David Bowie's Genius Performance as Nikola Tesla in 'The Prestige': Christopher Nolan's Masterstroke

Christopher Nolan, the director behind so many amazing films, is also known for making great choices about his actors.

Genius Casting Choices from Christopher Nolan

When it comes to making sure he picks the right people, his instinct has helped bring together iconic movie roles! It's been one of those things that makes these big blockbusters such a success!

You may recall, how fans were stunned when they heard about Heath Ledger joining the set of "The Dark Knight." as The Joker and also when the super pop star, Harry Styles landed the role of "Alex" in "Dunkirk." It was hard to imagine these performers taking on roles with such impact.

Also Read: The Dark Knight's Joker: The Story Behind His Scars

A Special Casting Choice

Robert holds a lightbulb and speaks with Tesla in Christopher Nolan's The Prestige Image

Fans of Christopher Nolan films often recall his super innovative approach, giving him this powerful ability to choose actors who can create truly remarkable, unforgettable characters!

It is with his classic film "The Prestige." that an incredible surprise occurred with a key actor - David Bowie as Nikola Tesla!

While you may think that these are all just well-known actors who seem to get these coveted parts! For Nolan this was an important part of bringing together a unique performance.

Also Read: Starfox Wasted in MCU by Harry Styles: How Marvel Missed a Big Opportunity?

Nikolika Tesla:

David Bowie's as Tesla looking at something in The Prestige. Image

You might not remember how significant a figure this person was but they had a great deal of historical significance.
Nikola Tesla was an incredible inventor in the fields of electricity!
This Serbian engineer, also had the great ambition to create technology! In fact, there were battles, with Tesla going up against a rival, Thomas Edison! A person known for creating powerful things! The great scientist did a lot of work back in the 1800s.
These events take us through this film which is set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The film brings to light a complex storyline!

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The Prestige:

Oppenheimer, The Dark Knight, and Inception Image

"The Prestige" is set in the time of Victorian London! This gives the movie some unique, almost otherworldly magic to help pull viewers in!

It showcases the clash of two rival magicians who have gone down an incredibly complex path to make it to the top.

One is "Robert Angier." The character played by Hugh Jackman

And then there is his adversary "Alfred Borden" played by Christian Bale

As they aim to achieve this one powerful, mysterious illusion, the two rival magicians take on each other's rivalry in an intense way.

They are constantly trying to outsmart each other and even their desire to pull off this awesome, compelling and confusing act. Their efforts are centered around teleporting! "The Prestige" also blurs those boundaries between a love for science, a thirst to find true knowledge, a desire to learn and understand these elements, magic, which helps bring together such a fascinating movie! Tesla's place is pretty special.

Also Read: Hugh Jackman's Underrated Sci-Fi Masterclass: Why Real Steel Is Better Than Transformers

David Bowie And The Perfect Casting Choice:

As an artist, Bowie has that incredible presence. Even a little appearance on the screen, could truly set off those powerful, emotional sparks and it was something Nolan realized as well. The actor and performer David Bowie gave the movie that sense of otherworldly, mystical magic that's at the heart of this movie.

Tesla was only in the movie for 10 minutes!. But it was important to highlight that Bowie, by choice, did not have a big script!

Even with these constraints, the character brought his own, amazing style that made this performance stand out. Bowie's unique, one-of-a-kind and complex nature matched this powerful character. In this time, even outside of "The Prestige", "Bowie" always showed an amazing, dynamic interest in the latest in science, in technology and futurism. What was an inspiration for him was in the music. His incredible songs, which became the soundtrack for a new era! Even when he was an entertainer, he always gave a sense of the extraordinary. It's this aspect, in addition to the unique power that he had in "The Prestige", Nolan knew he made the perfect casting choice. "Tesla" gave this film some gravitas.

David Bowie And A Key Reason for The Movies' Success

While the movie centers on this powerful magic rivalry between the two performers "The Prestige" truly brings to light the clash of two extraordinary ideas. It's an incredible experience that touches the emotions in a deep and powerful way and it also delves into the question of where do these great lines exist! You can see these great examples from those involved in science as well as those working to be the top performers in magic.

You also see the power of Tesla, as he is full of wisdom and knowledge but his thoughts on the power that people in the world have. These powers might seem pretty big and Bowie demonstrates those abilities and those special qualities.

Tesla is a character who is misunderstood! However, with a bit of patience and with those around him who want to see what makes him special! His brilliance can shine.

If you're thinking about re-watching a film. "The Prestige" is something special, It's really a masterpiece and you will want to see the remarkable transformation that takes place and it's full of that compelling magic that just captivates those that have watched it!

It seems as if Nolan truly tapped into that remarkable world, and created an epic and fascinating world with an array of extraordinary performances, helping to make this film unforgettable!