when christopher nolan makes a "small" movie

#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

[@CinemaStix]

Where did Nolan peak?

[@DomskiPlays]

Everywhere

[@criscrux007]

The Dark Knight and Interstellar

[@user-mv3cg7hi7g]

I would say with the prestige. Easily my favorite of his movies, from themes to writing and performances.

[@CircusFreaks666]

Interstellar. Obviously

[@HAL-st4ll]

Prestige to Inception

[@koolaidfoxdie9847]

I'm in the minority as a Nolan fan who feels Prestige is his best most complete film

[@CinemaStix]

Minority or not, it is the script he (and his brother) probably spent the most time working on.

[@SumitSinghBhutyal]

@@CinemaStix his brother matters in Nolan's film as we can see in tenet

[@athreyars3954]

It really is a brilliant movie, friend

[@obscure.reference]

can you believe how funny it is that it’s literally clone suicide.

[@ComedyBros5]

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!

[@backbenchercinema]

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.

[@rolanddeschain6265]

Jonathan is absolutely the real talent as far as writing goes. Christopher's dialogue and plot structure have always missed for me so far.

[@jeremiah2717]

@@rolanddeschain6265 what do you think about Following and Inception?

[@rolanddeschain6265]

@@jeremiah2717 inception is pretty solid but a bit overrated. It definitely suffered less from his usual terrible sound design and was refreshingly straightforward.

[@DaLiJeIOvoImeZauzeto]

@@rolanddeschain6265 This would certainly explain why I view Tenet as preposterous and boring.

[@thelyghter7927]

His brother made the best movies of Nolan. Its a shame they don't work together.

[@kabanoorange5068]

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

[@CinemaStix]

Right there with you.

[@tbhreviews6611]

I’m on the same boat and had that exact experience with it.

[@jacobsaul]

had the same experience! what a film

[@ThomasFoolery8]

Same same. In short, it’s an incredible movie. It’s a really original and interesting story, and really well acted.

[@neoeseniosinvestigaciones]

Same, I watched it with my brother when we were kids and it thrill us till this day

[@akshhat]

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.

[@ComedyBros5]

They definitely do that, but some are bit too deep. Lol

[@tamilanimatedstories5610]

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.

[@3to4characters]

Yup, they definitely do that, the deeper I get, the more I understand life and understand others.

[@stijnvdv2]

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.

[@colamity_5000]

wrong

[@miguelmarques4583]

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.

[@ComedyBros5]

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!

[@TheVassal]

lol. drown. see what u did there

[@rafaelc.c.]

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.

[@ComedyBros5]

@@rafaelc.c. That's definitely a "you" opinion. haha

[@Hemlocker]

​@@ComedyBros5 All opinions are

[@4Everlast]

Let's not forget how far two of the best actors ever can take your film, on top of all.

[@chipsterb4946]

The entire cast is excellent. Michael Caine is, well, Michael Caine. But I especially like Rebecca Hall’s performance here.

[@4Everlast]

@@chipsterb4946 Man... I forgot she was in it. :( But yeah, she blew me away in Transendence, the only about average thing about that movie.

[@thegamer97HS]

trascendence is amazing man. @@4Everlast

[@nathanielfishburn9676]

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)

[@4Everlast]

@@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.

[@nerd26373]

Christopher Nolan is talented in many ways. We can see how diverse and complex his characters are.

[@SumitSinghBhutyal]

Except Tenet

[@Mar3czeq]

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.

[@trevorclinton5692]

@@Mar3czeq "especially female characters" lol based Nolan is based

[@Mar3czeq]

@@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.

[@tamilanimatedstories5610]

@@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.

[@MicRouSn7]

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.

[@JetJockey87]

It was character. All character. Bowie as Nikola Tesla was just 😘👌

[@loloice401]

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

[@CinemaStix]

Thank you! Wouldn’t dream of spoiling a movie like this :) It really is something. -Danny

[@vsreedattasarraju]

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

[@JWProductions9]

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.

[@Nikells]

I wanna see nuke go boom.

[@rustincohle2135]

From the early reviews, Oppenheimer is more process than character.

[@rachaeltompkins8924]

I saw this movie twice in theaters. It really is so well done and an underrated Nolan film.

[@MyRagha]

“Magic…. Real Magic“ That scene is pure goosebumps

[@justinklenk]

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.

[@flyingscubadiver]

This was so beautifully written and it’s elevated my love for this movie so much. It really does feel magical

[@TheCousinEddie]

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.

[@MarkARoutt]

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.

[@dobbsgraphica4988]

I still remember when my brain processed what was happening. That light bulb moment, but the dread. Amazing film.

[@agatakotowska9647]

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

[@xt9l]

i love how these amazingly edited and high quality videos are titled like shitposts

[@CinemaStix]

Figure it’s better than the alternative :) Seriously though, thanks. -Danny

[@loser3431]

one the few brilliant directors from the last 2 decades

[@CinemaStix]

Who’s another that makes your list?

[@CircusFreaks666]

@@CinemaStix Coen brothers.

[@loser3431]

@@CinemaStix denis villeneuve and fincher

[@Scarlett_Azure]

@@loser3431 PTA and QT

[@allofthepoints9636]

@@CircusFreaks666 coens go a bit further back than that

[@jonocour]

I love these videos you produce so much effort and dedication to the detail. A story teller in your own right

[@CinemaStix]

That’s very kind :) I’m just so glad you enjoy them! -Danny

[@JoJoAllen217]

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!

[@CinemaStix]

That’s pretty special. Sounds like a great mom. I love showing it to people. It’s definitely one of those movies.

[@worldoftophits]

top notch. peak cinema in all categories. excellent direction, photography, story, costume and location desings and finally 2 really good actors at work.

[@PhilFromSchool]

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

[@walterteague4289]

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

[@CinemaStix]

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 :)

[@gemmeldrakes2758]

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.

[@davidlean1060]

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!

[@christianemden7637]

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.

[@osarueseosato1144]

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

[@CinemaStix]

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

[@osarueseosato1144]

@@CinemaStix it’s beautiful… Don’t stop it don’t get discouraged.. You rock man🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@tomcard]

You've given me a new level of appreciation for one of my favorite films

[@atomicsmith]

Definitely my favorite Nolan film. I would love a theatrical rerelease, as I (and many others) discovered it after it was in theatres.

[@SumitSinghBhutyal]

One of the best complex story narrators of last 2 decades.

[@opedromagico]

As a professional magician and filmmaker this film just.. hits hard 💔

[@nikkinewbie6014]

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 😂😂

[@sanjanaparthasarathy7807]

This is my favourite film of all time. I watched it as a child and knew in my heart, nothing will ever top this.

[@Pookson]

Thank You for making these videos!

[@CinemaStix]

Thank you for watching them! :)

[@statekraft]

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.

[@maltesharalikatti2818]

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.

[@candycottonwithapple]

This is my favorite nolan film, and his most haunting one.

[@Jabullz]

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.

[@_bomu_]

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.

[@foglias]

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.

[@karanpuri4716]

Brilliant. I had goosebumps throughout your video.

[@adamkane4217]

Man, all your essays are so damn good.

[@jasonwiseup]

The prestige is a MASTERPIECE!!!!

[@himadrijoshi]

One of my favourite movies of all time

[@prodigalsonresurrection]

Thank you so much for putting to words everything I love about this movie, very articulate

[@RFVisionary]

👍🏻 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! 🥇

[@teykengwei]

Prestige was my first movie in a cinema & it set the bar high for my cinematic experience!

[@pyrinblack9286]

Yessssss, thanks for doing this one! This is one of my favorite movies of all time. 'Movie magic' is simply brilliant.

[@chazzwindy]

Thanks for another great video Danny

[@cliveandersonjr.8758]

Excellent video essay! Thank you for making this!

[@CinemaStix]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@cliveandersonjr.8758]

@@CinemaStix You're welcome!

[@innerwoven_]

This movie was intensely good. This review was much appreciated!

[@user-qt1bq5bw6i]

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.

[@CinemaStix]

:)

[@jeremiahmarkusmedia6915]

Nolan and pfister are an unstoppable duo .. thanks for highlighting this

[@Zaqariyah]

I think this is the best movie of Nolan. That drama, that montage, that actors playing makes film way better than "blockbuster" Nolan.

[@RobBernhard]

Was absolutely blown away by The Prestige when I saw it. Very underrated film.

[@alexbudpink]

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.

[@ibear2554]

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.

[@Jed_Herne]

Another awesome video essay!

[@samsonodhiambo4315]

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.

[@mindgames470]

I just fell in love with the prestige and kept watching it again and again.

[@LoveStallion]

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.

[@samuelluria4744]

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.

[@colincolin5696]

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.

[@Hashasino]

Well said/written... poetic

[@ShieldYoung]

This is my favourite Nolan movie it keeps surprising me every re-watch

[@hbm7350]

This film is great, it’s lighting is especially amazing

[@moon_spirals_inward]

Such a masterpiece. I've watched it more times than any of Nolan's other films.

[@johanlarsson9805]

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.

[@Freeden]

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.

[@originaozz]

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.

[@armish4197]

It is Christopher Nolan's complete and best work without Hanz Zimmer Banging in background - Beautiful film

[@ballisticcranberrypeat7777]

Is this the one with David Bowie as Nikola Tesla or is that a weird dream I had?

[@CinemaStix]

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.

[@jesustovar2549]

Only criticism I have is that Bowie was way old to play Tesla in his younger years, but I appreciate his presence and performance.

[@Zaqariyah]

@@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)

[@mrjuggler7736]

The prestige was my favorite film for much of my childhood, also the reason why Bale became (one of my) favorite actors

[@yvanmanicad926]

Man You keep on getting better a d better. Keep it up man.

[@CinemaStix]

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.

[@yvanmanicad926]

@@CinemaStix Yeah keep on bruh. Whatever topics that interests you, do it. I'm all here for it.

[@TheRealThomasPaine1776]

An excellent review. This will cause me to watch the movie in a completely different "light"

[@CinemaStix]

Hehe

[@teejaykaye4357]

Prestige is my favorite Nolan film, it’s the one I come back to over all his others

[@Gilbeezyskit]

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.

[@geogoblin1342]

i have never seen this but you make it sound great

[@CinemaStix]

It’s super great. Definitely recommend it :)

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

The Prestige is, fittingly, the simpler magic act in Nolan's filmography of large and spectacular productions

[@redgetgo]

I tagged along with friends to see this film and was pleasantly surprised to say the least. It was a beautiful film.

[@siddhantmd]

Beautiful video

[@blake5913]

No idea why this was in my recommended but definitely looking into this film because of your video essay 🤙🏼

[@CinemaStix]

If you haven’t seen it before, you’re in for quite the experience. Report back. :) -Danny

[@elois367]

I loved this movie so much! I never knew it was by Nolan!!

[@agentsmidt3209]

One of my favorites, if not the best in my opinion.

[@jgould30]

I want to watch this movie every time I see anything about it. It's just that good.

[@takemeseriouslynt]

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

[@marshallsmith619]

I was in sixth grade when this movie released. I couldn't explain why at the time, but this movie blew my mind. I tried watching it with some friends in high school, nobody else was really feeling it. I didn't really understand who the director or actors were. Man, I'm going to have to rewatch this soon, feels like finding buried treasure.

[@kabanoorange5068]

such a tragic and beautiful story

[@25myma]

Absolutely love this movie, have lost count of the times Ive watched it.

[@raedwulf61]

One of my favorites by Nolan or any other this century.

[@benedixtify]

_This_ is a very magical video.

[@Strait_Raider]

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.

[@madscientistmikhail]

By far one of my favorite movies.

[@JohnDoe-zw8vx]

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 ❤

[@carmineglitch]

First time I watched this film I literally couldn't believe how I mind blowing this film was and it was so underrated upon release.

[@QuintonLeo]

This movie is the first film I went and saw multiple times in theaters. I remember walking out of the the theater so mind blown that I called my dad and immediately told him how good it was and asked if we could watch it the next day. We did. A week later I went to watch it a third time. The Prestige is still to this day one of the most under rated movies of all-time and seeing this film solidified Nolan as my favorite director. His next movie, The Dark Knight is still my favorite movie of all-time but The Prestige is a close 2nd.

[@Torresgamingchannel]

My favorite Nolan film. It was brilliant

[@TargetProd]

his best film imo. love this movie so much

[@benquinneyiii7941]

The precise definition of emulate

[@greengamerguy623]

this is one of my top 5