The Prestige

[Nivek]

Even after watching the movie multiple times now, each going under the presumption of that the machine works/doesn't work, there are still flaws in both. I eventually found this extraordinarily long post at the IMDd forums for the Prestige. It gives a explanation of the movie, and in particular the Tesla machine and the ending. Interesting things to consider, but be warned the initial post is only the first part of the explanation, there are like 7 other parts just as long. Lot to take in, like the film itself, but it has helped for me to clear things up.

But regardless of all of the debate, it doesn't take away from how great the movie is.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0482571/board/thread/67821170?d=67821170#67821170

It's not too complicated, your just wrong.

And yes, I'll agree with you on this, it's a great movie.

 

[Jerry]

I didn't say it was complicated. Whats your problem man? I'm just looking at other interpretations of the movie. You know, having an open mind. Don't like it, don't read it then. Just chill.

 

[LostSon88]

I just watched it...



Wow...what a movie. I was totally caught off guard by the ending!

Quick question: So was that the real Angier that was shot? Or just another one of his various clones and the real Angier is dead?

Obviously whenever Angier stepped into the machine, a new one would be created up in the balcony...so the "man in the box", the "showman" would would be sent to the watery death...if that's true than the real Angier died a long time ago, yes?

 

[DarthRekal]

i just saw it too... i saw the ending coming from pretty far away..his desperateness to find his "inginuer" ..cutter sayin''he uses a double get over it"..... and it sealed it when the last time his wife (sarah i think) says.. "you're a ..." and thats when i knew for sure....


angiers trick didnt surprise me at all... when they showed the cat cloned and all the hats....



but i did think there was gonna be another Angiers somewhere....

good movie nonetheless

 

[LostSon88]

It is a trip how you really need to "watch closely"

I never picked up on the multiple hats and the two cats, etc.

I mean naturally I saw it in the film...I just didn't get it.

And yeah, after backtrackin' on this thread, my questions pretty much answered: The original Angier was killed after his first performance and its been his clones that have been carrying on the act.

Seriously, this is one mind f*** of a movie...in a good way! t:

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

I play this movie on the tvs everyday at work. I turn the volume up and watch people jump when the sound just peaks in some scenes.

 

[GREEN =w= DAY]

i FINALLY got around to watching this film, and all i can say is "WOW!"

this is definately one of those films where you have to pay close attention to every detail. i defiantely need to watch this again to pick up on things i did not notice before hand.

i am still though rather confused as to which was the Borden that got offed. the one who loved Sarah, or the one that loved Olivia

 

[Obsidian]

i FINALLY got around to watching this film, and all i can say is "WOW!"

this is definately one of those films where you have to pay close attention to every detail. i defiantely need to watch this again to pick up on things i did not notice before hand.

i am still though rather confused as to which was the Borden that got offed. the one who loved Sarah, or the one that loved Olivia

The one that loved Olivia.

 

[BatMatt]

Yep, so the daughter gets her real father back

 

[RedIsNotBlue]

Yep, so the daughter gets her real father back

Hmmm only one way to be sure.

"Borden...you ARE the father!"

Borden: Told yo ass Angier!!!

 

[LostSon88]

Yep it was "Freddy" that got offed.

Freddy was the one who couldn't let it go...Alfred was the one who was able to concede defeat to Angier.

I also think that Freddy was the one who tied the knot that killed Julia and Alfred was the one who went to the funeral and apoligized to Angier.

Freddy was the more obsessed of the twins.

 

[GREEN =w= DAY]

Yep it was "Freddy" that got offed.

Freddy was the one who couldn't let it go...Alfred was the one who was able to concede defeat to Angier.

I also think that Freddy was the one who tied the knot that killed Julia and Alfred was the one who went to the funeral and apoligized to Angier.

Freddy was the more obsessed of the twins.

looking back, it seems to me that Freddy was the more tempermental one while Alfred was the more calm one. Freddy was quite obviously the one that was drunk at the restaurant, and the one that had the huge arguement with Sarah before she hung herself. in addition, i remember how Sarah could tell at times when Borden meant it or not when he said "i love you" to her. i am guessing that when she felt that he meant it, it was Alfred saying it to her.

 

[LostSon88]

Exactly.

Kind of the fun of rewatching the movie is trying to figure out when it was Alfred and when it was Freddy.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

I dunno...Freddy could be the dad. I mean, these two shared one life, and if he had to have sex with her so to keep the secret, no doubt he would.

But, yeah...since Alfred was the one that loved her, even if it's not his biological kid....might as well be b/c of his love for her mom.

 

[deathfromabove]

missed it in the theaters but i bought it after hearing it was great. have seen it 3 times now.

loved it. i wish the relationships with the women had just a bit more emotional weight (especially alfred and sara's and his daughter). layers of subtext and metaphor. the movie looked amazing, acting was great all around (especially the subtle differences bale gave the brothers). hints and clues are all around so i dont think the "twists" were supposed to be complete suprises as much as revelations whose contexts and meanings are only fully realized at the end. nolan proves himself to be a master of subtlety and restraint.

i do think the ending can be viewed from the perspective that nothing fantastical really happened (you have to be just as forgiving with logic if you believe the machine worked ) the hats were a set up and you only see two angiers in albert's mind' eye. maybe angiers greatest trick was convincing cutter and albert it was real? personally i like to think that angiers was so obsessed that he was driven to murder and eventual suicide every night. still, no one has completely disproven this possibilty (yes. i read every post.) and the fact that there are so many layers to the story just adds to its greatness.

highly recommended and definately one of the best movies in a year of really great movies.

(seriously, if you are a fan of film, this past year had some good stuff (double for fanboys). departed, descent (yanks anyway), united 93, pan's, children of men, casino royale, superman, l.m.s., pirates, illusionist, marie antoinette, couple of war epics, borat, the lake house, etc... hell we even got a fincher epic right out of the gate this year.)

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Saw this for the first time yesterday, excellent and very clever movie. Nolan's movies are great!

 

[mclay18]

I really wanted to see it in theaters, but totally missed out on it. I blind-bought the DVD and it arrived yesterday.

All I can say is that I was blown away by how good the movie was and how clues are sprinkled throughout and fall together perfectly at the end. And the repeated line "Are you watching closely?" really is a tip for the audience to pay close attention. This is a film that requires multiple viewings just to find out the little quirks and everything else.

Loved the DVD as well. Excellent picture quality and sound -- I was a little disappointed with the extras but at least there were some, and good quality ones too. (Very cool menus and packaging as well -- I do like how both the movie and the documentary have optional English subtitles.)

Haven't read the book yet but I will read it eventually.

 

[mclay18]

The Prestige comes in a standard Amaray case with a paper insert featuring a plot synopsis, a list of bonus materials and technical information about the disc.

Hate to be nitpicky on this bit, but the actual insert in the DVD is just a chapter insert listing all 24 scene selections and bonus materials. It doesn't have a plot synopsis on it. Also, the flip side of the chapter insert has advertisements for the upcoming DVD releases of The Guardian and Deja Vu.

 

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

I really wanted to see it in theaters, but totally missed out on it. I blind-bought the DVD and it arrived yesterday.

All I can say is that I was blown away by how good the movie was and how clues are sprinkled throughout and fall together perfectly at the end. And the repeated line "Are you watching closely?" really is a tip for the audience to pay close attention. This is a film that requires multiple viewings just to find out the little quirks and everything else.

Loved the DVD as well. Excellent picture quality and sound -- I was a little disappointed with the extras but at least there were some, and good quality ones too. (Very cool menus and packaging as well -- I do like how both the movie and the documentary have optional English subtitles.)

Haven't read the book yet but I will read it eventually.

Totally agree with this, it is an excellent movie, and its great watching it for a second time also, when you can see all the little things you missed before.

 

[HitMe]

I was wondering which knot Borden ties when performing the Water tank escape near the beginning of the film, whether he ties the correct one or not? Judging by his face, he does, but was just wondering.

Secondly, what does Borden say right before he is hung? I swear I've listened to it about 5 times and cannot make it out.

Cheers!

 

[batman11]

This is just out of sheer curiosity, so indulge me if you will...

Firstly, I was wondering which knot Borden ties when performing the Water tank escape near the beginning of the film, whether he ties the correct one or not? Judging by his face, he does, but was just wondering.

Spoiler

From what I gathered, we never really know which knot he ties, because the brother who tied the knot is indecisive on the situation, leaving the other brother genuinely ignorant to which knot was actually tied.

Secondly, what does Borden say right before he is hung? I swear I've listened to it about 5 times and cannot make it out.

Spoiler

Abracadabra.

 

[redhawk23]

from what depths did you dig up this thread? lol

 

[*Id*]

The Prestige is Nolan's unsung masterpiece. It is an immensely clever film that rewards the keen observer while shocking and surprising the casual viewer. I have seen that Nolan's films have a tendency to be a lot more intellectually stimulating than they are emotionally satisfying. The Prestige in this regard is more like watching a brilliant science experiment unfold right in front of your eyes. Its rather cerebral tone may distance audiences and not engage your feelings like a work of art would, but at the end of the day you are still left completely mesmerized and amazed by what you've just seen.

 

[Nivek]

Wow, I am surprised this wasn't closed

 

[SamuraiSon6]

I haven't seen this movie in a good while. Seeing this thread pop up males me want to go watch it again. Brilliant movie!