I still enjoy The Prestige more for its compelling narrative, and the mystery it leaves behind with its smoke and mirrors atmosphere. It felt like reading the novel in a strange way, just perfectly transpired to screen by the Nolan's. Bowie as Tesla nailed it in my opinion. Bale's acting the one risky brother and his other calm half was nothing but subtle perfection as well. Hugh did a stellar part too, the scene when he reads Borden's diary in disbelief still sticks with me. And the themes of sacrifice, obsession, rivalry, and "love"..all ring so well in my brain.
Inception on the other hand sparked something in my head tho, which I still cant shake off.
I love The Prestige so much! Such brilliant writing, and it gets better and better with each repeat viewing (I've seen it at least 10 times by now; I can't get enough of it). To those of you who don't see what is so special about it, consider the extensive cinematic and narrative tricks Nolan employs and watch it again with this in mind: the entire film is a magic trick... not only is Nolan employing the three-act structure of pledge, turn, and prestige in his screenwriting in order to astonish the audience and conceal the secret of the illusion, he also turns the magician's profession into a metaphor for his own profession - filmmaking. The writing, especially the dialogue, is genius as it adheres to and informs these ideas in every scene.
