Again with the magicians. Okay, here it goes. I'm having trouble with these two, so I've decided to pair them in a match on blogspot to see who comes out victorious.
The basic premises: Amazing magicians, border lined wizards, are at the top of their game in 19th Century (?) Europe. They have acts that astound the masses and draw considerable attention by others, namely government officials and/or competitors. They, of course, are mysterious and unconventional. Then you've got some romance on the side, beautiful love-at-first-sight stuff. The conflict with competition/officials escalates. Magician is crushed by overwhelming odds and reduced to poverty only to wave his hands (as only magicians can without seeming psychotic) and say "abracadabra, nothing was as it seemed, the trick's on you." Happy ending... or at least pleasant music with an undertone of revenge/retribution.
Seriously, that summed up both movies.
The Prestige: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine. Nice line up. But can it compete against the power of...
The Illusionist: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell. Did I mention Edward Norton?
The Prestige: seemingly amazing magic tricks revealed with little(?) Hollywood magic.
The Illusionist: seemingly amazing magic tricks revealed with little(?) Hollywood magic....hmmm.
The Prestige: an insight into the lives of magicians and how fooling people for a living can lead to dangerous consequences.
The Illusionist: an insight into the lives of magicians and how fooling people for...a...living...touche....
The Prestige: What a horrible ending.
The Illusionist: Saw that one coming. Better luck next time.
Okay, that wasn't as tough as I thought it would be. The acting is fine in both movies. I would particularly like to mention Paul Giamatti's character. A beard will go a long way in dismissing you from your type-cast. Beard or no-beard, Giamatti did a fantastic job. I could say the same about another supporting actor, Michael Caine; but we all know he's going to be great, regardless. He's up there with Dustin Hoffman and the like; aging actors taking lessor roles but out-performing their leads.
"The Prestige" is presented more cloak-and-dagger than "The Illusionist." For some reason, I like the fact that "The Illusionist" is based on a short story; which gives it a leg-up in my book. In this sense, it has a better plot than "The Prestige," if that's what you're looking for.
However, I cannot completely dismiss "The Prestige," though this decision is almost based solely on acting. Specifically, David Bowie as Nikola Tesla. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. It's David Bowie. We were aware that he acted: "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me" and who can forget "Labyrinth." Bowie did a great job with this one. If you're into science and what-not, read up on Tesla. You'll understand why Bowie was perfect for, and did a perfect job with, this part.
So, see 'em both. Plot driven: "The Illusionist." Remember, based on a short story, not just crafted as an edge-of-your-seat screenplay. Character based: "The Prestige." Here, turn off the DVD when you think it's done. Don't worry, the "extra" ending will only disappoint. (Now I know you'll watch it all the way through, don't say I didn't warn you).
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