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.

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Timeline – The Prestige (2006)

Trace every key event in The Prestige (2006) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Mysterious Scene

The film opens with a captivating shot of numerous top hats scattered across a forest floor. As the scene unfolds, Cutter narrates the principles of magic, introducing the audience to the concept of illusion through his performance of a disappearing bird trick.

Forest
2

The Great Danton's Tragic Performance

We are introduced to Robert Angier, also known as 'the Great Danton,' who attempts a complex transporting act. The performance takes a tragic turn when Angier accidentally plunges into a water tank, leaving him trapped and facing death beneath the stage.

Theater Stage
3

The Aftermath of Angier's Accident

Alfred Borden, known as 'the Professor,' witnesses the frightening accident and rushes to assist Angier. This moment sets the stage for a rivalry fueled by tragedy and competition between two exceptional magicians.

Theater
4

The Trial of Alfred Borden

The narrative swiftly shifts to Borden standing trial for the alleged murder of Angier. The courtroom drama reveals the intense scrutiny Borden faces as the truth about Angier’s magical act and the mysterious machine comes to light.

Courtroom
5

Borden's Negotiation

As Borden navigates the grim realities of his trial, he enters negotiations with a solicitor who wishes to learn his secret tricks. Particularly, the solicitor seeks to uncover the enigma behind Borden's famed 'Transported Man' illusion.

6

Discovery in Prison

While in prison, Borden discovers Angier’s diary, which outlines Angier’s obsession with uncovering his secrets. This discovery serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the lengths to which Angier will go to imitate Borden’s feats.

Prison
7

Angier's Desperate Quest

Angier embarks on a desperate journey to meet Nikola Tesla, seeking his innovations to enhance his magic. This voyage underscores Angier's determination to replicate the impossible tricks that Borden performs with ease.

Tesla's Lab
8

Collapse of Friendship

The film explores the initial camaraderie between Angier and Borden as they work under the aging magician, Milton. However, tragedy strikes when Angier’s wife, Julia, dies during a trick, shattering their partnership and igniting deep-seated resentment.

9

Relationships in Turmoil

As the rivalry intensifies, both magicians’ personal lives become entangled with their professional ambitions. Borden's marriage to Sarah and Angier's affair with Olivia Wenscombe complicate their relationships and spotlight the emotional costs of their obsessive pursuits.

10

Espionage and Betrayal

In an attempt to gain an advantage, Angier sends Olivia to spy on Borden. Olivia finds herself caught between loyalty to Angier and her emotions, leading to a series of betrayals that further complicate the already fraught dynamics between the characters.

11

The Climax with Tesla's Machine

The plot reaches its climax as Angier reveals his exploits with Tesla's machine, which creates duplicates instead of merely transporting. This revelation not only alters the foundation of their rivalry but also raises questions about the nature of sacrifice and obsession.

Tesla's Lab
12

The Dark Revelation

In a tragic twist, Borden uncovers the dark truth behind Angier's act, revealing the grave costs associated with his obsession for perfection. This moment highlights the film's central themes of ambition and the perils that come with it.

13

The Essence of Magic Restored

The film concludes by returning to the very essence of magic, as it reveals that true illusions are crafted through the artistry performed in front of the audience. Angier's fate showcases the haunting consequences of his relentless pursuit to outshine Borden.

14

The Price of Ambition

The narrative closes by prompting viewers to ponder the true costs associated with ambition. The haunting end reveals the hidden depths of mastery, emphasizing that the pursuit of greatness often comes with an irrevocable price.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:30

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The Prestige Summary

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The Prestige Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Prestige

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Prestige

More About The Prestige

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