Almost two decades ago, one of the best films ever helmed by the mastermind Christopher Nolan was brought to worldwide audiences: The Prestige. Starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, and Scarlett Johansson in prominent roles, the 2006 thriller sci-fi went on to get thoroughly commended by fans and critics alike over the years.
Yet as exceptional a masterpiece as the ‘Magic movie’ was with a remarkable amount of the success credited to the A-listers in the lead, Bale was never expected to star in the movie, let alone bad the lead role. But not only did he not step back from his decision to make his way into the film, he also broke one of the filmmaker’s strict rules and got away with it!
Christopher Nolan’s Rule That Christian Bale Broke During The Prestige
Christian Bale might have nailed it while serving as Alfred Borden in The Prestige, but the truth is that he was never intended to even star in the movie by the director, let alone bag and perform epically in one of the lead roles.
Even though the pair had worked together one year before on Batman Begins, Christopher Nolan never considered casting him as Borden in the film. That was until Bale himself contacted him after reading the script and falling in love with the character.
As shared by @ATRightMovies on X:
Nolan and Christinan Bale had worked together a year earlier in Batman Begins but Nolan didn’t consider casting Bale as Alfred Borden, until Bale read the script, loved the part of Borden and contacted Nolan about being in the film.
9/36 pic.twitter.com/2dCBtQjrPg
— All The Right Movies (@ATRightMovies) January 4, 2024
In fact, the Caped Crusader from Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy became so invested in the character that the director couldn’t imagine anyone else in the role of Borden except him. Just like that, Bale was cast into the role.
But even after making his way into the movie, the American Psycho legend managed to break one rule, or shall we say, refused to adhere to one “suggestion” that Christopher Nolan had for the cast: not to read the source material, i.e. Christopher Priest’s original novel of the same name.
According to @ATRightMovies, Christian Bale still had things his way and read the source material even though the filmmaker told him not to. Surprisingly enough, he even managed to get away with it!
Nolan said he can’t imagine anybody else playing Borden now. He also suggested to the entire cast that they not read Christopher Priest’s novel but Bale didn’t listen and read it anyway.
10/36 pic.twitter.com/YF9lSyKD0Q
— All The Right Movies (@ATRightMovies) January 4, 2024
And, considering the brilliant performance he delivered in the movie, reading Priest’s novel did Christian Bale more good than bad.
The Prestige Is Regarded As One Of Christopher Nolan’s Best Films Ever
Written, directed, and produced by Christopher Nolan, The Prestige encircled the story of two fellow magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman), who end up turning from friends into enemies after one unfortunate tragedy.
However, as they continue to let themselves get engulfed in the flames of rivalry and hatred, they end up making some dreadful sacrifices on the way that wound up leaving them with agonizing consequences.
Made on a production budget of $40 million, The Prestige didn’t hold back while performing in the cinemas, bringing in a whopping $109 million globally. It also went on to get Oscar nods for B
Adding on to these feats was the tremendous reception by the audiences of the same in the years following, considering how it ranks at not only a 76% approval rating on the Tomatometer but is also regarded as one of the best science fiction helmed by Christopher Nolan to date.
