Zach's Favorite Film #3
The Prestige
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Scarlett Johansson,
Michael Caine, Rebecca Hall
Rated: PG-13 for violence and disturbing images
This dark, mind-boggling story exemplifies the power of pure storytelling and human connection more than any other film I've seen. After all, this is not the best film Chris Nolan has directed: the competitor film The Illusionist has much better cinematography, art direction, soundtrack and, dare I say it, performances than The Prestige. However, The Illuisionist falters in story, while The Prestige simply steals the show with creativity, suspense, and depth that requires the audience to watch and savor it multiple times. It follows two competing magicians (played by Jackman and Bale), whom carry vendetas and obsessions to not only be the best but, more importantly, to best the other. It's a story riddled with twists and turns, loops and riddles, all mixed together in the non-linear brilliance of Chris and John Nolan's storytelling.
But, at it's core, The Prestige is a film about man. Much like Memento, it asks the question "what is life" and comes to a startling-yet-honest conclusion: life is about our existential goals. However, Nolan questions Sarte's theory, and asks at what price must we pay for them? How far will Angier and Borden go in order to hear the crowd roar and confound the other? Would it cost their wealth? Their relationships? Their lives? As always, Nolan parallels society without us ever noticing: is the American businessman who gives 60 hours a week to his job any different than Angier or Borden? Isn't he, too, going to be dissatisfied with his "success" when he compares it to the others around him? Isn't he, too, going to sacrifice his shots at true happiness to simply gain his existential goal? While The Prestige is still a typical dark Nolan film, you can't help but wonder if Borden's question of "are you paying attention" is more so referring to the themes rather than the clues of the story. Either way, it's a magical film and wonderful experience.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Scarlett Johansson,
Michael Caine, Rebecca Hall
Rated: PG-13 for violence and disturbing images
This dark, mind-boggling story exemplifies the power of pure storytelling and human connection more than any other film I've seen. After all, this is not the best film Chris Nolan has directed: the competitor film The Illusionist has much better cinematography, art direction, soundtrack and, dare I say it, performances than The Prestige. However, The Illuisionist falters in story, while The Prestige simply steals the show with creativity, suspense, and depth that requires the audience to watch and savor it multiple times. It follows two competing magicians (played by Jackman and Bale), whom carry vendetas and obsessions to not only be the best but, more importantly, to best the other. It's a story riddled with twists and turns, loops and riddles, all mixed together in the non-linear brilliance of Chris and John Nolan's storytelling.
But, at it's core, The Prestige is a film about man. Much like Memento, it asks the question "what is life" and comes to a startling-yet-honest conclusion: life is about our existential goals. However, Nolan questions Sarte's theory, and asks at what price must we pay for them? How far will Angier and Borden go in order to hear the crowd roar and confound the other? Would it cost their wealth? Their relationships? Their lives? As always, Nolan parallels society without us ever noticing: is the American businessman who gives 60 hours a week to his job any different than Angier or Borden? Isn't he, too, going to be dissatisfied with his "success" when he compares it to the others around him? Isn't he, too, going to sacrifice his shots at true happiness to simply gain his existential goal? While The Prestige is still a typical dark Nolan film, you can't help but wonder if Borden's question of "are you paying attention" is more so referring to the themes rather than the clues of the story. Either way, it's a magical film and wonderful experience.
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