The
Prestige starts of near the end and then jumps backwards and forwards in time as it tells the tale
of 2 rival
magicians as each seeks to outdo the other in their magical acts. We learn early on that Alfred Borden is being tried for the murder of Robert Angier. While in prison awaiting the verdict of his trial, Lord Caldlow's agent offers to buy the secrets of his trade in exchange for assuring a home for Borden's young daughter. To proof their sincerity, Lord Caldlow offers Angier's diary as a gift to Borden. As Borden reads Angier's diary where he writes of stealing Borden's diary, we learn of the 2 men's past. We find out how these former colleagues ended up as bitter enemies due to a magic trick gone wrong, one which robbed Angier of his beloved wife. A death for which he blames Borden and subsequently evolves into a deadly game where nothing is forbidden. When the final act on their story is finally revealed, it is totally unexpected and yet like any magic trick, seems utterly obvious when unveiled.
This movie tells a compelling tale from beginning to end. Each character seems totally believable and the actors and actresses chosen to play them are absolutely suited to their roles. But what I enjoyed most was the ending. Even having been shown all the clues, I never suspected a thing until the end. And I still can't decide, in this tale of revenge gone wrong, were the scales ever balanced? Was justice served with the death of Robert Angier ? I don't believe so but I doubt it ever could after what each has done in the course of their rivalry.
Another thing to note. I classified this movie as a mystery. Well, the movie may have elements of a murder mystery at the start but it ends in the realm of science fiction. That twist in the tale is what makes the movie.