"The Prestige" and "Against the Day"

[kelber at mindspring.com]

I also liked the flip side:  The way the movie deconstructs magic.  Before Tesla's invention is introduced, the disappearing man act involves doubles and trapdoors.  The Michael Caine character describes this method as inelegant, but the only possible way the trick can be pulled off.   To perform the feat magically requires a scientific advancement.

Laura

-----Original Message-----
>From: Daniel Julius <daniel.julius at gmail.com>
"
>
>I couldn't agree more, Quail, (though the film was written and directed by
>the *Nolan* brothers [Christopher, dir. _Memento_, _Batman Begins_]).  The
>movie's internal logic explains its fantasy with vaguely scientific claims
>-- alternating current electricity, electro-magnetism -- but only up until a
>point.  After certain plot elements are revealed, it knows it is working in
>the purely magical realm, and let's the audience deal with it.  I love that.