when christopher nolan makes a "small" movie
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- čas přidán 17. 03. 2023
- #theprestige #christophernolan #videoessay
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From Inception and The Dark Knight Trilogy to Interstellar and Tenet, Christopher Nolan has directed some of the most spectacular and thought-provoking films out there. But today, I want to take a step back to examine his smallest and cheapest studio film: The Prestige (2006). Specifically, I'll take you through some of the simple, yet highly effective, ways Nolan and his cinematographer, Wally Pfister, shot and lit The Prestige in less time and with a smaller budget.
Written & edited by Danny Boyd - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Where did Nolan peak?
Everywhere
The Dark Knight and Interstellar
I would say with the prestige. Easily my favorite of his movies, from themes to writing and performances.
Interstellar. Obviously
Prestige to Inception
I watched prestige as a kid and I didn't understand why I liked it so much because it wasn't the normal kids things I watched but I loved it regardless it was such an amazing story with plot twists I could never imagine it's one of the movies that started my love of film
Right there with you.
I’m on the same boat and had that exact experience with it.
had the same experience! what a film
Same same. In short, it’s an incredible movie. It’s a really original and interesting story, and really well acted.
Same, I watched it with my brother when we were kids and it thrill us till this day
Jonathan Nolan stays mostly uncredited due to the larger than life auteur status of Christopher Nolan. But all the films where Nolan brothers have worked together are visibly different from the ones where Christopher Nolan worked alone.
Jonathan is absolutely the real talent as far as writing goes. Christopher's dialogue and plot structure have always missed for me so far.
@@rolanddeschain6265 what do you think about Following and Inception?
@@jeremiah2717 inception is pretty solid but a bit overrated. It definitely suffered less from his usual terrible sound design and was refreshingly straightforward.
@@rolanddeschain6265 This would certainly explain why I view Tenet as preposterous and boring.
His brother made the best movies of Nolan. Its a shame they don't work together.
I'm in the minority as a Nolan fan who feels Prestige is his best most complete film
Minority or not, it is the script he (and his brother) probably spent the most time working on.
@@CinemaStix his brother matters in Nolan's film as we can see in tenet
It really is a brilliant movie, friend
can you believe how funny it is that it’s literally clone suicide.
I’m right there with you. The Prestige is simply peak cinema, period. Incredible film from start to finish, and doesn’t overstay its welcome like a lot of Nolan films do!
I feel like a lot of people forget to look past the multi-million dollar aspect of Nolan movies. They're meant to provoke thought, to inspire, to make you feel things you usually wouldn't feel.
They definitely do that, but some are bit too deep. Lol
Exactly, nolan’s films demands the audience to think and imagine at greater scales than ever before, tenet is a great example of it, he wanted us to imagine a friendship in reverse, a world ending event as the beginning to the journey towards another world ending event, time loop thrillers re invented, probably why it had such a disconnect from audience.
Yup, they definitely do that, the deeper I get, the more I understand life and understand others.
that was in a time that Hollywood still knew how to make a movie with an inspiring story. Now it's just flat infantile superhero movies, absolutely zero gore coz God forbid we see 1 drop of blood and the CGI is cringe worthily bad. As is the woke neo-marxist message that's teeth grindingly cringe at centre stage. It's destroying Hollywood. They are bleeding money out of their eye sockets. So much so that the entire industry has collapsed. Studio's are taken over to avoid bankruptcies, even woke zealot Disney is now bloodletting their employees.
wrong
I feel he might have peaked here. I still feel that in this film this the movie where he manage to accomplish what he wanted.
It manages to convey grand ideas without over exposition, and, doesn't drown character development. I really love it.
Absolutely agree! This is actually one of my Top 5 favorite films of all time. It’s just a phenomenal movie from start to finish with endless rewatch value, and it never overstays its welcome. Truly an incredible piece of cinema!
lol. drown. see what u did there
My problem with the film is that despite its great concepts and good execution in many ways, the film falls dull. Didn't engage me; didn't entertain me neither.
It feels empty at the end.
@@rafaelc.c. That's definitely a "you" opinion. haha
@@ComedyBros5 All opinions are
I'm a very casual movie viewer. When I saw this movie, I loved it. But I couldn't exactly tell why. Looking back, I'm realizing that I just love Nolan movies. He's so amazingly talented at the craft of storytelling.
It was character. All character.
Bowie as Nikola Tesla was just 😘👌
I think it's also because of solid actors like Hugh Jackman and Bale who were brilliant in every scene and a superb screenplay which doesn't bore you
Let's not forget how far two of the best actors ever can take your film, on top of all.
The entire cast is excellent. Michael Caine is, well, Michael Caine. But I especially like Rebecca Hall’s performance here.
@@chipsterb4946 Man... I forgot she was in it. :( But yeah, she blew me away in Transendence, the only about average thing about that movie.
trascendence is amazing man. @@4Everlast
The blank check podcast has an amazing episode on this movie that goes in depth on how Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman's persona as actors perfectly match with their characters. An intense artist who wants something real at the expense of popularity, and an innate showman looking to create something marvelous (pun not intended)
@@nathanielfishburn9676
Perfection indeed.
Both brilliant actors, Franco getting all the awards for T.Wiseau over H.Jackman in Logan and a few other things was mind-blowing, and goes to show what shit-show the awards are.
Beautiful summarization of this gorgeous film, and thank you for avoiding spoilers as to not ruin the movie for others, it’s quite an impactful film really with its narrative and character focus
Thank you! Wouldn’t dream of spoiling a movie like this :) It really is something.
-Danny
This is why I’m hyped for Oppenheimer. The last time we got a Nolan film that was mostly character over spectacle we got this, which is honestly my favorite of his.
I wanna see nuke go boom.
From the early reviews, Oppenheimer is more process than character.
Christopher Nolan is talented in many ways. We can see how diverse and complex his characters are.
Except Tenet
I like Nolan as a director but I certainly wouldn't call his characters complex. They're quite well known for being one-dimensional, especially female characters.
@@Mar3czeq "especially female characters" lol based Nolan is based
@@shiven513 You're kidding me, right? Yeah I've seen all of his movies, except Following. He's well known within movie community for being unable to write anything more than soulless, one-dimensional, superficial female characters, who usually are there just to push plot forward, to the point it's even memed about. I mean his scripts in general are usually blank, often critised by movie critics. They're usually nothing more, than a mere excuse to just put the "big" scenes in, he wants to. He's definitely a good director though and I'll watch any next movie, he makes, but not for the script.
@@Mar3czeq cobb, Dr.Brand, Mal, Murph, the list goes on… he has complex characters, but the spectacle and scale always distracts us from the humanity of it. That is why tenet didn’t work and The prestige worked so well.
I saw this movie twice in theaters. It really is so well done and an underrated Nolan film.
I highly and fully - can't stress that enough - feel that _The Prestige_ is, almost hands down the best, most perfect film I've ever seen. And that's saying a whole HELL of alot.
It is the epitome, and truly, truly, an absolute masterpiece of story, cinematography, direction, production, acting, character study, drama, emotion, human relationship/dynamics, avarice, driven idealism/perfectionism, vengeance, destruction, multiple shapes of tragedy, lust, greed, pride, anguish, intelligence, genius - and the craft (not to mention the ontology itself) of both film _and_ magic.
I've watched it many times, and always discover more about its plot detail and its extremely exquisite near-perfection.
Another, unrelated comment/observation: this was such a great, educational, inspired video. I really love your content, and your stand-out delivery: especially how you've found such an appropo tone.
The Prestige may not have had the box office success as Christopher Nolan's other films but it is no less crafted. A gorgeous yet understated film start to finish. I'm guessing Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" was an influence on the choices in lighting. My favorite scene is when Angier travels to Colorado and Mr. Alley switches on the field of electric lightbulbs. That darkness slowly illuminated by the rows and rows of golden incandescent light reflecting off the whiteness of the snow. Chef's kiss.
“Magic…. Real Magic“
That scene is pure goosebumps
one the few brilliant directors from the last 2 decades
Who’s another that makes your list?
@@CinemaStix Coen brothers.
@@CinemaStix denis villeneuve and fincher
@@loser3431 PTA and QT
@@CircusFreaks666 coens go a bit further back than that
Absolutely one of the most beautiful stories ever told. And even after the turn, when you understand the prestige, if you watch it again you are still shocked at that reveal.
I still remember when my brain processed what was happening. That light bulb moment, but the dread. Amazing film.
I had to watch The Prestige 3 times to understand what was going on. It is beautifully complex and compelling. It manages to be both a period piece and a science fiction at the same time.
It has way more twists than Tenet for example. The film is constantly shitfing povs. There's the 'present' ie Borden's trial and inprisonment and the rest of the story is told through the two magicians' diaries, both of which, we learn, are written to deceive the other. The movie does this seemlessly too. Inception and Mememto have unreliable narrators, The Prestige has at least two!
I LOVE The Dark Knight with all my heart but The Prestige is probably my favorite Nolan movie. My mom showed it to me when I was 10-11 and I loved it, it's one of the movies her and I would rewatch. Great video!
That’s pretty special. Sounds like a great mom. I love showing it to people. It’s definitely one of those movies.
i love how these amazingly edited and high quality videos are titled like shitposts
Figure it’s better than the alternative :)
Seriously though, thanks.
-Danny
This was so beautifully written and it’s elevated my love for this movie so much. It really does feel magical
One of the best complex story narrators of last 2 decades.
Definitely my favorite Nolan film. I would love a theatrical rerelease, as I (and many others) discovered it after it was in theatres.
I really loved the prestige, seeing it during it’s original theatrical run. I liked how the basic themes, of Borden and Danton where established early and firmly maintained, even if it wasn’t very obvious at times. It demonstrates, that a good story and good storyteller doesn’t need the big spectacle of effects.
Mmmm, great film. Cast, characters, dialog, motivation, lighting, the story within a story within a story, not unlike an up coming idea that turned out to be called Inception. The beautiful telling of the drive that one has for greatness and his fall into madness, and one to be the master of his craft, only to lose everything and never remembered. A comparison of what success in life truly means to two men on the same course destined for different outcomes. Remarkable.
top notch. peak cinema in all categories. excellent direction, photography, story, costume and location desings and finally 2 really good actors at work.
I watched this movie once long ago and it still haunts me. Haunts me bad enough that I haven't tried to see it again. It was beautiful and terrifying and so very sad. Wow. I had no idea they used practical light. Great. Just brilliant.
The prestige is a MASTERPIECE!!!!
Your writing for the monologue you use in your videos is impeccable
The choice of background music is thoughtful and the images chopped and edited together pass the message immaculately well
Your videos are poetry
They are a true work of art
I don’t even know what to say. That’s very kind. What I strive for isn’t always a success. But knowing that the intent behind it all comes through, even for one person, pretty much means the world. Thank you.
-Danny
@@CinemaStix it’s beautiful… Don’t stop it don’t get discouraged.. You rock man🙌🏿🙌🏿
As a professional magician and filmmaker this film just.. hits hard 💔
Nice! Hey as a professional can you grade Bale’s work with the coins / “sleight of hand” if that’s the term? I thought it looked good but I’m not a professional and I’m curious how close to the mark he got. That part where he’s kissing and rolling the coin between his fingers at the same time looked…phenomenally convincing. Looked super easy to him especially considering he seemed to be totally focused on the woman he was kissing 😂😂
I've watched The Prestige probably 5 or 6 times at this point over the years and always suggest it to people who haven't seen it. One of my favorite movies of all time, it's perfect to me. Can't explain why it moves me the way it does.
This is my favourite film of all time. I watched it as a child and knew in my heart, nothing will ever top this.
One of my favourite movies of all time
This movie was intensely good.
This review was much appreciated!
I love these videos you produce so much effort and dedication to the detail. A story teller in your own right
That’s very kind :) I’m just so glad you enjoy them!
-Danny
Absolutely in love with your every video essay. I really appreciate the work you put into the research! Thank you for doing this, really great stuff
This is my favorite nolan film, and his most haunting one.
I think it's important to note Christopher Nolan wrote this film with his brother, Jonathan Nolan as he did with Memento. While the direction is Chris's credit, we owe much of the plot and it's infamous twists to Jonathan and the novel the film is based on. Don't forget the script when talking about the direction.
Memento was written by Christopher Nolan, he based the script on what his brother told him about a story he was written (Memento Mori). Chris asked his brother if could take the concept of a man who can't produce new memories. So they both separate ways in telling a story with that very same concept. So at the end, Chris made Memento his own.
thank you for this
lighting is one of those things that i always just assumed was always calculated meticulously. it's kind of comforting to know what can be done with clever staging and blocking
Prestige was my first movie in a cinema & it set the bar high for my cinematic experience!
love film, just found your channel. love the way you cut your audio and deliver information to the viewer, very well edited. keep it up man this formula will not fail. You have done Prestige justice in this essay. Well done Danny Boyd
That’s so kind! This one was a bit of an experiment. So I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Incredible film. Didn’t want to let it down :)
Is this the one with David Bowie as Nikola Tesla or is that a weird dream I had?
Yep, it’s that one. Nolan wanted somebody whom the audience might actually believe could plausibly invent the machine. And he said no one but Bowie could fit that bill.
Only criticism I have is that Bowie was way old to play Tesla in his younger years, but I appreciate his presence and performance.
@@jesustovar2549 I think he wasn't actually "historic" Tesla but "mystery genius" Tesla who was made magic with science - some kind of Wizard (keep in mind that real teleportation is still impossible)
Thank You for making these videos!
Thank you for watching them!
:)
This movie made me look at the movies in a completely different way & I developed mad appreciation for Nolan which has simply grown over the years.
You've given me a new level of appreciation for one of my favorite films
Brilliant. I had goosebumps throughout your video.
Thanks for another great video Danny
Fun fact: Micheal Caines real name is Maurice Joseph Micklewhite JR… I don’t know how i know that. 😅 also I love the prestige, my favourite Nolan movie apart from interstellar.
Man, all your essays are so damn good.
Thank you so much for putting to words everything I love about this movie, very articulate
👍🏻 The Prestige: fantastic storytelling from start to finish. You are literally glued to each scene and you eagerly await what might happen in the next one.
This contribution and the description about it: very appropriate and in a similarly subtle form, like "The Prestige" itself.
Compliment! 🥇
Was absolutely blown away by The Prestige when I saw it. Very underrated film.
Yessssss, thanks for doing this one! This is one of my favorite movies of all time. 'Movie magic' is simply brilliant.
I think this is the best movie of Nolan. That drama, that montage, that actors playing makes film way better than "blockbuster" Nolan.
Nolan and pfister are an unstoppable duo .. thanks for highlighting this
Excellent video essay! Thank you for making this!
Thank you for checking it out!
@@CinemaStix You're welcome!
I am in awe. I am in love.
Time stood still for some time. Sheer magic. Thank you for sharing your work here. We are grateful.
:)
If there ever was a quintessential Nolan movie, then The Prestige is that movie. A brilliantly-written script with a compelling story, non-linear plotting done well, intense character studies, thought-provoking themes, decent acting and good cinematography. Above all, he did it with a mid budget. Its safe to say that Nolan did what he set out to do and more. Therefore, in my eyes, this is his most complete film.
This film is great, it’s lighting is especially amazing
Another awesome video essay!
2006 was a great year for magician films. We got the contorting tension of The Prestige and the sweeping mystery of The Illusionist. Very different films, and I love both of them.
Well said/written... poetic
Definitely my favorite Nolan film, I was around 14 when it came out. From start to finish I was intrigued. The twists and turns, the truths hidden among the lies, all of the misdirection. Just when you thought you had it figured out the film throws a curveball. It's brilliant and I will always love it.
Such a masterpiece. I've watched it more times than any of Nolan's other films.
such a tragic and beautiful story
This is my favourite Nolan movie it keeps surprising me every re-watch
I love The Prestige...wasn't familiar with Nolan when I saw it years ago... but I've since come to be very impressed by his later works....cool to finally realize that one of my favorite films was made by one of my (now) favorite directors.
The prestige was my favorite film for much of my childhood, also the reason why Bale became (one of my) favorite actors
I just fell in love with the prestige and kept watching it again and again.
Such an amazing film. Even though you know the story after one watch, it has such great replay value. Also, can we talk about David Bowie's killer performance?
Well no! What makes this movie great is that preciesely since you know the story the second watch is so much better. You can so clearly tell that everything was there all along and that many of the things that was that you thought meant one thing where actually there to mean more than you understood at that time. It is like he is telling us, the watcher, "are you looking closly enough". It is not that it has great replay value, it is that it was made to be rewatched!
Beautiful video
I actually rewatched The Prestige for my third time on the day before you released this. I keept thinking that this is among the top ten movies in the world for me, and has always been since the second time I saw it. You are meant to see this movie atleast twice, almost every aspect of it gets a new meaning the second time, it is clear that everything was always meant on more levels than just the shallow obvious plane.
I loved this movie so much! I never knew it was by Nolan!!
It is Christopher Nolan's complete and best work without Hanz Zimmer Banging in background - Beautiful film
This is my favorite Nolan's film after TDK and Inception. I think he's the expert at exploring character's psychology/motivation through intercutting narratives. The Prestige displayed his strength subtly, but also in an in your face manner.
My favorite Nolan film. It was brilliant
his best film imo. love this movie so much
I've never had so much fun at the movies. Me and a friend saw this when we were in middle school, and we spent the entire movie whispering back and forth to each other trying to guess what was going to happen next, only to have the next twist catch us completely off guard and we'd try to figure it out all over again. I had, of course, seen plenty of movies that I loved before, but The Prestige was the first time that I really saw how much a narrative can pull you in to the mystery.
I didn't realize Nolan directed this movie and it was one of my favorites 😅. Knowing he directed, I can see his hand in it now ❤
One of my favorites, if not the best in my opinion.
Absolutely love this movie, have lost count of the times Ive watched it.
_This_ is a very magical video.
One of my favorite Nolan films and very underrated imo. It's one that people don't talk much about from his works because it seems to be overshadowed by his big, more blockbuster stuff or the studio films with more presence. I've always felt this was one of his better script though and had one of the better stories because it's so character focused.
Man You keep on getting better a d better. Keep it up man.
That’s very kind :) Always the goal. Not always the result. But I’m really glad you enjoyed this one. Tons more to come. The next couple months should be pretty packed with topics I’ve wanted to cover for awhile.
@@CinemaStix Yeah keep on bruh. Whatever topics that interests you, do it. I'm all here for it.
i have never seen this but you make it sound great
It’s super great. Definitely recommend it :)
I tagged along with friends to see this film and was pleasantly surprised to say the least. It was a beautiful film.
this is one of my top 5
The Prestige is, fittingly, the simpler magic act in Nolan's filmography of large and spectacular productions
By far one of my favorite movies.
I think Nolan is just good at making movies and he touches in so many aspects yet is very honest with his style which makes it hard for people to fully understand it
Yes! I never had the vocabulary to articulate *why*, but this film has always been one of my all-time favourites, and certainly my favourite Nolan movie. Then again it might have just been that I adored the twist, the third act, the... Prestige.
Prestige is my favorite Nolan film, it’s the one I come back to over all his others
An excellent review. This will cause me to watch the movie in a completely different "light"
Hehe
One of my favorites by Nolan or any other this century.
No idea why this was in my recommended but definitely looking into this film because of your video essay 🤙🏼
If you haven’t seen it before, you’re in for quite the experience. Report back.
:)
-Danny
I want to watch this movie every time I see anything about it. It's just that good.
The precise definition of emulate
My favorite movie of all time! So great
when i saw this in my early 20s i instantly knew it was an amzing movie