The Christopher Nolan 'Flop'?

The Prestige is a film released in 2006 by Christopher Nolan, which tells us the story of a battle between two magicians which takes place over several years, and tells us a story of commitment and passion and the lengths that people will go for their art. The film is very successful, and i feel stands out as Nolans best, being more imaginative in many ways that even Batman Begins.

Admittedly the film is adapted from a  novel which contains much of the original concept and the twist at the end. Yet the film contains strong performances from its lead actors, including a delicious star turn with Bowie as revered scientist Nicola Tesla. The film deals with themes such as the definition of magic an illusion, and how far someone will for their art and what lengths someone will go to protect a secret.

The film is a classic Chris Nolan film in its usage of a non linear storytelling, and is interesting if a little clichéd in the way the narration stems from a series of journals and letters written by the two protagonists. The film is ludicrously beautiful, and is interestingly enough the only period Christopher Nolan film to date, with the film being set in period London, the film also somewhat has a visual identity, being filled with stunning and haunting images, yet ultimately the films crisp totally clear 'The Dark Knight' style picture seems misplaced, in lieu of the more grainy gritty style of 2000's masterpiece 'Memento', or the softer style of The Lord of the Rings'.

Overall this film is an interesting enough picture which provides us with an insight into the secret lives of magicians, (and is far more exciting than 'The Incredible Burt Wonderstone' by the way) which gives us fine performances from Bale, Jackman and Caine, and a star turn from Bowie as Nikola Tesla. This film despite its flaws is imaginative and a sorely underrated film, with a metascore of only 66. Rating A-