This lens discusses the plot and the twists of the movie The Prestige in detail. Read with caution if you haven't yet watched the movie.

Is it the cat remaining in the machine?

Although I wish it were the other way round, I believe the real cat remains in the machine and the cat that is projected elsewhere is a clone.

Sadly, this means that Angier is not "real", which in turn means... well, this calls for another viewing of the movie!

Or the cat that has been projected elsewhere?

On the other hand, it could be a projecting machine, with a clone being left behind as a "flaw". It's a tough one to work out.

Actually, either way Angier is not "real", if you note what happens in the first test of the machine.

Which knot does Borden tie?

This is the first tipping point of the movie. Angier's wife dies because she cannot release herself from the knot Borden tied for an underwater magic trick, and drowns.

Prior to this point, Borden, Angier, and Cutter argued about the type of knot that would be best for the trick. Borden wanted to try a different knot and Angier's wife agreed with him.

Afterwards, it becomes obsessively important to Angier to know which knot Borden tied: ie, was it Borden's fault (for tying his knot) or was it Angier's and Cutter's fault (for convincing Borden to tie their knot).

As some of the twists are revealed, we realise that the reason Borden refuses to answer Angier, even at gunpoint, is that he doesn't know himself which knot was tied. The reason: Although Borden tied the knot, Angier asked Fallon-as-Borden the question. And the twins had never discussed the issue, so Fallon had no answer to give.

Cutter's story about the drowning sailor

When Angier's wife drowns, Cutter consoles Angier by telling a story of a drowing sailor who survived and told Cutter that drowning was a peaceful and easy way to die.

Angier believed Cutter, and so decided to use drowning as the method for killing off the duplicate Angier remaining over the stage trapdoor - both as a tribute to his wife and because he believed it was a peaceful death.

Cutter lied, though. He changed the story to offer solace. At the end of the movie, when he finds out what Angier has been doing, he delivers a harsh correction to his story: The sailor told him drowning was the most painful thing he'd ever experienced.

More discussion points:

The bird trick, repeated several times. Make a note of the crying boy's comment.

Sarah's comments about Borden loving her.

What does Borden say when Sarah tells him she is pregnant?

What is so precious that Angier steals from Borden?

Which cat is a real cat?

Borden stays for tea

Borden escorts Sarah home to her apartment. She doesn't allow him to go in with her, but as she closes the door on him and turns around, he is already inside making the tea.

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