The Prestige (2006 Christopher Nolan & co-scr)

Screenplay written by Chris and Jonathan Nolan from Christopher Priest's novel about the rivalry between two magicians in Victorian London, a twisty tale in what becomes a playful film. We thoroughly enjoyed it after a gap of ... twelve years - why? why?

Good performances and accents abound between Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale and Scarlett Johansson; Michael Caine and Rebecca Hall have their own. Always a treat to see His Bowieship, also giving a wonderful little performance alongside Andy Serkis. Woody Allen also united Johansson and Hall (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) and Jackman and Johansson (Scoop).

Stunningly photographed by Wally Pfister (garnering the film's only Oscar nomination) with great editing from Lee Smith (e.g. Hall hanging scene). Music is by David Julyan, production design Nathan Crowley.

Loved Jackman's pissed version of himself. It must have been tempting to reveal one last version of Jackman alive at the end, but it's better to round it off in the way they have.

The only thing I remembered was all the top hats...