In the end of the Nineteenth Century in London Robert Angier his beloved wife Julia McCullough and Alfred Borden are friends and assistants of a magician. When Julia accidentally dies during a performance Robert blames Alfred for her death and they become enemies. Both become famous and rival magicians sabotaging the performance of the other on the stage. When Alfred performs a successful trick Robert becomes obsessed trying to disclose the secret of his competitor with tragic consequences.
Review
What makes this movie so incredible is that while it is indeed a movie about magicians (or illusionists) it is also a complex character study about how self destructive obsessions are with a sideline love story and a scifi twist. A unique plot with an amazing castany of whom could believably garner an Oscar nomination. Christian Bale was amazing in one of his rare cockney performances. We already know from Kate and Leopold how well Hugh Jackman plays a distinguished English gent. He's absolutely priceless. Is there any point in discussing Sir Michael Caine He brings polish to the movie.
This is the kind of flick that you can discuss for weeks after. The plot is so detailed and complete and open to interpretation. My friend and I have been discussing various nuances of this film for the past 3 weeks. It definitely stays with you.