It’s always kind of interesting–to me at least–to see when little stock companies seem to form. Director Christopher Nolan’s next movie is the highly interesting (not a phrase I use in relation to many movies these days) The Prestige. Per the IMDB: “Based on Christopher Priest’s 1996 novel, [Christian] Bale and [Hugh] Jackman play rival magicians in turn-of-the-century London who battle each other for trade secrets. The rivalry is so intense that it turns them into murderers.”
Aside from Bale, who starred in Nolan’s recent Batman Begins, that film’s costar Michael Caine is also appearing in the film. Since those three are sure to make another Batman movie together, and maybe a couple, they must presumably all enjoy collaborating. The cast also boasts several other name actors in supporting roles, including David Bowie (as Nikola Tesla!!), the ubiquitous Scarlett Johansson, Piper Perabo and Andy Serkis.
This is a good match for Jackman, I think, who I really always thought should be doing historicals ala Russell Crowe. The match of twin comic book movie stars is sure to attract the geek crowd, while Nolan’s presence indicates the movie won’t be stupid. That’s sadly a mark of some distinction.
The film is due out in October, and I have to say, is about the first movie of 2006 that I’m actually really interested in seeing. (There might be something else, but it doesn’t come to mind.)
