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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) | 1 more credit »
Popularity
199 ( 32)
Top Rated Movies #47 | Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 43 nominations. See more awards »

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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 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
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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. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Are You Watching Closely? See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence and disturbing images | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Ricky Jay, who played a magician in this movie, coached Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale in their sleight-of-hand techniques. See more »

Goofs

When Borden and Olivia are speaking in Borden's workshop, Borden keeps switching between shots from leaning back with his arms crossed to leaning forward with his hands on the table. See more »

Quotes

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

Referenced in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #1.6 (2011) See more »

Soundtracks

Drinkin' Down the Rose & Crown
Composed by Keith Nichols
Courtesy of APM
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User Reviews

One of the best movies EVER
19 October 2006 | by UrbanFilmCriticSee all my reviews

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.


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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 October 2006 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Prestige See more »

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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
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital | DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1
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