From Amazon:
Robert (Jackman) and Alfred (Bale) are rival magicians. When Alfred performs the ultimate magic trick, Robert tries desperately to find out the secret to the trick.
This was a very nicely done movie. Typical of “Memento”, Nolan plays with time a lot in this movie, as we bounce back and forth between the past and present day (present day being turn of the century in this movie). Based on a book by Christopher Priest, the movie takes us on a journey through the ultimate magic trick.
What’s amazing is that neither character is particularly likable. Robert is a vengeful man (albeit deservedly, considering what Albert does in the beginning of the movie). Borden is full of his own rage and jealousy over Robert’s showmanship. And yet you find yourself drawn into their stories, alternating your pity for each man at times.
Even when you figure out just what is going on, you still have a few of those “oh SNAP” moments towards the end of the movie. And it’s well worth watching. A visual feast for the eye. Plus, Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are hot.
4 bouncing rubber balls out of five.
I loved that neither protagonist was particularly lovable, but how I couldn’t help rooting for one, then the other through out the film. And what a haunting last scene…whoa…
I also liked that the time chunks were not as clunky as in Memento (thoughh they worked for that film)…they seemed more smoothly pieced together. David Bowie was terrific, I thought.
Eerie movie, but also fun.