Physics in Film: The Prestige

Posted by Katharine M. J. Osborne Nov 5, 2006

Recently I saw the film "The Presige", written and directed by Christopher Nolan, the auteur behind "Memento". In the film the physicist Nikola Tesla is a key character (played by David Bowie). The acuracy of the portrayal of the enigmatic Tesla could be debated, but what is more important , to me at least, is how Tesla's acheivements are portrayed. Read no further if you don't want a plot spoiler!

In the film, Telsa creates a machine that can replicate and transport matter, with what seems to be no more than some electrical discharge. I think that most people will realize that this is complete fiction. However, Tesla was such a mysterious character that after his death he has developed a cult following. He was certainly a maverick, and the rivalry he had with Edison was alluded to in the film (mirroring the conflict between the magicians). He was also a man ahead of his time - he pioneered the transmission of energy through air. In fact he wanted to broadcast electricity freely to everyone - it would be a very different world if he won that battle with Edison. Tesla also realized the value of transmitting information wirelessly (cell phones). He has inspired wonder in many generations.

The problem is, does this protrayal of Tesla further color who this man was and what he acheived? Does it contribute the to enigma, further elevating Telsa as almost a mythical figure?