The Illusionist vs The Prestige

Time difference: 2 months apart.

In 2006 two high profile period magician films were released. The first was The Illusionist starring Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti, directed by Neil Burger. The film played out like a cat-and-mouse game between Norton’s magician and Giamatti’s inspector. Two months later Christopher Nolan would ply his trade to the craft with The Prestige, which focused on the rivalry between magicians played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman. Though different in many respects, both were successful at the box office and with critics.