Christopher Nolan: The Prestige
Wow. The movie version of The Prestige totally blew me away. I’m surprised to say this, but although I liked the book (see book review here), I LOVED the movie, which I think is way better. Although there are many similarities between the two, I’d say the movie is loosely based on the novel. Yes, there were things that were left out and really not much added in at the screenwriters’ (Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan) discretion, but they did an excellent job adapting this for the big screen.
Not surprisingly, Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, and Michael Caine give excellent performances, as does David Bowie in his role as Nikolas Tesla, the scientist. However, anyone could have played Scarlett Johansson’s character; Nolan didn’t utilize her full potential as an actress, though the character was a minor one, in my opinion. Rebecca Hall does a much better job portraying Borden’s wife, Sarah. Personally, I think Bale outshines Jackman, but this could be because his character, Alfred Borden, is a bit more complex. However, Jackman really plays up his character’s (Robert–changed from Rupert–Angier’s) obsession with not only learning Borden’s secret to his greatest illusion, but in his quest to outdo him.
I have to admit that if I saw the movie before reading the book, I’d be very disappointed with the novel. That isn’t to say the book isn’t good–it is–but I thought the movie was just so much better and really well done.
I can’t wait to see this movie.. Thanks for the review. (y)
November 27, 2006 12:00 am
Get to the theatre immediately!!!!! It’s so, so good. I would definitely see it again and buy it on DVD when it comes out. I’m actually considering re-reading the book, too, but I know that I’d still like the movie better. Thanks for stopping by! (~)
November 27, 2006 12:32 am
I’ve been meaning to see this movie for some time now. This will definately be my treat after finals. Thx 4 review!
November 27, 2006 12:34 am
Ok… so now I know where I’m going tomorrow night. It was either this or the new Bond movie. I know… a blonde Bond… but you know… I’m all about the car.
November 27, 2006 2:21 am
It’s that good?
Okay. I will put it on my “to-see” list!
November 27, 2006 5:32 am
Maybe I go to see in the week-end..
And your welcome.. Always a pleasure to visit and read entertaing blogs..
November 27, 2006 2:32 pm
April, trust me–it’ll be a real treat! Good luck with finals! (y)
NYC Watchdog, there are no cars in this movie, but it’s still worth it! I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I’ll be interested to know what you think, so I’ll be lurking around your blog to see if you post anything about it. :d Thanks for stopping by!
Mr. Fabulous, it’s THAT good! Forget the pipes and take the Mrs. to see this!
Peety, definitely go see it! (y)
November 27, 2006 3:55 pm
I would actually like to see this…although I’ll see just about anything with Mr. Bale in it
November 28, 2006 10:34 am
:d Agreed! Though I really didn’t like American Psycho–it was just way too psycho and violent, even for me!
The first movie I ever saw him in was Empire of the Sun, which, if you haven’t seen it, you must! Buy the DVD! John Malkovich is in it, too. Anyway, Bale was only 13 (and looked pretty much the same) at the time, but his performance was so good. Definitely worth seeing, as is The Prestige, so you and Erik get your butts to the movies this weekend, OK? (~)
November 28, 2006 11:24 am
I have not seen Empire of the Sun but always meant to…I’ll add it to our Netflix.
I liked American Psycho although I read the book and the movie is MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCH tamer than the book. The book was the most gruesome thing I’d ever come across (movies, tv, books, whatever) and I will never forget some of the stuff that was in that book. I used to read it and say outloud “holy shit!” when I got to some parts. The movie I saw as sort of a humerous version of a disturbing book. I only know 2 other people who read the book and I think they can attest.
November 28, 2006 11:27 am
Really? I usually try to read the book first–Brian and I have been trying to join this Book/Movie Club where everyone reads the book then gets together to see the movie, but our schedules haven’t allowed us to actually meet with them!
That’s how I felt about The Black Dahlia, though. The movie was much more toned down. (See my movie review here and book review here–heehee-shameless plugs.)
November 28, 2006 11:35 am
The book is…interesting. You really feel like the person writing it is mentally unstable or something. He has entire chapters dedicated to Genesis or Whitney Houston or whatever. There was a whole section on bottled water I think.
Was that book good? I can always use more books to check out for my drive to work. Do you use librarything.com?
November 28, 2006 11:46 am
Which book? The Prestige or The Black Dahlia? Read my reviews, girl! You think I write them for my own health? :d Actually, I do in a way, because after the ECT I had a really difficult time writing. Still do–outside of blogging. Never mind. Long story.
I started using Library Thing and almost bought the pro account or whatever, but then Listal came out, which is completely free. I haven’t logged into it in a million years, but I only keep track of the SW books I own on there.
November 28, 2006 12:10 pm
Sorry, I should have paid closer attention. I read so many blogs during my lunchtime I sometimes don’t give the full attention. I’m bad
November 28, 2006 12:12 pm
You’re not bad! You probably just read too many blogs, like everyone else! :p
November 28, 2006 12:21 pm