Why does it always seem that there are two movies abot the same subject released at the same time? The Prestige was released just after The Illusionist (2006), which is a shame because that sucked away the audience that might have gone to see this.
Don't get me wrong, the Illusionist isn't a bad movie, but I find this one so much better. Two young magicians become bitter rivals when one of them may or may not have been instrumental in the death of the other's wife. From that point on, they do what they have to do to steal each other's secrets no matter who it hurts in their lives.
A taut and gripping plotline is boosted by great performances of Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. Both performances are filled with envy, jealousy, and anger. Some people say that the end is a bait and switch, but if you are paying attention to the movie, you are lead down to its dark inevitable path.