Every magic trick consists of three parts, or acts. The first part is called the pledge, the magician shows you something ordinary. The second act is called the turn, the magician takes the ordinary something and makes it into something extraordinary. But you wouldn't clap yet, because making something disappear isn't enough. You have to bring it BACK. Now you're looking for the secret. But you won't find it because of course, you're not really looking. You don't really want to work it out. You want to be fooled.
More from The Prestige
Judge What a way to kill someone.
Cutter They're magicians, your honor. Men who live by dressing up plain and simple truths to shock, to amaze.
Judge Even without an audience?
Cutter There was an audience. You see, this water tank was of particular significance to these two men. Particularly awful significance.
Angier I thought you said I'd have to get my hands dirty.
Cutter Maybe someday you will; I just needed to know that you could.
Olivia Wenscombe He wants me to come work for you and steal your secrets.
Alfred Borden What does he need my secrets for? His trick is top-notch. He vanishes, and then he reappears instantly on the other side of the stage—mute, overweight, and unless I'm mistaken, very drunk. It's astonishing; how does he do it?
The Prestige
All The Prestige quotes →
All The Prestige quotes →
