THE PRESTIGE (2006) 3 stars out of 4. Starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Piper Perabo, Rebecca Hall, Samantha Mahurin, David Bowie, Andy Serkis, Roger Rees and Ricky Jay. Based on the novel by Christopher Priest. Screenplay by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan. Directed by Christopher Nolan. Rated: PG-13. Running time: Approx: 128 mins.

       
The Prestige is a movie that demands your attention. It insists that you watch closely, for every nuance provides some clue.

        Directed by Christopher Nolan, this turn-of-the-century period piece tells the story of a fierce rivalry between two magicians: Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale).

        The pair begin as assistants to a magician, but a tragedy transforms them into lifelong competitors and enemies, with the ultimate cost to both men being higher than either ever imagined.

        Throughout, Nolan creates not so much an atmosphere of suspense as one of anticipation. As the rivalry between Angier and Borden escalates, you are drawn deeper and deeper into their mysterious world — one built on deception, sleight-of-hand and misdirection.

        For the most part, Nolan keeps a step ahead of the audience until the very end.

        The movie itself is like a magic trick. As Cutter (Michael Caine), an ingeneur — the man who designs illusions for magicians — explains: Every trick consists of three parts: The Pledge, in which the magicians shows something ordinary, but of course, it probably isn't. The Turn is when the magician makes his ordinary something do something extraordinary. The finale is The Prestige, which consists of twists and turns, where lives hang in the balance and you see something shocking that you've never seen before.

        Keeping the parts in mind while watching the film will make following and understanding it a bit easier.

        The two magicians are a contrast in style. Jackman's Angier, who bills himself as The Great Danton, is an entertainer, who yearns for the glory and the applause.

        Bale's Borden is a darker personality. He is a creative genius who lacks the panache or style that allows an audience to embrace him.

        The two battle for years, creating newer and more dangerous illusions, even utilizing the then-new power of electricity and scientific brilliance of Nikola Tesla (David Bowie) to help in their illusions.

        Jackman's Angier has the showier part. He is more flamboyant, more personable, a man who easily wins over his audiences. But he has a darker, uglier side that drives him to continually strive to best his competitor.

        Bale's Borden is a more internal characterization. He cares not for fame and fortune, but to create real magic, not illusions that fool the crowds. He is driven, not allowing anything nor anyone — neither family nor Angier — from continuing his quest.

        Caine gives another solid performance as the designer of illusions who continually warns that the two magicians are carrying their battle too far, that others beside themselves can and will be harmed by their obsessions.

        As Olivia, who begins as Angier's assistant, but then switches allegiances to Borden, Scarlett Johansson is lovely, seductive and vulnerable.

        If the film has one drawback, it is that you cannot feel sympathy for either magician. They are so obsessed, so willing to sacrifice anything or anyone to achieve their goals that you almost pity them for their weaknesses.

        The finale of The Prestige may either shock you or leave you scratching your head. It will make you rethink what and who you saw.

You will search your brain for missed clues.

        Like a good magic trick, the solution is right before your eyes. You merely have to watch closely.

        Bob Bloom is the film critic and DVD reviewer at the Journal & Courier in Lafayette, Ind. He can be reached by e-mail at bbloom@journalandcourier.com or at serialhero48@yahoo.com. Bloom's reviews also can be found at the Journal & Courier Web site: www.jconline.com
Other reviews by Bloom can be found at the Rottentomatoes Web site: www.rottentomatoes.com.