4. The Prestige (2006)
Back in 2006, within a couple of months of each other, two very similar films appeared. Often films will arrive around the same time that are comparable on the surface, but the similarities end when you delve deeper; Antz and A Bugs Life, Finding Nemo and Shark Tale, The Raid and Dredd. What was odd about these two is just how similar they did appear; both were about magicians in the 19th century, both used real and fictional characters and most important of all, both had a big twist at the end. The Illusionist, starring Edward Norton, followed a simple linear plot of a magician and his confrontation with the law, with a final twist that (shock horror) all his magic was in fact smoke and mirrors. And then there was The Prestige. It had a brilliant cast led by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman and through a non-linear narrative provided by numerous diaries and flashbacks it told the story of two warring magicians and their desire the learn the others secret of the signature trick, The Transporting Man. There was twist after twist in the story of double crossing with a final reveal both men were sacrificing more than the other could ever have imagined that left the audiences jaw firmly planted on the floor. The Illusionist went the simple, obvious route, whereas The Prestige was daring and used its twists to muse on the obsession of men. With similar ideas, a less worthy director (Neil Burger would go on the make Limitless) stumbled while Christopher Nolan crafted a deep and superior thriller.