The Presitge: A Tragic Tale

"The Prestige" is an incredibly interesting film set in the early twentieth century, when London would endorse the immortal idea of the magician's act in its theatres. The movie begins with Alfred Bordon and Robert Angier--the two main characters--working as ringers for "Milton The Magician", both of whom are very gifted at the art of practicing illlusions. Bordon makes a mistake of tying a knot too complicated for performer to undo in the typical "predicament escape" (look it up) trick. the result is that she dies, and Angier--her husband--blames Bordon for her death forever after.

In a way, both Bordon and Angier present themselves to be characters that begin from a place of "noble stature". both of them are very accomplished in the art of what makes a magician--Bordon seems to be very good at both understanding and creating illusions, while Angier is very good at the publicity necessary. Bordon presents himself as being a character who has a flaw--he is very proud of his ability to tie knots and carry the weight of Milton's act. it is his character's disposition that allows this tragedy to occur.

the result is a dangerous and damaging rivalry between the two magicians. Bordon loses his finger in his "bullet catch" trick when Angier shoots them off. Bordon's wife kills herself because Bordon has spent too much time worrying over their rivalry. in the end, both characters learn a lesson from the terrible outcomes of their dealings in illusions--both about themselves, and about each other.

 

Comments

[Emily A.]

I read the novel and saw the movie The Prestige. The novel especially shows the tragedy the two men, originally friends, go through mentally. The novel goes between Angier's, Bordon's, and their grandchildren's perspectives. The rivalry not only destroyed the two magicians but their families and descendants. Unlike several contemporary tragedies, the men brought tragedy upon themselves by trying to outperform science.

[Jack H]

I only read the book and never saw the movie. I cannot speak for the movie but if its anything like the book i would agree that it is a tragedy. Both characters display promising lives but due to their flaws, in this case the desire to be the best, they bring tragedy not only on themselves but on their families as well.