The Prestige explores a ferocious rivalry between two Victorian-era magicians, played brilliantly by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale. In London at the turn of the century, magicians were viewed as idols and celebrities, so these men are trying to achieve as much fame as possible with their magic tricks. Not surprisingly, the film uses cinematic magic of its own to entertain and trick viewers.  

Jackman’s (The Fountain) character comes across as flashy and sophisticated, while Bale’s (Batman Begins) cockney magician is a rough-edged genius lacking in showmanship skills. The men start out as friends, but when an important trick goes horribly wrong, they become revenge-seeking enemies obsessed with outdoing each other. One of the highlights of The Prestige is the great Michael Caine’s (Secondhand Lions) welcome appearance as the dedicated person who designs the illusions behind the scenes, but all three actors do a splendid job in this dark, well-filmed mystery.

Adding beauty to the proceedings, Scarlett Johansson (Girl with a Pearl Earring) looks great in the period costumes made especially for her. She portrays a woman fated to work with each of the incorrigible rivals at one time or another. And David Bowie shines in his brief moments as Nicola Tesla, whose revolutionary work with alternating current electrical power caused such a stir in the late 19th and early 20th century. By bringing Tesla into the plot, the movie reminds us what amazing scientific advances were being made at that time. 

While I don’t think The Prestige is as fascinating as The Illusionist, another recent movie about an enigmatic magician, I loved the way this film made me feel I was right in the middle of everything happening on screen. Shooting the scenes primarily in earth tones paid off by setting the right mood for such a mysterious story.

Unfortunately, The Prestige jumps back and forth between time periods in a confusing manner and also includes an unsatisfactory ending. It may take two or three viewings to understand exactly what’s going on here. Luckily, The Prestige deserves that kind of attention and is well worth the extra effort.

However, watching the DVD bonus features before seeing the film itself might clear up some of the problems mentioned above. I usually recommend just the opposite viewing schedule, but I think a change is in order for The Prestige.

 Be sure to take a look at The Director’s Notebook: The Cinematic Sleight of Hand of Christopher Nolan. This is a highly insightful featurette concerning all aspects of creating the film -- it even includes intriguing information about Tesla, referred to as “The Man Who Invented the Twentieth Century.” After watching this feature, I’m convinced of Nolan’s artistry and commitment to quality filmmaking. Another enlightening bonus item, The Art of the Prestige, contains an interactive gallery of creative images, costumes, scenery and set design that helped inspire the movie.

Remember, movie fans, whenever magic is involved, you must watch very closely -- and that’s excellent advice to heed while viewing The Prestige.

(Released by Buena Vista Home Entertainment and rated “PG-13” for violence and disturbing images. Bonus materials not rated and subject to change.)