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 #46 | 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.

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Plot Keywords:

rivalry | illusion | obsession | magician | secret | 

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Taglines:

A Rivalry That Turned Deadly.

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence and disturbing images

Details

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

Gross USA:

$53,089,891

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$109,676,311

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

Six of this movie's stars played roles in several comic book movies. Christian Bale and Sir Michael Caine appeared as Batman and Alfred respectively in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy. Hugh Jackman played Wolverine in the X-Men film franchise. Scarlett Johansson played Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Rebecca Hall appeared as Maya Hansen in Iron Man 3 (2013). Andy Serkis played Captain Haddock in The Adventures of Tintin (2011), as well as Ulysses Klaue in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) and Black Panther (2018).

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Goofs

When Borden is in jail and traps the guard, he begins the scene writing down his tricks. All 10 fingers are visible when two of them should be partially gone.

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Quotes

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

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Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Hints at Plot Twists You Completely Missed (2018)

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Soundtracks

Princess Waltz
Written by William Davies (as W. Davies)
Courtesy of APM

User Reviews

One of the best movies EVER

What makes this movie so incredible is that while it is indeed a movie about magicians (or illusionists) it is also a complex character study about how self destructive obsessions are with a sideline love story and a sci-fi twist. A unique plot with an amazing cast--any of whom could believably garner an Oscar nomination. Christian Bale was amazing in one of his rare cockney performances. We already know from Kate and Leopold how well Hugh Jackman plays a distinguished English gent. He's absolutely priceless. Is there any point in discussing Sir Michael Caine? He brings polish to the movie.

This is the kind of flick that you can discuss for weeks after. The plot is so detailed and complete and open to interpretation. My friend and I have been discussing various nuances of this film for the past 3 weeks. It definitely stays with you.