A FRIENDSHIP THAT BECAME A RIVALRY. A RIVALRY THAT TURNED DEADLY.
In turn-of-the-century London, an accidental death turns two magicians (Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman) into enemies; their rivalry becomes bitter and dangerous. Director Christopher Nolan took time off together with Bale and Michael Caine between their Batman movies to make this dark adaptation of the Christopher Priest novel, rendering a visual style that is reminiscent of the Bat adventures. Little by little, Nolan reveals his tricks in a chronologically jumbled fashion. Good acting, and it’s a colorful story, but the magicians’ commitment to their increasingly insane schemes is hard to believe in.
2006-U.S. 130 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Christopher Nolan. Screenplay: Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan. Novel: Christopher Priest. Cast: Hugh Jackman (Robert Angier), Christian Bale (Alfred Borden), Michael Caine (Harry “John” Cutter), Piper Perabo, Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson… David Bowie, Andy Serkis.
Trivia: Sam Mendes was allegedly considered for directing duties.
