The Twist at the End of 'The Prestige'

'The Prestige,' a film that delves into the world of magic and personal rivalry, reaches its climax with a shockingly complex reveal. At the end of the movie, it is revealed that Alfred Borden, played by Christian Bale, has been using a twin brother to perform his magic tricks. This adds a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative, making the ending of the film truly bewitching.

After learning that Robert Angier, played by Hugh Jackman, was alive, Cutter, who has been pivotal in uncovering the truth, feels deeply disgusted by Borden for leading him and possibly Robert to believe that Alfred had been sentenced to death. Fueled by this revelation, Cutter must have informed Borden's twin of Robert's survival, and where he would be that fateful night when Robert was to be murdered. This sets the stage for the final, heart-wrenching events that unfold.

Borden, the twin, uses this knowledge to visit Robert and impart a message of disappointment. Robert had been searching for the solution to Borden's magic, but Borden tells him that he has wasted his time on an illusion. Instead, Robert achieves a deeper understanding that magic is about the reaction of the audience and the thrill of being fooled. Borden then challenges Robert to look around, showcasing his own courage, having faced the same tragedy and death in the machine himself, just like his wife.

Borden's response to Robert's display of courage is a stark contrast, indicating that he does not admire it but rather sees it as a necessary sacrifice for his art. In his last act, Borden leaves Robert to die in his final resting place, amidst the duplicates of Robert, before he goes to meet Cutter and bring up Alfred's daughter, showing no remorse or compassion.

Angier's Theoretical and Emotional Destruction

The ending of 'The Prestige' reveals that Angier has been as committed to his rivalry with Borden as he is to his own magic. In his relentless pursuit to outdo Borden, Angier recreates his rival's trick, himself and his brother, showcasing how deeply this rivalry has consumed him. The movie highlights the mutual contempt between Angier and Borden, both intricately lying to themselves and others, and the dangerous lengths they are willing to go.

Angier is particularly driven by his personal vendetta against Borden, who stole the love of his life and ruined both his personal and professional lives. Angier's final revelation of Borden's trick and his own methods shows a level of dedication that borders on obsession, resulting in a deeply personal and tragic outcome. This unveil of the ultimate magic trick is as much a visual spectacle as it is a psychological one, highlighting the depth of the characters' motivations.

Themes and Messages

'The Prestige' explores themes such as ambition, sacrifice, and the line between illusion and reality. The movie critiques the notion that success in magic, and life in general, is about outdoing others. This is particularly evident in Angier's and Borden's mutual destruction, which stems from their rivalry rather than personal growth.

The film is a deep dive into the psychological motivations of two rival magicians, each with their own tragic path. Ultimately, the twist at the end of 'The Prestige' serves to highlight the depths of their rivalry and the toll it takes on them and those around them.

With its intricate plot and sharp performances, 'The Prestige' remains a compelling exploration of the magic of the mind and the shadows it casts.