Watching The Prestige a second time, there are just so many things that affirm my initial impression that this is an excellent, excellent movie.
Although some of my friends say they don't like the "dark" nature of the movie, some even find it confusing and boring -_-, I find it really fascinating. Great acting, interesting plot and handsome, handsome actors (all of which are pretty much what I look for in a movie) aside. It is just such an emotional film.
Emotional? I can just feel people who have watched the movie scratching their heads.
(Note: From this point onwards, anything typed here is probably just going to spoil the movie for anyone who have not watched the movie, so you probably want to read it only if you have watched the movie.)
The thing about this movie is that, the “emotion” itself is not obvious. It is kind of like an undercurrent that has been flowing along with the movie unseen, much like "The Prestige" of the movie itself. But it's there, but you have to really know where to find it before you can see it. The rivalry between the two magicians itself has strong emotional ties to it.
But the thing that gets to me the most is the character of Alfred Borden. Two twin brothers willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of one trick, the trick of a lifetime. Literally. Both leading half of a life, yet contented with the moments of happiness they can get, whether on or off-stage.
A complex, almost multi-dimensional character that I cannot think of any other actor to portray other than Christian Bale. And I just have to say that Christian Bale really upped his level of acting in this movie.
I can actually feel the different, yet identical personalities of the character, one who is headstrong and impulsive while the other, level-headed and calm, but both sharing the same passion. It's just so amazing how much Christian Bale can do. One moment I can feel how much one brother loves his wife and his family, the next, another brother's yearning and frustration for freedom. It's so subtle, yet there for all to see.So far, I have been paying a lot of attention to Bale’s character, but I am sure if I put some effort into it, I can probably discover the intricacies of Hugh Jackman’s character too. Usually in any movies with him. I will be paying a lot of attention to him, but up against Bale, it’s just so… I don’t know what to say.
Really fascinating movie. It's one of those movies that you can watch over and over again, and discover new insights each time. Not unlike The Machinist and American Psycho. In an interview, Christian Bale says that the whole movie itself is a magic trick. I think that's the most apt description of the movie that anyone can give.
