Spontaneous Musings

Decided to reward myself today and jogged 10 blocks to the cineplax to see The Prestige for $7. Yes, it is a sorry state of affairs when the price of a maintainee's has risen to $7. I remember the good old days when it was $3.

At any rate, I can't write a full review about the film without seriously spoiling it for you. It's that layered a film. That intricate. And I'd recommend you don't read any reviews until you see it for yourself. So far they've been teasing about the trailers - so trust me, you aren't spoiled in the least by them. Best to go in cold, like I did. [If you read the book, according to the writers and actors, it does not end the same and is very different, yet the same. Haven't read it - so don't know myself. But the film makes me want to read it.]

The film is a magic trick. And it is a dark, twisty, cinematically beautiful one by way of David Lynch or Terry Gilliam, except the director here is Christopher Nolan who pulls this baby out of his hat much like Memento. It may be the best film I've seen this year or at the very least amongst the best. I can't find a flaw in it. Structurally, casting wise, or in any way. This is the sort of film I can't stop flipping over in my mind. Or thinking about. I keep playing with it. Keep replaying the images. The metaphors. Unlike most films, every scene, every piece of dialogue, matters - much like it does in a magic trick. Part of me wants to go back and watch it again.

If you decide to see if - bring along your brain. Don't see it after a hard day at work when you just want to veg. This baby requires attention, it's the sort of movie you lean forward during. I saw it in a packed theater, and it was quiet. Which is odd in my neighborhood. People usually chatter during movies nowadays. Only one cell went off and briefly. It keeps your attention. You aren't quite sure where they are going, yet, you think you know.

Also it is that rare film in which both lead characters are equally ambiguous morally or seem to be. It is not black and white, but very grey and quite disturbing. Leaving you questioning things. Rolling them over in your mind. It's the sort of film that changes you a bit via the watching of it. A fascinating twisty morality tale disquised as a magic trick.

Go see The Prestige. But remember to bring along your brain and your sense of wonder.

Rating: A+