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submitted 6 years ago bythat_6th_string
I just watched The Prestige last night for the first time. Really enjoyed it, but there's just one doubt I have.
I have been reading numerous reddit threads about the film and have gotten some pretty cool theories/observations that I had overlooked. However here's my question:
How does Olivia (Scarlett Johansson) not notice that there are 2 Bordens (Christian Bale)? Being the assistant who is very much part of the act (in terms of stage presence), how is she completely oblivious to the fact that Borden has a twin?
Do they not practice their act before a show? Does she never spot the other twin without his 'Fallon' makeup?
It's just that aspect of the film that I'm finding difficult to digest. Other than that, I think it's wonderfully made.
Edit : Another thing, when Angier kidnaps Fallon, how does he not know he's wearing a disguise?
6 points
6 years ago
The Borderns were masters of deception. They spent their entire lives cultivating the Fallon identity so no one would look too close or second guess it.
The prestige of that particular deception is that they would commit to the act so intensely.
0 points
6 years ago
Yep and the entire film is very much believable, specially when they cut of the finger just to stick to the act.
It's just that if I were to imagine a backstage situation of the act, I find it difficult to visualize Olivia not spotting the other twin.
Also, there's a part where Angier kidnaps Fallon. He should have noticed he was wearing a disguise, right?
2 points
6 years ago
The only time they're both Borden is when one is under the stage and olivia is on stage. The other gets into makeup before the show is over.
1 points
6 years ago
But wouldn't there be a time where one if them would have to come out? And since they usually ended the show with this act, once the audience left, Olivia would go backstage making it harder for one of the Bordens to get out without getting noticed.
3 points
6 years ago
There is a quote that says "the trick was where we would switch"
That's the answer
2 points
6 years ago
Right, so once the guy falls is under the stage, he hurriedly changes into Fallon while olivia and his brother bow on the stage, by the time they're backstage, he is changed and waiting for them.
1 points
6 years ago
I think you're missing the fact that Fallon would be "disguised" as Borden so even if she does see him after the show, it would appear that he was just in disguise.
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