Christopher Priest is an English Writer, whose works I have never read, tonight though I watched The Prestige based on a novel he wrote, it has been adapted by Christopher Nolan who directed films such as Memento, Insomnia and brought an air of respectability to the Batman franchise with Batman Begins this year.
In my opinion, The Prestige has got to be in the running for best film of 2006 and in my top ten for clever storytelling and making you go wow, during and when you watch the film.

I realise I’d have to leave out so many things that made this film great in order not to spoil anyones enjoyment of its clever plot, fantastic characters, original twist and genuinely gripping storyline. Visually its quite a dramatic feast too, with plenty of attention to detail, great lighting, makeup, costumes and fantastic props, which enhance its overall richness.

If I could recommend one film to film lovers this year, this would be it. I know I’ll be watching it again.
Don’t bother watching the trailer, having seen the film first, i think the trailer or its associated webjunk would have put me off.

Well sort of, it seems that nic and situl managed to get into creative arts magazine. I don’t buy it myself, but it was left on the coffee desk at work. Nic manages to get in on a couple of photos at AllOfUs and Situls in there for that swarm project he did for his degree at university.

A film if you like like alternate futures.

Set in the Year 2027, there have been no births in the world since 2009. This is a surreal gritty, grungy story told by Alfonso Cuarón from the original book by the award winning P. D. James. (which I havent read) It feels like it ends a bit abruptly, but quite appropriately. I wont spoil any of it here and I completely urge you to go and enjoy it yourself.
Story completely aside, from a purely visual perspective, its cinematography is akin to beautifullly realised dystopian visions created by Viktor Antonov the concept artist of Half Life 2. Without being typically hollywoody, Children of Men absorbs you with its non stop action from the word go, which is why it reminded me of HL-2. Its one of those films in which I forgot I was watching a film.
I remember a quote from William Friedkin on the exorcist DVD commentary, if my memory serves me right,he was essentially talking about the threshold of light vs dark and noisy vs quiet scenes in a film. Thinking back, this is a film punctuated poetically by those extremes.
Its also embellished with a few nice little future retro touches and references.

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If you’ve read the book over a year ago you probably wont be disappointed. If you remember minor details then you might. My major gripes were just about those details.. nothing more. Good Film, decent Directing. music was characteristically Hans Zimmer.

I’d happily discuss what I thought was rubbish about the film in the comments, if anyone else goes to see it.

American dad (Wikipedia) is pretty hilarious and entertaining, Im not into Seth McFarlane’s family guy, but this really shines. Politically correct, incorrect and everything else rolled into one (Patrick Stewart included).. if you havent seen it, you can pick it up from Sainsbury’s for the same price as on Play.

Just back from watching this, packed cinema, pure perfection, best film Ive seen in a while. Im looking forward to watching it again this week.
Apple Trailer