Christopher Nolan says Christian Bale’s most underrated performance still isn’t getting its due
Christopher Nolan publicly praised Christian Bale’s portrayal of Alfred Borden in The Prestige, calling it one of the most underrated performances in Bale’s filmography.
While talking to The Hollywood Reporter about a planned theatrical return for The Prestige, Christopher Nolan didn’t just confirm the rerelease — he spotlighted Christian Bale ’s work in the film and said the new run will include 70 millimeter blow-up prints for theaters able to show them.
“He’s one of the great actors of his generation, and I’ve had tremendous experiences with him. I’m thrilled that they’re going to re-release The Prestige because it ’s one of his most underrated performances. I’m just really excited to bring it to fresh audiences. We’re actually going to do 70 millimeter blow-ups.”
The comments came after Nolan was asked if he could see himself reuniting with Bale again. He didn’t announce a new project, but he left no doubt about how highly he rates the actor — and about the place The Prestige holds in their shared history.
Released in 2006, the period thriller follows rival stage magicians whose obsession turns dangerous, with Bale opposite Hugh Jackman and longtime Nolan collaborator Michael Caine. Despite the shadow cast by their Batman partnership, the movie has grown in stature with fans who return to its twists, craft, and dual-lead performances.
Nolan’s plan to strike 70mm blow-ups fits his long-standing fondness for large-format film presentation. It’s an unusual upgrade for a title originally shot on 35mm, and signals a big-screen showcase designed to let audiences reappraise Bale’s layered turn — and the film’s meticulous sleight of hand — on a grander canvas.