What has film been?

When considering the film The Prestige by director Christopher Nolan it is important to note the historical significance of not only film thus far, but also the era which Nolan attempts to capture in the film. It is a film set in the 19th century and tells the story of two competing magicians and the lengths they will go to in order to be considered the best. A seemingly straightforward and progressive plot, Nolan elevates this basic theme and inserts pivotal turning points which question how far one is willing to go in the vain of becoming the very best at his craft. Historically film has taken the approach of combining reality and imagination and displaying on the grandest of stages; the beloved silver screen. Just as film progressed through its early primitive history to its golden age and all the way through its modern and now post-modern phases, there has been immense conflict and incredible competition in all facets of film making. Nolan captures the essence of this type of competition in The Prestige between characters Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale). It can be argued that Nolan utilizes the theme of magic as a comparative tool with film itself, in which two autuers of their craft battle against one another to put on the greatest show. Borden and Angier are the directors of people's imagination and it is their competition with each other that drives forward the grandeur and elaborate aspects of their shows. Simultaneously though this competition to some effect drives both Angier and Borden to the precipice of madness in attempting to become the greatest magician. It is no coincidence that the setting of the film is in the 19th century near the birth of cinema. While the common portrayal of magicians in film is not easily recognized in Nolan's film, what is apparent is the modern or post-modern attitude toward filmmaking, a.k.a. 'magic.'  When analyzing and critiquing Nolan's film it becomes clear that he is offering a historical reference on where cinema comes from while detailing the modern perception of what cinema has become. Auteur's consumed by their drive to entertain the audience and be proven as the undeniable best of their particular craft. Borden is driven by the craft, he pushes his limits, and is willing to do whatever it takes for the sake of progressing the art of magic. Angier in his final words admits his drive was the audience and the expression and emotion they felt when witnessing the reveal; it was for "the look on their faces." This bipolar approach to film making is prevalent in modern cinema where one camp is obsessed with entertainment and monetary success, while the others are consumed by progressing the craft itself.