What makes a person who they are? This question lies at the heart of The Prestige, Christopher Nolan’s 2006 movie about two warring magicians, played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, who risk everything to become the master of their craft. Like a talented illusionist himself, Nolan blurs the line between appearance and reality until we, the viewer, begin to question our own understanding of identity. Is it based on a soul or some immutable essence? Or do we only become ourselves through the roles we play? Here’s our Take on how Nolan explores this theme in The Prestige, as well his other films like Memento, The Dark Knight, and Inception—and how this may be The Prestige’s most impressive reveal.
