"The Prestige": The Electrifying Battle Behind the Magic

The American film "The Prestige" has received widespread acclaim since its release. We won't delve into the details of the movie itself in this discussion but will instead explore the fascinating electrical battle that serves as its backdrop.

One unintended consequence of the film is its renewed focus on Tesla, the electrical genius. A Serbian prodigy in mathematics and physics from a young age, Tesla was captivated by the emerging field of electrical science. He was a dreamer and an inventor, creating a series of electrical inventions, some of which lacked practicality but showcased his immense talent.

The film portrays Tesla as a mysterious figure, and when Angier seeks him out, it's the lab where Tesla conducts his groundbreaking research. Tesla was at the peak of his career, but tragedy struck. In the early hours of March 13, 1895, his laboratory was consumed by a massive fire, and all his experimental equipment was lost. Tesla's life took a significant hit, and he struggled financially in his later years, leading to his solitary and impoverished death in 1943.

It's worth noting that Tesla was fond of pigeons and spent his final days with a white pigeon. If he knew how pigeons were used as props in magic tricks, he might have electrocuted the one Angier brought.

Tesla was indeed a remarkable figure, but it's worth mentioning that comparing him to Edison can be misleading. They were both influential figures of their time. The film briefly alludes to Edison, hinting at his competitive relationship with Tesla. This rivalry stemmed from the battle between direct (DC) and alternating (AC) electricity.

Despite his significant contributions to early DC power applications, Edison was inflexible, especially regarding his resistance to AC. Tesla excelled in the field of AC electricity, which fueled this rivalry. However, Tesla was an inventor, not a businessman, while Edison displayed remarkable entrepreneurial skills. Therefore, Westinghouse, another key figure emerges, the legendary entrepreneur who vigorously promoted AC electricity for commercial use. Westinghouse's support for Tesla's AC inventions was critical in the "War of Currents." In the end, AC electricity emerged victorious, marking a new era in electrical engineering.

Despite Edison's stubbornness in the AC vs. DC battle, he extended a helping hand when Tesla's lab was destroyed by fire. Edison allowed Tesla to set up a temporary workspace in his famous West Orange Laboratory. This act of empathy demonstrates the mutual respect they held for each other.

Both Edison and Westinghouse faced personal and financial hardships later in their lives. Edison, whose General Electric was merged into the behemoth known as GE, expressed a sense of despair about being forgotten. Nevertheless, Edison's legacy remains strong today.

Westinghouse had a similar fate, gradually losing control of his company and eventually facing bankruptcy. Their stories provide a fascinating backdrop to the themes explored in "The Prestige."

Examining the film from this angle reveals intriguing parallels between the history of magic and the advancement of electrical technology. Early magic tricks relied on mechanical devices and the power of imagination, constrained by the magician's skills. As Angier seeks Tesla's help, it symbolizes the advent of a new era in magic, where modern technology broadens the possibilities. This transformation is reminiscent of scenes in Japanese samurai films when the introduction of firearms symbolized the end of an era.

In conclusion, "The Prestige" not only tells an intriguing story of the rivalry between magicians but also delves into the fascinating backdrop of the electrical advancements and personal struggles of historical figures like Tesla, Edison, and Westinghouse. This provides a unique lens through which we can appreciate the film's intricate plot and characters. If you're interested in diving deeper into the war of Currents, I recommend reading "Empires of Light: Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse, and the Race to Electrify the World," which details the captivating history of the battle between DC and AC electricity.