The Prestige

The Prestige

Year: 2006

Runtime: 130 min

Language: English

Director: Christopher Nolan

DramaMysteryThriller

Two stage magicians, Alfred Borden and Robert Angier, find themselves locked in a bitter and intense rivalry during the early 20th century. Their relentless pursuit of one-upmanship drives them to increasingly dangerous and elaborate schemes, with devastating results for themselves and those around them. As their competition escalates, the boundary between illusion and reality becomes increasingly blurred, and each man is willing to risk everything to discover and ultimately sabotage the other's secrets.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Prestige yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Prestige (2006)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Prestige (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

19th century

The movie is set in the 19th century, a time characterized by rapid advancements in technology and art. This era saw the rise of stage magic as a popular form of entertainment, captivating audiences with increasingly elaborate performances. In the narrative, the historical context amplifies the stakes of the magicians' rivalry, showcasing how ambition and obsession drive individuals to push the boundaries of their craft.

Location

19th century England

19th century England serves as a backdrop for *The Prestige*, where the world of magic and illusion thrives amidst societal changes. Known for its rich cultural heritage, this period was marked by technological advancements and intense competition between innovators in various fields, including stage performance. The atmosphere is charged with rivalry, reflecting the dramatic struggles between individuals seeking fame and fortune.

🏰 Historical 🎩 Magic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:01

Main Characters – The Prestige (2006)

Meet the key characters of The Prestige (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Robert Angier

Robert Angier, portrayed by Hugh Jackman, is ambitious and deeply passionate about his craft as a magician, taking on the persona of 'the Great Danton.' His character is marked by a relentless pursuit of perfection, leading him to become consumed by jealousy and revenge against Borden. Angier's quest to uncover the secrets behind Borden's most famous trick becomes a dangerous obsession that shapes the course of the story.

🎩 Magician 🕵️‍♂️ Obsessed 💔 Tragic

Alfred Borden

Alfred Borden, played by Christian Bale, is a talented magician marked by a deep commitment to the art of illusion. Known as 'the Professor,' his character embodies the mysterious and elusive nature of magic itself. Borden's fierce dedication to his craft is mirrored in his complex relationships, particularly with Angier, revealing the personal sacrifices he makes in pursuit of greatness.

🎩 Magician 🧩 Secretive ❤️ Loyal

Olivia Wenscombe

Olivia Wenscombe, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson, is an assistant who becomes entangled in the fierce rivalry between Angier and Borden. Her character struggles with loyalty and affection, caught between the ambitions of the two men. Olivia's role showcases the human element within the world of magic, revealing the emotional toll that the pursuit of success takes on relationships.

💔 Torn 🎭 Assistant 🌹 Desirable

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:01

Major Themes – The Prestige (2006)

Explore the central themes of The Prestige (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Obsession

Obsession is a central theme in *The Prestige*, as both Robert Angier and Alfred Borden are consumed by their desire to outshine each other. This relentless pursuit of greatness leads them to extremes, showcasing the destructive potential of ambition when left unchecked. The film illustrates how obsession can cloud judgment, resulting in betrayal and moral decay.

🔮 Illusion

The theme of illusion permeates *The Prestige*, highlighting the intricate dance between reality and deception within the world of magic. Throughout the film, the magicians employ various tricks and illusions to captivate their audience, reflecting deeper truths about life and sacrifice. The craft of illusion serves as a metaphor for the characters' personal journeys, emphasizing their relentless quest for mastery in an unforgiving landscape.

⚔️ Rivalry

Rivalry drives the plot of *The Prestige*, as Angier and Borden engage in a bitter competition to prove their superiority as magicians. Their antagonistic relationship is fueled by personal loss and professional ambition, resulting in a cycle of espionage and betrayal. This theme explores the lengths individuals will go to achieve success and the personal costs associated with their relentless pursuit.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:01

Unlock the Full Story of The Prestige

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Prestige in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Prestige is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Prestige Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Prestige, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Prestige Summary

The Prestige Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Prestige with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Prestige Timeline

More About The Prestige

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Prestige: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Prestige

Similar Movies to The Prestige

Discover movies like The Prestige that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.

Explore More About Movie The Prestige

The Prestige (2006) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Prestige (2006) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Movies Like The Prestige – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy

The Illusionist (2006) Full Summary & Key Details

Magic (1978) Full Movie Breakdown

Red Lights (2012) Ending Explained & Film Insights

Now You See Me (2013) Film Overview & Timeline

The Believers (1987) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap

Inception (2010) Story Summary & Characters

Simon Magus (2001) Full Summary & Key Details

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) Movie Recap & Themes

Magic in the Moonlight (2014) Film Overview & Timeline

Spellbound (1945) Story Summary & Characters

Deception (2008) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

The Double (2011) Film Overview & Timeline

Dead Ringers (1988) Detailed Story Recap

Delirium (2018) Full Summary & Key Details

Murder by Death (1976) Ending Explained & Film Insights