The Prestige (2006)

After a tragic accident, two stage magicians engage in a battle to create the ultimate illusion while sacrificing everything they have to outwit each other.

Director:

Christopher Nolan

Writers:

Jonathan Nolan (screenplay), Christopher Nolan (screenplay)

Stars:

Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson

Top Rated Movies #49 | Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 38 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Hugh Jackman	...	Robert Angier
Christian Bale	...	Alfred Borden
Michael Caine	...	Cutter
Piper Perabo	...	Julia McCullough
Rebecca Hall	...	Sarah
Scarlett Johansson	...	Olivia Wenscombe
Samantha Mahurin	...	Jess
David Bowie	...	Tesla
Andy Serkis	...	Alley
Daniel Davis	...	Judge
Jim Piddock	...	Prosecutor
Christopher Neame	...	Defender
Mark Ryan	...	Captain
Roger Rees	...	Owens
Jamie Harris	...	Sullen Warder

Storyline

In the end of the nineteenth century, in London, Robert Angier, his beloved wife Julia McCullough, and Alfred Borden are friends and assistants of a magician. When Julia accidentally dies during a performance, Robert blames Alfred for her death, and they become enemies. Both become famous and rival magicians, sabotaging the performance of the other on the stage. When Alfred performs a successful trick, Robert becomes obsessed trying to disclose the secret of his competitor with tragic consequences.

---

Plot Keywords:

rivalry | illusion | obsession | magician | secret | 

---

Taglines:

Are You Watching Closely?

---

Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence and disturbing images

Details

Official Sites:

Warner Bros [France] Warner Bros. [Germany]

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 October 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Prestige

Filming Locations:

Spring Street Towers - 650 S. Spring Street, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,801,808, 22 October 2006, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$53,089,891, 8 February 2007

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$109,676,311, 8 February 2007

Company Credits

Production Co:

Touchstone Pictures, Warner Bros., Newmarket Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

130 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Nikola Tesla was a world-renowned inventor, physicist, and engineer. For a while, he conducted electrical experiments at his lab in Colorado Springs, where he was also known for his eccentric behavior.

---

Goofs

As Angier is walking towards the box in Tesla's empty room, you notice the hotel manager deliberately bring his hands from behind his back to his front. In the next shot, taken from behind, his hands are behind him again.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Alfred Borden: Are you watching closely?

---

Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Best Movies of 2006 (2016)

---

Soundtracks

Tripping Gaily
Written and Performed by Ena Baga (as E. Baga)
Courtesy of DeWolfe Music

User Reviews

Outstanding acting performances worth price of admission

I went to see a critics preview of The Prestige this afternoon and to my surprise I found the film to be one of the best I have seen all year so far, and that writers can come up with an excellent script it they would only try a little harder. The acting performances by Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale and Michael Caine were the best I have see in a long while. The only objection I had to the film was that it was a little long, but once you leave the theater you will discuss the film and it many twists and turns. My wife and myself discussed it all the way home from the movie theater. This is a winner and should be up for some academy award statues, and my recommendation is go see this as soon as you can, you will not be disappointed.