Kristian Mercer

Happy Halloween!

And in keeping with the magical, mysterious nature of this holiday, might I recommend the film The Prestige, now playing in a theatre near you.

Mr. Mercer and I went to see it on Sunday afternoon (yes, I had completed my edits for the day, so I could relax with a clear conscience!) and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.

The film chronicles the rivalry of two Victorian-era stage magicians. The men begin as friends, but a tragic accident drives them apart and sets off a downward spiral of obsession and revenge that ultimately results in death. And no, that was not a spoiler - that's how the film opens!

As the credits rolled, Mr. Mercer told me that The Prestige was one of the best films he'd seen for a long time. I agreed - but I'd be willing to bet that we liked it for different reasons. Although I definitely enjoy fantasy - whether on the page or on the screen - and I'm always willing to line up for a period film, the main attraction for me was Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale.

I've long been a Hugh Jackman fan - loved him in Kate and Leopold, one of my favorite time-travel romps - and he gave the character of Robert Angier a wonderfully aristocratic edge.

I have to confess, however, that Christian Bale's character affected me more powerfully. The intensity with which he portrayed Alfred Borden, a working-class magician, was simply mesmerizing. His magic seemed more believable because it wasn't as slick as Angier's; his performance was fierce and driven.

In the end, neither of these men were heroes. Their secrets and their choices led, inevitably, to tragedy - and perhaps that's why I found them so compelling.

I can't say any more without giving away the plot - so buy your tickets now!