The Prestige Analysis
The Prestige Analysis
The Prestige is a film adaptation of the Christopher Priest novel bearing the same name. The story is set in the turn-of-the-century London about two stage magicians, their rivalry, and their obsession to be the best with the artistry and secrecy of illusion. The analysis of The Prestige will examine several aspects of the film including plot, character development, use of sound, use of photography, set design, lighting, and role of the collaborators. Each of these areas is important to create the emotion, suspense, and energy for a successful and entertaining film.
The Plot
The filmmakers introduce a man who designs the equipment to pull off the illusions. The magic of a successful illusion consists of three acts: the pledge, the turn, and the prestige. The first act is the “pledge.” The magician presents to the audience an ordinary object, which more than likely is not ordinary and at the same time, creates a distraction. For the second act and the “turn,” the magician shows the audience a piece of magic with the ordinary object. Finally, the “prestige” creates an illusion with an added deception, so unbelievable even other magicians are mystified. Usually the “prestige” is the finale of the performance.
While the movie’s principal theme is magic and illusion, the storyline covers the magicians as they progress from working together as magician assistants to “headliner” performers. After a tragic accident, the magicians work separately, creating competition between each other, trying to discover the secrets of the illusions, and sabotaging the other’s acts. The film’s sub theme involves the obsession, deceit, and jealousy between the magicians and within the premises of their private lives. They become fierce enemies jeopardizing their friendships and their lives.
The moral to the story is that things are not always what they appear to be. Mr. Angier thought Mr. Borden had used a teleportation machine invented by the scientist
The Prestige is a film adaptation of the Christopher Priest novel bearing the same name. The story is set in the turn-of-the-century London about two stage magicians, their rivalry, and their obsession to be the best with the artistry and secrecy of illusion. The analysis of The Prestige will examine several aspects of the film including plot, character development, use of sound, use of photography, set design, lighting, and role of the collaborators. Each of these areas is important to create the emotion, suspense, and energy for a successful and entertaining film.
The Plot
The filmmakers introduce a man who designs the equipment to pull off the illusions. The magic of a successful illusion consists of three acts: the pledge, the turn, and the prestige. The first act is the “pledge.” The magician presents to the audience an ordinary object, which more than likely is not ordinary and at the same time, creates a distraction. For the second act and the “turn,” the magician shows the audience a piece of magic with the ordinary object. Finally, the “prestige” creates an illusion with an added deception, so unbelievable even other magicians are mystified. Usually the “prestige” is the finale of the performance.
While the movie’s principal theme is magic and illusion, the storyline covers the magicians as they progress from working together as magician assistants to “headliner” performers. After a tragic accident, the magicians work separately, creating competition between each other, trying to discover the secrets of the illusions, and sabotaging the other’s acts. The film’s sub theme involves the obsession, deceit, and jealousy between the magicians and within the premises of their private lives. They become fierce enemies jeopardizing their friendships and their lives.
The moral to the story is that things are not always what they appear to be. Mr. Angier thought Mr. Borden had used a teleportation machine invented by the scientist
References: Boggs, J. M. & Petrie, D. W. (2008). The Art of Watching Films (7th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. Henriksen, E. "Ye Olde Dueling Magicians", The Portland Mercury, 19 October 2006. Retrieved on April 20 2007. Kawamoto, Wayne. Film Review: The Prestige. About. Retrieved on April 19 2007. Nolan C. (Director). (2006). Director’s Notebook: The Prestige – Five Making-of Featurettes (DVD) . United States: Warner Brothers Pictures. Nolan C., Ryder A., and Thomas E. (Producers). The Prestige [Motion picture]. United States: Touchstone. Pfister, W. (Director of Photography). (2006). Director’s Notebook: The Prestige – Five Making-of Featurettes (DVD) . United States: Warner Brothers Pictures. The Prestige Filming Locations. imdb.com. Retrieved on 2007 April 19. Wikipedia. The Prestige (film). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prestige_%28film%29