of displaying those themes, and there’s no way that anyone else could’ve done the job they did. Michael Caine is incredible, of course, and I was extremely pleased to also see Edward Hibbert, David Bowie, and Andy “The 🐐“ Serkis. Again, this is why I don’t look things up. Seeing them pop up was so cool. The cinematography was beautiful, with a blander color palette that helps bring in the realism of the late 1800’s. A strong score by David Julyan adds depth, and the production design makes the entire setting come to live. That goes for the costume design too. Overall, this is definitely one of Nolan’s best films (does he have a bad one?), and it’s gonna be one of those films that you wish you could watch back for the first time again. Especially that ending. When every loose end is tied up into a nice little knot. See what I did there? Anyways, I’d recommend this to all sci-fi/thriller fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!