Michael Caine Creates The Magic Of The Prestige
Obsession is a young man’s game. This is the line delivered by Mr. Cutter (played by Michael Caine) to Robert Angier (played by Hugh Jackman) in the Christopher Nolan directed film The Prestige. And obsession is a theme, among several others, that takes key precedence in this brilliantly crafted film about a very heated professional rivalry between two stage magicians that spans the course of several years.
Alfred Borden (played by Christian Bale) is a stage magician in London who stands trial for the murder of his professional rival Robert Angier. The film is told in continuous flashbacks from their beginnings as workers for a high end magician, to their progression to each other’s bitter rival.
Borden, while imprisoned, seeks the answers to his one time friend’s death before he faces the noose himself. All through the film are subplots, such as the beginning of their quarrel that stemmed from the death of Angier’s wife, which may have been Borden’s own responsibility.
Director Christopher Nolan takes his already large repertoire of atmosphere that is present in all of his films, such as Batman Begins and Insomnia, to new heights. His rendering of a dark, cold Industrial Revolution era London brilliantly sets the tone of the story.
As mentioned, the story is told predominantly through the use of flashbacks. But what makes this use of flashbacks particularly interesting is that they are told as journal entries of both Borden and Angier, which lets the audience know the motivations and convictions of both men.
The rivalry in the film is portrayed as obsessive to the tenth degree as both men set out to sabotage each other’s magic acts, specifically over Borden’s masterpiece which Angier feverishly tries to reproduce.
The only problem with using the flashbacks to tell the story is that it may confuse the more relaxed of movie goers. But, if attention is paid, then it is also rewarded in this emotional and psychological roller coaster.
With a cast that boasts such talent as Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Michael Caine, Scarlet Johanson, Piper Perabo, Rebecca Hall, Andy Serkis, and David Bowie, every character is offered equal character development and is explored greatly.
This film, like any good magic trick, will have you guessing and guessing the film’s surprising outcome, only to leave you fooled again and again and again. The Prestige is a film that has something up its sleeve for everyone to enjoy.
Dror Klar is a writer and promoter of news, movie reviews and celebrity information. If you are in the market for Satellite Internet, DIRECTV or Dish Network Visit his sites for the latest specials.
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Dont Compromise Choose Used DJ Equipment
The problem is universal, DJ equipment is expensive. When buying DJ equipment squeezing the most out of your budget is essential. Sadly we cant all afford the top of the range Technics equipment and were usually caught in the horrible position of having to make cuts. Trying to pick whether to take a step down in cost of speakers or give up on that kick ass pair of headphones is a difficult choice. Sadly we cant have it all and somethings got to give.
I suggest that that you consider buying used equipment. Used equipment provides aspiring and accomplished DJs with the option of spending less without compromising on the standard of equipment they purchase.
There are many different categories for equipment that is not new. So make sure you know what you are buying.
New B-Stock
B-stock can refer to a wide variety of conditions. It can be stock that has been used for display purposes at a manufacturers trade show. It could be a returned item from an error in a catalogue order. B-stock can be stock from a line of products that have been discontinued. It represents a good option for the DJ on a budget because the products have not been used in anger and often the only thing that has been affected is the outer packaging.
Ex-Display
Ex-display items are those that have been on display in a showroom. These items have often been well cared for and generally spend most of their life in a glass cabinet. They usually benefit from hardly ever being used and will generally come with all the original packaging and accessories. The only downside is that ex-display items are no longer being displayed for one of two reasons.
Either they have sold out of stock because they have been so popular or they no longer sell the particular model because a newer version has been introduced and the ex-display item is outdated.
Ex-Demonstration
Ex-demonstration equipment refers to equipment that has been used by potential customers and staff to demonstrate how good it is. Ex-demonstration equipment will generally come with the original packaging and accessories. Although they are usually in excellent condition and have benefited from occasional use.
However there is the danger that they have been hammered by over jealous staff. Nevertheless ex-demonstration will often come with a one year guarantee making it a good choice for a cut price piece of kit.
Repackaged
Repackaged items usually refers to items that have been professionally repackaged in a factory. Often the only down-side to these items is the lack of original packaging. So it represents a good opportunity to get a good deal if you can live without that shiny packaging.
Some items that have been repackaged may have some superficial scratches from being packed poorly and picking up knocks in transition. So check for scratches. But again if youre not too fussy about how it looks then it will be a great option.
Reconditioned
Reconditioned items can refer to a number of types of items. It could be an item that has been recalled by a manufacturer. It might be an item that has required some repair work or it might be an item that needed modification. Either way they generally come with a full year guarantee and normally come in the original box. Often these items will have been scrutinised carefully by the company that sells them so they represent a good choice.
Pre-owned
Pre-owned items, as the title suggests, are items that have been owned and used before being re-sold. Companies that deal in pre-owned items will run checks to make sure these items work well. Reputable companies should offer a 90 day parts and labour guarantee.
If you are buying online it is important to see as many photos of the item as possible and request as much information from the seller as possible. Reputable sellers will be forthcoming about why they are selling the item and will tell you about any problems they may have had with the item.
Shaun Parker is an expert on professional used DJ equipment. To find out more visit http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/
Used Dj Equipment A Beginners Guide
Picking the right equipment is by far the hardest decision an aspiring DJ has to make. Budget plays the biggest role in the decision making process. Finding DJ equipment that is affordable, that will last a long time and that will provide you with the quality that you need is like searching for a needle in pat sharps mullet.
But despair not: there is a growing market in used equipment that has all the benefits of new equipment but without the retailer mark up.
Music
The most important piece of kit for any DJ is the music. It is essential that a DJ has an expansive range of music. Accumulating the vast quantities of records that you need can be extremely expensive. With new records retailing at around pounds 7 the savings you can make by buying used are massive.
The same record can often be found for pounds 2 if it has been pre-owned. It is important to check that the record is not damaged and meets the standards you expect.
Most online services that host adverts for people selling used goods have stringent rules that ensure that the goods people sell live up to the description that is given. If the item is said to be in excellent condition then it likely will be. Its definitely worth the punt if you are saving pounds 5 on each record.
Decks
Decks are the most important piece of kit for the DJ and making savings in this area will allow the aspiring DJ to make the most of a tight budget. It is important to try not to make compromises with the quality of the equipment. b-stock, ex-display, ex-demonstration, repackaged and reconditioned items provide items at reduced price.
These items often come in good condition with only minor superficial blemishes or simply lacking the original packaging. Most even come with a guarantee that would rival a new item and therefore represent an excellent option for a good deal.
Used decks can provide enormous savings if you are willing to purchase decks with history. It is probably advised that you avoid buying used belt drive decks as they tend to have a limited life span and may not have long left.
Sound System
The sound system will allow you to share your DJ offerings to the masses. A good set of speakers and a high quality amp is essential if you plan to use your decks to play gigs. So if youre planning to play in public it is worth considering used equipment so you can make the most of your budget.
Again repackaged and reconditioned items are well worth considering as they generally come with a guarantee and only suffer from a lack of original packaging or minor superficial marks. The savings can be massive. A full PA system that usually retails for pounds 600 can be found in new b-stock for only 345 pounds.
Mixer
A used mixer generally costs less than half the price of a new one. The savings you make can be massive. A numark rm6 mixer can be found for around pounds 100; pounds 200 cheaper than the list price. This is the area of your setup where you can make savings that really enable you to maximise your budget. Use the savings to take a few steps up in standard and it will make a noticeable difference to the quality of your setup.
Headphones, Microphones and Extras
Large savings can be made on headphones especially if you are looking to purchase used items. Numark, Sony, Denon and Technics headphones can be found for less than half of their retail price. Microphones can be found at 40% of their original cost.
Even items such as stands that do not need to be new can be found considerably cheaper on the used market. So if you are looking for supplementary items you do not need to compromise on quality just accept products that dont come in the brand new packaging.
Shaun Parker is an expert on professional and used DJ equipment. To find out more visit http://www.whybuynew.co.uk
Variety Of Products For Children
There are many wonderful products available for kids. No tears shampoo and hair detangler make bath time and brushing out the curls as pleasant as possible. The child’s toothbrush is likely to have Winnie The Pooh or Cinderella perched on the handle. Toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors. There is even special toothpaste for different age levels. For hand washing the gentle liquid soap is in a bottle with a fish on the front and a pump to make it easier to use. There are wet wipes geared toward the older child, past the toddler stage. Best of all – there is a roll of toilet tissue with doggie footprints on it indicating how many sheets the child should use and exactly where to tear it off.
Bubble bath can be in a Superman container or it could have Cinderella perched on top of the bottle with her skirt holding the bubble bath. There are washcloths made like puppets and rubber duckies and boats. There are crayons that draw on the sides of the tub and then rinse off. They are the bright primary colors. The child’s towel is likely to have a cartoon figure decorating it. Dry him off and get out his Scooby Doo pajamas and he’s ready for bed.
The little girl may be very concerned with what she wears. She is a little fashionista who loves to play dress up in Disney costumes and plastic “high heels.” You can hear them clack clack clack throughout the house. She will often carry a little purse with a make-believe charge card inside. “I’m going shopping” she declares as she clack clack clacks across the kitchen.
She is likely to have Snow White on her bath towel and Barbie on her nightgown. There are also sheets and pillowcases with well-known storybook characters on them. Before going to sleep her parent might read her one of the excellent books available for kids. There is a hard-cover dinosaur pop-up book available that is amazing. Each dinosaur is like an intricate puzzle with realistic detail. All children love to hear about this huge animal and how it is now extinct. “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus” is a fun story and the pictures are good too. It became popular and there is another one in the series.
The Rainbow Fish series are delightful stories giving a message of fish helping each other resolve problems. One story is about how Rainbow Fish and his fish friend have to swim past a cave in spite of the five-eyed monster that lurks there. As it turns out, the monster was only five lantern fish that looked like one large fish from a distance. This story dispels the idea of scary monsters very nicely. Another excellent series with terrific illustrations is written by Jamie Lee Curtis.
The variety of dvd’s for kids is overwhelming. Monsters Incorporated told a story in which two monsters saved a little girl and returned her to her home. Shrek is good but one movie about him was enough. There is an entire series of Barbie does this and Barbie does that along with tales of mermaids who rescue each other and the themes are pretty positive in all of them. The Cinderella story is still one of the best. Even little kids love a good “revenge of the underdog” story. For the children’s version of a romantic tale, the movie “Cars” ends with two vehicles driving down the road of life together. Animal stories are always popular with kids. The latest version of “101 Dalmations” had Cruella, the nastiest villain to come along in years. Everyone was relieved at the happy ending.
James Brown writes about http://www.kidstoysandgifts.com