Drama · Mystery · Science Fiction
American
2006 · Directed by Christopher Nolan · 130 min
In Victorian London, two young stage magicians begin as colleagues and become bitter rivals, each determined to build the greater act. Their competition drives them toward ever more elaborate illusions and ever greater secrecy. The tone is dark, tightly wound and period-rich.
Why it matters in cinema history
A defining film of the mid-2000s wave of intricately structured, adult-oriented studio thrillers, and a clear step in Nolan's path from independent puzzle films to blockbuster auteur.
Watch with intention
Watch it as a performance staged for you: ask what the film wants your attention on at each moment, and why.
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