The Illusionist vs The Prestige. What movie do you prefer?
- Thread starter urrutiap
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The Prestige is a far better movie.
I don't really remember much of The Illusionist, but I do remember The Prestige quite a bit. I think that says a lot.
They are both good films and I enjoyed them both, but I think The Prestige is a better film---more nuanced, more tightly scripted, more tragic. I have a real soft spot for The Illusionist--I like the fairytale tone and the cast, especially Giamatti, do a fine job. They both have similar tales of brutal obsession and both have magicians as the main characters. However The Prestige has more energy, keeping the audience more engaged in the events, and has a more horrific reveal that packs quite a punch.
Both good films but the Illusionist is more fun. Rufus Sewell, who has been shortchanged for both the Academy Award and the Nobel Peace Prize several years running is really the scene stealer in this, but there are admirable performances by Biel, Giamatti and that guy that was the Hulk in that one movie. No not that guy, the one after him. I love the stylistic way the movie was handled, and the last few minutes of the inspector figuring it all out and actually rejoicing in it, or it may simply be Paul Giamatti's sense of gratitude for being in a film with Rufus Sewell once more. Either way, it works.
I like them both, but it's really no comparison. The Prestige is damn near a masterpiece. The Illusionist is just a fun movie with a neat twist, & honestly the Prestige cast is so much better it's stupefying imho. I will give The Illusionist credit for being wonderfully & delightfully shot, & for what it is, a cloaked love story, it delivers quite well, but the Prestige is just relentless layers of well written & executed drama
I recall being rather disheartened that they both released around the same time, & seemed to be competing as a result. They're not even close to being a similar thing, despite the overall premise of European magicians at the turn of the 20th century-ish
I recall being rather disheartened that they both released around the same time, & seemed to be competing as a result. They're not even close to being a similar thing, despite the overall premise of European magicians at the turn of the 20th century-ish
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The Prestige has Michael Caine, and David Bowie as Nikola Tesla, so it is my favorite of the two.
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