The Prestige--SPOILER ALERT
The Prestige is one ingenious show, really.
There are just 2 points that I can’t come to terms with. First, the resolution of the plot with the concept of twins. Second, the “angier” who drowned in the tank.
The first point, for me, dilutes a very powerful plot. As Angier himself had pointed out in the show, using a body double is simply too cheap for a magician trick, and using the similar concept of a twin double to rationalize large segments of the plot likewise degrades an extremely refined storyline to a lower grade than what it could have achieved. I was prepared to give 4.5/5 stars for the plot by the time Borden came to the end of Angier’s diary—I believe you would have too, such is the simple ingenuity of every twist to every turn—but the final explanation robs away the style and sophistication we have come to expect throughout the movie.
If the show had ended with Borden hanged to death, it would be a winner for me. Then again, without his twin much of the storyline could not have been possible, though I still think that cosmetic changes—such as modifying or even replacing the whole transported man trick-- effected to suit an alternative ending would not have been too implausible.
The second point remains a point of mystery to me. Who exactly died in the tank? Was it Angier’s duplicate? Angier himself? There may have been points in the movie where my concentration had lapsed, and it seems like a second viewing is in order—it definitely is worth it in any case. If the first viewing of a magician show is to be surprised by it, then a second viewing would be to fully grasp the wonders of the show, pigeons, rubber balls, and all.
Anyway, Christian Bale not bad. He is essentially what should be called handsome.
There are just 2 points that I can’t come to terms with. First, the resolution of the plot with the concept of twins. Second, the “angier” who drowned in the tank.
The first point, for me, dilutes a very powerful plot. As Angier himself had pointed out in the show, using a body double is simply too cheap for a magician trick, and using the similar concept of a twin double to rationalize large segments of the plot likewise degrades an extremely refined storyline to a lower grade than what it could have achieved. I was prepared to give 4.5/5 stars for the plot by the time Borden came to the end of Angier’s diary—I believe you would have too, such is the simple ingenuity of every twist to every turn—but the final explanation robs away the style and sophistication we have come to expect throughout the movie.
If the show had ended with Borden hanged to death, it would be a winner for me. Then again, without his twin much of the storyline could not have been possible, though I still think that cosmetic changes—such as modifying or even replacing the whole transported man trick-- effected to suit an alternative ending would not have been too implausible.
The second point remains a point of mystery to me. Who exactly died in the tank? Was it Angier’s duplicate? Angier himself? There may have been points in the movie where my concentration had lapsed, and it seems like a second viewing is in order—it definitely is worth it in any case. If the first viewing of a magician show is to be surprised by it, then a second viewing would be to fully grasp the wonders of the show, pigeons, rubber balls, and all.
Anyway, Christian Bale not bad. He is essentially what should be called handsome.
5 Comments:
Tell me more about your thoughts on the second point after you watch it again.
I love Christian Bale too. So charming hor.
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Totally agree with the first point.
'Bout the second point, I thought it was both Angier himself and/or Angier's twin who died in the tank but it didn't really bug me as to which was which specifically. Since two clones are identical in terms of dna, it really doesn't make a difference who is who because it would suggest the same thing anyway- that he had to murder himself every night and had to be murdered every night simultaneously. Its pretty symbolic and unnerving. (Is it ok to kill your own duplicate? Haha. And what if it was someone else?) Especially with the memory of his wife having died in the tank and everything.
Heheh. Miao I agree with you. He is seriously very charming!!
I guess the story's pretty dark. It's sad that he has to kill his clone 100 times.
actually he killed himself everytime, not his clone or duplicate. that's what he meant when he said it took courage for him everytime he went up, that's why he said borden could never understood his self sacrifice. but the scary thing is when he explains why he does it. all for the reaction of an audience, which is a pretty damn big point which can lead to a lot of things if you think about it
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