The Prestige Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES
A Friendship, That Became a Rivalry...A Rivalry, That Became a Battle.
Are You Watching Closely?
A mysterious story of two magicians whose intense rivalry leads them on a life-long battle for supremacy — full of obsession, deceit and jealousy with dangerous and deadly consequences. From the time that they first met as young magicians on the rise, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden were competitors. However, their friendly competition evolves into a bitter rivalry making them fierce enemies-for-life and consequently jeopardizing the lives of everyone around them. Set against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century London.
| Hugh Jackman | Robert Angier |
| Christian Bale | Alfred Borden |
| Michael Caine | Cutter |
| Piper Perabo | Julia McCullough |
| Rebecca Hall | Sarah |
| Scarlett Johansson | Olivia Wenscombe |
| Samantha Mahurin | Jess |
| David Bowie | Tesla |
| Andy Serkis | Alley |
| Daniel Davis | Judge |
| Jim Piddock | Prosecutor |
| Christopher Neame | Defender |
| Mark Ryan | Captain |
| Roger Rees | Owens |
| Jamie Harris | Sullen Warder |
| Christopher Nolan |
8.20 out of 10 (57702 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Truth about the Fallon/Alfred "relationship".
posted on 30 Aug 2009Fallon is a clone. bottom line.When Alfred explains to Fallon to "leave Angier alone", Fallon does not listen. The reason? Because Fallon had NO IDEA how the transported man was done. He didn't realize that he was a clone, and had no concept of there even being a possibility of making a clone. Thats why Fallon went behind Alfred's back to see how the secret works. You didn't see Alfred going to see how the trick worked because he already knew the secret. Thats why when Fallon is in prison and he's walking away from Alfred on his way to death he says that "he should have left Angier alone". Basically my belief is that when Alfred made his clone he never explained to Fallon that he was actually a clone, but maybe a brother.
A Magical Film...in more ways than one
posted on 29 Aug 2009
Magic is a pleasure bred deep within us all. If for a moment we can be taken away from a world that has become normal, we call that magic. Reading a fantasy novel can be magical, seeing a wonderful film can be magical, noticing an intimate moment in the world can be magical.
The Prestige is truly a magical movie. While it's plot focuses on magic and illusions, the real magic comes in the portrayal of human emotions in this movie. The Prestige is a story of love; a story of obsessions, revenge, identities, and trickery all done in the name of love. Love can become obsessive at times. Love for another person or love for perfection.
The movie follows two rival magicians in London. Both are trying to achieve the ultimate performance. What starts off as a friendship ends in a competition so fierce that nothing is forsaken. Both magicians strive for the secret (or the prestige) of the others trick. What one has the other wants. I don't want to say too much more as I don't want to give away the movie for those who have not seen it. But it is wonderful, and I would recommend buying this one rather than renting it. You'll want to see it again as soon as it's over.
The acting was superb in this movie. I'm becoming more and more of a Christian Bale fan. I've always liked him, but I've only recently come to respect him so much as an actor. He was amazing in this movie. The surprise performance of the movie for me was David Bowie as Nikolha Tesla. He was wonderful! I expected his acting to be forced, but it was perfect. Nods to him. Hugh Jackman is wonderful as always, as is the gorgeous Scarlett Johansen. I've come to find that I like just about any movie that she is in. Michael Caine is wonderful as always and has that same charm that he always has.
The movie was filmed beautifully and captured the era perfectly. Every scene has a eerie yet comforting darkness about it and it is the total lack of special effects that makes this movie so wonderful and so authentic. The story relies much more on human emotions and interaction than the magic itself. I would've been happy with just a movie about magic, but what makes The Prestige so wonderful is that it does an amazing job at portraying the human psyche and the lengths that we go to for obsessions and for perfection.
Tesla - Have you watched him closely?
posted on 28 Aug 2009The film is brilliant, but its brilliance is also it's greatest downfall. It's a film for the awakened, but a sleeping pill for the already sleepy. To appreciate the film is to already be aware of certain facts, or to have faith in certain schools of thought, primarily the possibility of time travel. Tesla was a genius. A scientific prophet maybe. He claimed that concepts for many of his inventions simply appeared to him in his mind's eye or in a dream. A long explanation of Tesla's life could be made by somebody with sufficient knowledge, which I don't have. But I do have faith - that he was a man who knew things that have changed and will continue to change the world and the way that we think. The film is a truth puzzle. To understand the film, is to understand that there are concepts and ideas that have been repressed from us, to be free from the fear of uncertainty, and to embrace the vast pool of possibility and discovery that is humanity's gift. The film addresses the two polar characteristics of man - his ability to be logical, and his ability to be emotional - and merges them into a mutually exclusive relationship. That is, one cannot exist without the other. For those who are at odds with the film - the prestige of our lives is the discovery of truth, and I encourage those who wish to understand it's message. Hell, it's worth it. I love this film, and the passion put into it by the actors and other artists. It defines the age we live in, and is an elaborate and magnificent portrait of our collective soul in this modern age.
Shakespearian in both scope and quality
posted on 26 Aug 2009If the script for The Prestige was found in Shakespeare's house, it would credibly be accepted as his work. It is firmly based in period facts, and goes beyond them. It has the gorgeous talent of allegory, appealing to all, and to each at different levels. If you follow them all, the movie will bring a shiver to your spine when, as layers of reality, each as real as the next, are peeled away in this shrewed screen play, revealing men and man, women and woman, tragedy and joy. So many fragments of the story mirror others: wife's and partners and girl-friends and Daedalus-like science... yet the film holds them all clear in mind. The film itself is finely crafted: gorgeous detailed sets reward the eye, and multiple viewings. The casting is perfect: Bale at his driven, rather than simply raging best. Jackman, so brilliantly failed and jealous, Scarlet and Rebecca hall, in a partnership completely distinct from VIcky Cristina, but which must surely have alerted Woody Allen's eye.David Bowie is perfect and his own fame helps convey Tesla's own struggle with being ahead of his time. The presence of Andy Serkis (You MUST see him in Einstein and Eddington) is becoming a code for must-see movie.This is, simply, one of the best movies of the decade.
Hated it!
posted on 25 Aug 2009The Prestige is a slow, tepid, and completely annoying film thanks to all those tricks and twists. I can't believe how boring this film was, Christian Bale is a talented actor but his character makes you just want to punch him about 500 times, he is so unappealing in this role. To my surprise Hugh Jackman is the character you feel the most sympathy for, too bad he plays such a sucker in this one. And oh god that old-looking, shallow, and unattractive Scarlett Johanseen is enough to ruin anybody's day, ugh! The film has a good premise but all the "I got you" surprises becomes too much and I lost interest after 45 minutes, the ending was cruel and lacked spontaneity. Stay away from this stinker.
holds you but isn't always easy to follow
posted on 22 Aug 2009Intricate, serpentine thriller, (not a surprise since it's co-written and directed by Christopher Nolan), about two ambitious magicians, one a charismatic seeker of fame with a penchant for showmanship, the other a sly and dazzling illusionist, who are devoted partners until their greatest trick goes tragically awry. Torn apart by their resentment and mutual desire to be the best, they become bitter enemies who'll stop at nothing to learn each other's secrets. Eventually their rivalry escalates into an obsession of deceit and sabotage, and their lives are never the same. Slow at first, but the story is interesting, the two leads are formidable (Jackman lively and flamboyant, Bale mysterious and subdued), and there's a lot of chicanery and hocus pocus to please the eye, but the plotting is confusing, almost incomprehensible at times, and the ending feels contrived. Still, director Nolan does a good job of building suspense and intrigue, but you'd probably have to watch it multiple times to appreciate all the skill and craft. **½
Suspenseful, Surprising Yet Somehow Flawed
posted on 21 Aug 2009A suspenseful, surprising twisting plot that was sometimes too fantastical for its own good. The other problem was the lack of a real hero. A better movie than its twin, The Illusionist, it was not. Still, it was worth seeing for Michael Caine's performance.
good film?
posted on 20 Aug 2009i loved this film and i thought it was a surprisingly good performance from bale as i wasn't really a fan Michael Caine was Michael Caine just his voice alone brings a smile to my face there are a lot of twists thats cant be explained and could be a few endings so i really recommend this film i was very impressed my dad is bringing out a film hopefully 08 maybe 09 and Hugh Jackman's wife is being approached to direct it so hopefully i will meet Hugh himself and if we are lucky we might get a role for him in there i am still in the daze of did Caine know Bale was a twin? or did he realize at the end and why was he with jess the daughter of Bale
A masterpiece - and Morgan Shepard is in it, too!
posted on 20 Aug 2009This movie was a big surprise for me. I expected some kind of mystery thriller, but this movie was for more sophisticated as I thought it would be.First of all is the complex way it is narrated, with a narrator at the beginning and the end, but mostly a visual presentation of a diary that also takes into account another diary read by the owner of the first diary - and the owner of the second diary reads the first diary in jail! That's not the usual sweet and simple Hollywood brain candy, and it's obvious at this point that the movie must be based on a clever novel. That's probably also were the script's meditations on the nature of show magic come from. The ending will be a big, big revelation, but all the loose strands come together in a very ironic climax.Photography is good, if somewhat gloomy, fitting the plot, of course. But it's a wonderful break from the artificial and computer game like looking photography often found in Hollywood movies today.Acting is great overall, that's all there is to say. David Bowie is wonderful as the somewhat sinister, faustian inventor Tesla. And, of course, I was so surprised when I saw Morgan Shepard in his small but wonderful part! He's a magnificent and distinguished actor who mostly gets small parts, which is quite a shame. He was also in Ridley Scott's Duellists or the Seaquest TV serial.Anyway, the worst part of the movie is the score: while this bland and repetitive piece of music works OK in the movie (you don't hear much of it), it doesn't survive the light of day on a CD. That's no big surprise, though, when a score is "produced" by Hans Zimmer, that overrated wannabe score composer.
amber
posted on 19 Aug 2009If you don't want to know what happens in the movie then stop reading this review right now! Ok so I was totally in to the movie until the whole twin brother thing came up. I could even kinda sorta except that but then it got in to the cloning thing too. Clones in 1827?! Are you kidding me!!! So how many times was whats his face killed? What an unbeliable ending. Like I said I was loving it UNTIL the end!
THE YEAR'S ONLY "GENIUS" FILM
posted on 19 Aug 2009THE PRESTIGE is the year's best film. Not!! Yet,it is definitely the most intelligent film I have seen in 2006 - a year where a dozen great films came out.
Hugh Jackman did 4 films this year and this one is without the blossom of a doubt, his best performance till date. I "didn't" think too highly of him (Considering he's done a film called Van Helsing; Scoop was a three star grade film; The Fountain rocked while everyone knows XMEN insults my age,really, I'm 22 you see) but he gave a very realistic portrayal of his character. What truly makes Hugh Jackman stand out is not quite his height/poise or dialogue delivery. The real charm lies in the manner in which the actor uses his arms, legs, speech, movements, reactions, etc. to actually make a point to an unsuspecting crowd.
While watching The Prestige, I wondered to myself who the second actor was. You see, I had never seen a Christian Bale film (Surprise!) I, personally, think he was as good as Hugh Jackman was. The direction is immaculate and will make the hair on your back stand.
It's quite humorous that Amazon forget to include Scarlett Johansson's name on the main page (film cast) She did a good job, her role was limited but it is always good to see someone so beautiful perform in a film as good as The Prestige. In all likeliness, Prestige will restore your faith in films even if it wasn't really lost. There is a great "unpredictability" about the whole plot but the execution is better than the plot itself. A lot of us including me guessed the twist towards the end but that still was only a part of the bigger twist altogether.
*SPOILERS*
Where Prestige actually stands out is in the film's ability to shock you. The best scenes in the film include the following - When Hugh Jackman is outsmarted by Christian Bale and is left hanging by a rope like a character in a kindergarten show; the scene in which the hats are displayed, the first scene of the film, the rivalry scenes between the two young magicians, Hugh Jackman and his presentation skills as a magician, David Bowie's great cameo, the innumerable twists and many more.
Overall, I'd like to say that this film as good as it is, is because it is the kind of film you want to see do good and it does just that. Masterfully. Many comparisons have been made with "The Illusionist" Now I'm a bit of a Ed Norton fan but realistically speaking THE PRESTIGE spanks ILLUSIONIST on the head three times over without even trying. Not only is it a better, more creative, more captivating film but it's also a bigger film on the whole. If you compare the endings of the two films, you would know what I mean. Nonetheless, both films are definitely worth watching a few times over.
Outstanding. Yet another in Christopher Nolan's increasingly heavy bag of tricks that'll leave you begging the question "How does he do it?"
posted on 16 Aug 2009Obsession, a theme dealt with countless times before, is never one that grows old in narrative cinema. We see it manifest itself in almost every genre, from epic crime sagas like Michael Mann's Heat (1995) to anti-eroticism like David Cronenberg's Crash (1996), such is its generic influence. The Prestige, the latest from wunderkid Christopher Nolan, is a movie very much rooted in obsession, but more importantly how in-human people are willing to go in order to feed there obsession. Hugh Jackman plays Robert Angier, a wannabe-magician, and brilliant showman whose trickster talents are sadly lacking the amazement that Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) enriches his magic with. Borden, meanwhile, lacks the showmanship of Angier, and can only sell his act for its amazement, in spite of its wizardry. Beginning their careers as apprentices, both Angier and Borden work with each other at first, but as is established early on in Nolan's film, their friendship turns to rivalry, and inevitably in death, as the non-linear narrative establishes early on that Borden has been charged with the murder of Angier's character, and sentenced to a jail cell. Yet not is all as it seems, as the twisted nature of the plot keeps the audience firmly on their toes throughout the proceedings.Despite its period setting, very seldom do we get a sense of visual history. Nolan isn't interested in wetting our appetites for milieu, but rather treats this for what it is: a complex character study. It may be 19th century England but that doesn't mean we don't get hand-held camera shots or contemporary music (at least when the credits start to roll). As Michael Caine's character Cutter rightfully points out, "Obsession is a young man's game". Both Borden and Angier are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to be the best magician there is. But only the one who never lets up from their act for a second will truly succeed. This obsession is what keeps us, the viewers, guessing from start to finish. We are never entirely sure who has the upper hand in this war of wizardry, which is part of the puzzling enjoyment of this utterly compelling piece of work. The Prestige constantly hoodwinks its audience from beginning to end, with its various twists and turns that, in that Christopher Nolan kind of way, never quite give you all the pieces to the puzzle. But the more he hides from his audience, the more we become intrigued, querying the complex narrative as much as Angier obsesses over Borden's talents.Whilst The Prestige is a complex film at the best of times, the borderline between puzzling and baffling is rarely crossed. In the same way that Nolan's previous masterpiece Memento (2001) took full advantage of the jumpy nature of its unique narrative, The Prestige goes as far as flashing back from within a flash back. It is an instance of cinema that creates enjoyment out of its complexity, rather than sheer confusion, as Nolan manages to unravel the intricate non-linear narrative in a superbly told way. The weight of the performances also plays a part in marking this film's brilliance. Jackman, whose talents had previously been hidden behind flashy special effects, delivers a great performance of a man every bit as obsessed with his work as he is with Borden. Christian Bale is fast emerging as one of the most talented leading men those Hollywood posses. Yet the outstanding performance in the film is arguably Michael Caine, who possesses a tower of screen presence as the adviser and mentor of both men. It is perhaps a shame then that Scarlett Johansson's performance, as the in-between lover of both men, only seems to come alive when her English accent starts to wane. It is not so much a bad performance as it is an inappropriately reserved one, with all her effort in perfecting the London twang draining any weight from her natural screen presence. Yet whatever small quibble one might have of this film is only trivial, as this is clearly one of the best films of the year so far. Whilst the presence of David Bowie is enough to sink any movie, the sheer dramatic power generated by Nolan's film is enough to drown out any flaws, few as they may be, from foiling this magic trick. This is without question one of the best films of the year. Is Oscar watching?
A great film by all standards, though the least powerful from the Nolans
posted on 16 Aug 2009Sure, there are explosions and fires and bursts of electricity. There is at least one death and one chase scene. Though it's also like Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. it's a compelling and often brilliant story about magic, science, good and evil. And it's set in 20th century London. Though, I won't give too much away about the story. I walked into knowing nothing about it other than knowing about the cast and crew. Overall, the film is almost flawless. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale are both fine as rivaling magicians. They trade the roles of antagonist and protagonist throughout the film. And Bale has continued becoming a very interesting actor, at least one who takes really great roles. Though, Michael Caine really steals the show. He has a very warm role as Putter, the teacher, who is wise and complicated. Rebecca Hall is brilliant as Sarah, Rupert's wife. And David Bowie is less irritating than usual as the great Tesla. The editing is slick and helps the movie progress seamlessly. It's a very involving movie. That said the film was a bit too "Murder She Wrote." Meaning, we see a crucial crime in the beginning of the film and then we are led to wonder how it's going to happen. Also, I never forgot that I was watching a "movie." And this is not an issue that I have had with any of his past films. Perhaps it was the London setting or the content within this pg-13 film, but I was constantly reminded that this was a "production."For the Nolan's this might be there least greatest work. But what does that mean? I loved it anyway. Most all critics have praised it. And the majority of people are raving about it.
Intelligent and incredibly suspenseful
posted on 16 Aug 2009Drama about two magicians in England in the 1800s--Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale). They perform together and Angier's wife (Piper Perabo) is accidentally killed during an act--or maybe not. Angier blames Borden--Borden denies it. They then start competing acts and try to sabotage each other--and things get deadlier and the stakes higher.This was a box office bomb and that's a shame. It is a little too long and it keeps you guessing--that's why people probably stayed away. This isn't a movie you can relax with--you have to pay strict attention to figure out what's going on. The movie has many ingenious twists and turns and constantly keeps pulling the rug out from under you. You always think you know where it's going--but then it veers off completely in another direction. Some people hate challenging films like this but I was fascinated. The acting is just superb across the board. Jackman and Bale have never been better--they come tearing out of the movie at you. Even the supporting roles are well done. Michael Caine (playing sort of a Greek chorus) pops up and Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson are also very strong. And wait till you see David Bowie as Tesla! Also the direction by Christopher Nolan just adds to the film immensely. He was one of the co-writers so he knows what he wants.Ingenious drama--beautifully acted and directed and full of twists and turns. One of the best movies of 2006. A definite must-see!
Brilliant. Jackman steals the show!
posted on 14 Aug 2009I saw this the other day and WOW is it good! One of the best films I've seen in a very long time, in fact one of the best films I've ever seen! The film centres on the rivalry between two magicians (Bale and Jackman), and their battle for supremacy and revenge over each other, as well as the mystery of how Borden (Bale) performs the ultimate trick: The Transported Man.Beautifully filmed, with a wonderful script, and some superb performances this is without doubt my favourite film of 2006. For me however the star of the show is Hugh Jackman who is fantastic, and gives in my view his best ever performance. Christian Bale isn't quite on Batman Begins or The Machinist form but still gives an excellent performance, as does Michael Caine. Andy Serkis is great as is David Bowie who really holds his own. There is also a very decent, if not outstanding, performance from Scarlett Johansson. In fact my only gripe about the whole film is the somewhat ordinary performance of Rebecca Hall as Bales wife.Credit must be given to Christopher Nolan for again directing another brilliant film, he really is on a roll, delivering great film after great film: Following, Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins and now The Prestige, and I have to say this is my favourite.This film is dark and often understated in style, but always beautiful to look at; this really is a bit special. The film often has a slightly melancholy feel about it, but this makes the scenes where the magic tricks are performed even more exciting, I found my heart pumping in the cinema, and a film hasn't affected me like that in ages. The are plot twists galore, and the can be quite confusing and disorientating, so if your not a fan of such things this may not be the film for you.In two words: BLOODY FANTASTIC
Best movie of 2007
posted on 14 Aug 2009This is the best movie that I've seen for quite some time. The story is so brilliant written, specially because Nolan builds upon the mystical inventions of Tesla, greed and over achievement and the plot is just brilliant even in it's obviousness. To be honest I thought the Bordens were twins because Christian Bale's character(s) have slightly different accents and to confirm it I got the DVD and played it and listened very carefully and you can here that one character has a bit more of a cockney accent than the other. Also then the whole "finger ordeal", the one little line that Borden's wife says: "It looks like it's the same as it happens" falls into place. The movie is great when you see it the first time and even more enjoyable when you see it the second time, because you know the plot and you start to pay attention to all the other little details.Christian Bale plays a terrific role but also Hugh Jackman is not to be forgotten, the way how he plays the frustration not able to figure out how Alfred Borden does the transported man trick is so vivid.The Nolans have proved to be some of the best screen writers and Christopher Nolan one of the best directors. If you don't believe me watch this movie and Batman Begins and you know what I mean. I like the way that Nolan likes to film out of the hand (specially in this film), so shots are very dynamic and contain a lot of movement without having to force your dinner down unlike for instance Transformers. This motion of the camera around the actors really add to the whole mystique around the two main characters.And a special not for Michael Caine who has always been one of my favorite actors and his character is so crucial to this film but he remains on the background as an engineer. I think it's superb who a grand actor like him can do this.Two thumbs up for this movie!
Good cast; Disappointing story
posted on 13 Aug 2009It's interesting that The Prestige and The Illusionist came out so closely together. I saw The Illusionist in the theater and totally loved it. I just saw The Prestige now, having borrowed it from the public library. I'm glad I didn't pay to see it.
The cast is first rate. Any film that features Michael Caine and David Bowie is probably worth seeing. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale were both very good. The performances kept me watching.
The inclusion of Nichola Tesla and his battle with Thomas Edison was interesting and one could say that their rivalry mirrored that of the two magicians here. What bothered me most was the ending. It was a cheap trick and it spoiled the whole movie for me. What a contrast with the inspired ending of The Illusionist.
In a nutshell, The Prestige is about hate; The Illusionist is about love!
Surprising ending -- that is if you don't figure it out first...
posted on 31 Aug 2009I saw Hugh Jackman on Jay Leno talking about The Prestige and the shocking ending, and after seeing a trailer for it, I was determined to see this Magical Mystery Tour myself. I liked virtually everything about the movie, even when I had no idea where it was going...however, just knowing in advance that the ending was supposed to be a giant surprise, I was paying extra attention. Now I am not sure whether or not it was because of this that I caught on to a few things that later helped me to deduce the eventual outcome of the story, but even so that is exactly what happened.
The story flowed differently from what you may normally expect from a fairly large budgeted film. Showing us clips out of sequence may sound confusing, but never fear, the Director, Christopher Nolan held the reigns close to keep you seeing exactly what he wanted you to see, and when you would see it. After a tragic accident that causes the death of his wife, Hugh Jackman (I find it easier to refer to them this way) teeters dangerously over the edge of sane reasoning in his quest to see to it that Christian Bale suffers serious consequences for his negligence in tying a knot that was supposed to be easily undone behind the curtain. This goes from outright attempts at murder, to trying to out-do him on stage.
It is easy to see that Hugh's character is the more polished of the two, and yet it isn't enough. Christian knows how to perform incredibly clever illusions which seem to dazzle way more than anything Hugh can come up with. Thus the quest to *discover* Christian's secret ferments until it becomes a full-fledged obsession. Stealing the trick isn't beneath him, either. But even though he is able to *copy* Christian's trick of the Transported Man on stage, Hugh still feels 2nd rate because deep down he still has no real clue as to HOW it is done...and this is driving him quite mad.
Hugh's obsession forces him to virtually abandon almost everything in order to make Christian pay for his wife's death. Since the tragic accident, Christian has moved on, married and even had a child, while Hugh continues to seeth at the loss he should not have had to bear. Revenge is a tricky thing, however. It leads Hugh to do some nasty things in order to force Christian to divulge his Transported Man secret. This leads him to Nikola Tesla in the mountains of Colorado. His experiments with electricity has made him legendary, but also viewed as a bit of an eccentric as well. Hugh will stop virtually nothing in his attempts to have Tesla create for him a way to scientifically counter the Transported Man, all the while creating his own legacy that will hopefully live forever after his death.
Several *secrets* to how the story ends are revealed as a result of Hugh visiting Colorado. Don't worry, I won't spoil anything here, but for those of you who pride yourself in figuring out complicated plots, especially when telegraphed rather early on, well you may not find the last frame of the movie to be a surprise at all. However, if by any chance you miss some of these *clues* and they ARE there, the final second of this movie has the potential to shock you as much as the ending to the 6th Sense may have. I am by NO means a plot-deciphering genius by ANY stretch of the imagination, however I was still able to make my own mind up a good 40 minutes before the movie ended about what the eventual outcome was going to be, and while I didn't get everything 100% the general shock that you are left with did NOT surprise me. I sincerely wish it had, because I would have enjoyed the movie that much more.
I also feel compelled to let those who see this movie know that the plot borders on the Supernatural and even skirts the realm of science fiction a tad...maybe because of these two factors I was able to make my deduction so easily (because I enjoy sci-fi, maybe it was easier to accept the outcome...maybe not). All I know is that if you are NOT into the Supernatural or a shade of sci-fi, The Prestige just may not be for you. I still enjoyed the acting, the pacing and it is always nice to see Michael Caine do what he does best -- even if his role reminded me of a dozen other characters he has played in the past. Good luck, and hopefully the ending WILL surprise you more than it did me.