Are you watching closely?

Director Christopher Nolan might just be a real magician. At only 36 years of age and with just five films under his belt, Nolan solidifies himself as an auteur with "The Prestige," jokingly noted by some as this year's "other magician movie." Yes, "The Illusionist" is still in theaters and is in some regards a better film, but ultimately "The Prestige" is a much meatier, layered trick. \nIn the London of old, two men are waging war against each other in the magic circuit. The first, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), is an arrogant showman who thinks nobody has a trick greater than the one he is holding back from audiences around the country. The other, Angier (Hugh Jackman), is a spurned magician who seeks only to ruin Borden and steal his secrets. They used to be the best of friends, but a bout of accidental jealousy on Borden's behalf drowned their partnership in a water tank. \nAside from Bale and Jackman, both of whom have now solidified themselves as future Hollywood stars, they are accompanied by a most prestigious cast, which includes Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Andy Serkis and -- wait for it -- David Bowie. While Caine is Caine and Johansson is a tad underused and misguided, the roles given to Serkis and Bowie are small yet excellent. Serkis shows he doesn't need to be in front of a green screen and playing a giant ape or Gollum to be a great actor. Bowie, on the other hand, waxes philosophical at one point; the next, he is covered in a shroud of electricity. \nBe forewarned, however: "Prestige" is a tough film to take in. Both Bale and Jackman are absolutely despicable for great strides, but their hatred for each other has made them this way, and just because they are cold and calculating that doesn't make them any less fascinating. \nThe other tough part is the story. Christopher Nolan co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan (who is also responsible for his brother's defined masterpiece, "Memento"), and they seemingly try to throw as many twists and turns in to throw the viewer off purposely. There are parts you'll never see coming and others in which, if you watch closely enough, you can see them performing from even the very back of the theater. Add in the fractured, time-jumping storytelling, and confusion can come easily. Then again, any film that is tough to crack should be granted a second viewing, which "Prestige" will surely warrant for some. \nDo not walk into "The Prestige" with notions of Nolan trying to out-do himself like the two warring magicians. This isn't "Memento Part Deux," and it should be judged accordingly. Christopher Nolan has made five films, not 25, so give it some time before making comparisons to films made only six years ago. "Memento," "Batman Begins," "Following" and even "Insomnia" are great works, but "The Prestige" has the potential to reach that same level, if only one could crack the secret of how Nolan pulled it off. I'll just have to see it again -- and watch closely.