The Prestige vs. The Illusionist

[Iron-Blu-123]

I like The Prestige batter.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by TTUBatfan2008

If the characters aren't intended to be likeable, how can that be a criticism of the film? Daniel Day-Lewis' character in There Will Be Blood is about as likeable as Hitler. But the point of the film wasn't to make the audience like his character. It was merely to study his character, perhaps to give the audience an example of how not to behave. I think the characters in The Prestige are not as loathsome as Daniel Plainview in TWBB, but at the same time they are not beacons of morality and their behavior is pretty despicable. I think The Prestige is a good warning against obsession with one's work. Look what it did to the main characters' private lives (IE marriages/relationships).

I completely agree with most of what you said, despite the ill-advised comparison of Plainview to Hitler. I disagree, however, about likeability Obviously the characters were not meant to be likeable, but in comparing this film and The Illusionist, some people choose the Illusionist because the better like films that allow you to connect with the characters on an emotional level. So, in essence, it is not necessarily a criticism of The Prestige but a means of choosing one film over the other, which is exceedingly difficult when both films are so different yet both of high quality.

[Blu-Malibu2009]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Thanks for the insight into potential issues regarding that release.

I know what you mean about liking both films and not having a real reason to choose one over the other, which is why I made this poll. Of all the ppl I know who have seen both films, every single one of them have liked both. It really just comes down to a matter of preference. The Prestige is certainly more exciting and tackles a major issue (obsession), while The Illusionist is a unique love story.

I disagree with one poster, however, in that The Prestige felt more historical. I personally think that The Illusionist felt more historical, mainly because of the true nature of Crown Prince Rudolph and Vienna.

He's probably referring to the Tesla parts of The Prestige. Bowie was awesome in that role, arguably the best aspect of the movie.

[Blu-Malibu2009]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

I completely agree with most of what you said, despite the ill-advised comparison of Plainview to Hitler. I disagree, however, about likeability Obviously the characters were not meant to be likeable, but in comparing this film and The Illusionist, some people choose the Illusionist because the better like films that allow you to connect with the characters on an emotional level. So, in essence, it is not necessarily a criticism of The Prestige but a means of choosing one film over the other, which is exceedingly difficult when both films are so different yet both of high quality.

I agree with that. I enjoy both types of films, both character studies and more personal films that allow you to connect and root for the characters.

Exactly what was ill-advised about comparing the likeability of Plainview to Hitler's likeability? Plainview is a morally bankrupt character that does a lot of evil things. Just because he didn't literally kill millions of people doesn't mean the "likeability" comparison is invalid.

[Secretagentnumber6]

Originally Posted by TTUBatfan2008

He's probably referring to the Tesla parts of The Prestige. Bowie was awesome in that role, arguably the best aspect of the movie.

If it is me he is referring to, I am definitely referring to Tesla. Bowie was so awesome. And I know Illusionist was integrated into history, but in the end I just felt Tesla was a much more interesting historical figure. All the complaints about Edison were the best, and true from what I understand.

[Blu-Malibu2009]

Originally Posted by Secretagentnumber6

If it is me he is referring to, I am definitely referring to Tesla. Bowie was so awesome. And I know Illusionist was integrated into history, but in the end I just felt Tesla was a much more interesting historical figure. All the complaints about Edison were the best, and true from what I understand.

Yeah, Tesla was an interesting guy and unfortunately never received the credit he deserved during his lifetime. But his ideas were better than anyone else's of that time, as seen by the fact that alternating current ended up being the standard.

[vegeta88]

The first time I saw The Prestige, I thought the ending was stupid and thrown i at the last minute. After watching it a second time, I realized how well it was made and I really like the ending now.

I didn't like The Illusionist very much, nat a fan of Jessica Beil though I do like Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti a lot. I felt like they didn't explain everything and what they did explain was not very good. Plus I hate when movies have

[Show spoiler]the drug that makes it seem like a person is dead but he/she isn't

it seems as tacky as amnesia used as an explanation.

This is a clasic case of "Which is the better of two movies" and I have to go with The Prestige.

[Secretagentnumber6]

Originally Posted by vegeta88

The first time I saw The Prestige, I thought the ending was stupid and thrown i at the last minute. After watching it a second time, I realized how well it was made and I really like the ending now.

I didn't like The Illusionist very much, nat a fan of Jessica Beil though I do like Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti a lot. I felt like they didn't explain everything and what they did explain was not very good. Plus I hate when movies have

[Show spoiler]the drug that makes it seem like a person is dead but he/she isn't

it seems as tacky as amnesia used as an explanation.

This is a clasic case of "Which is the better of two movies" and I have to go with The Prestige.

I am not a fan of Biel either but Norton and Giamatti were the carriers of the Illusionist. Add in Rufus Sewell, who I think should be getting far more work, and Biel can truly be overlooked. She is just awful in my opinion though. I guess if you are gonna put her in a movie you gotta cover it with very good other actors as the Illusionist did. Still like Prestige better though.

[mikejet]

I liked The Prestige more but they are different kinds of movies. It just so happens that they both have magicians in them.

[Steve]

I'm in the minority here. Both films are excellent, but I prefer The Illusionist.

[iamsparticus9]

while I own and enjoy both films The Illusionist is probably in my top 5 favorite films. That being said i'll go with that one.

[lobo81865]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

The Prestige is the better film.

I disagree. The Illusionist for me all the way.

[Monolithium]

Can't choose. Love them both.

[Riff Magnum]

I feel like i should like Prestige more than the Illusionist, but i don't. I need to watch the Prestige again though and give it another chance. It wasn't bad by any means, but it felt "sterile" in comparison to the Illusionist. Bowie was awesome though and yes, Rufus Sewell needs to be in more movies. Giamatti was his usual kick ass self as well.

[Fighter]

I can't get over how beautiful the PQ and AQ is for 'The Prestige'

That is how a blu-ray film is supposed to look and sound like

[Fryyy]

the Illusionist is kinda silly. I didn't like the forced twist at the end. the Prestige is a better movie in every aspect, including the cast (I just like Norton from TI), needless to say, Nolan is way better than Neil Burger.

[Riff Magnum]

Doesn't the Prestige have what u could call a "forced" twist at the end?

[toef]

Originally Posted by mikejet

I liked The Prestige more but they are different kinds of movies. It just so happens that they both have magicians in them.

The fact that they came out within about a month of each other probably factors in too.

[Call_Me_Megatron]

Originally Posted by TTUBatfan2008

Exactly what was ill-advised about comparing the likeability of Plainview to Hitler's likeability? Plainview is a morally bankrupt character that does a lot of evil things. Just because he didn't literally kill millions of people doesn't mean the "likeability" comparison is invalid.

Oh boy, not this again. It's probably best to just leave it alone. There was a major shitstorm in a thread back in the summer and it got really stupid and it had to do with people being compared to Hitler. It got really out of hand and I say let sleeping dogs lie. All I'll say is people can get really offended when Hitler is used as a comparison. Trust me, this is best left alone.

[Riff Magnum]

Way to leave it alone.