Moments pages are Spoilers Off. You Have Been Warned.
- The sequence where Cutter hires alcoholic, out-of-work actor Gerald Root to pose as Angier's double for the "New Transported Man" trick provides some of the film's funniest moments.
- Angier first sees Root on stage:
- Later, Borden tells Olivia just how easily he was able to see through Angier's act:Olivia: He wants me to come work for you and steal your secrets.
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 night the "New Transported Man" goes wrong:Angier: I cannot claim this next trick as 'illusion', what you're about to see... is considered safe. [goes through the door frame; slips down the trap door; slams onto the crash pad-less ground, injuring himself]
- And then Borden goes up instead of Root, putting on a show for the audience by having Root be descended from the ceiling, bound and gagged with an advertisement for his show hanging on him.Borden: (gives a dramatic start at seeing Root’s dangling form) Oh! The Great Danton! I apologise. There simply is too much magic for my stage at the Pantages! (Stage Whisper) Across the street. (steps down from the stage) Pardon my intrusion! And go easy on the poor chap, he does try so very hard!
- When Cutter is questioned over the circumstances of Angier's death:Judge: How large do you think this tank was?
Cutter: Eh... 400, 500 gallons, maybe.
Judge: And how do you think he was able to move a tank of this size?
Cutter: He's the magician. Why don't you ask him? - While in prison, Borden manages to pull a prank on one of his guards using some sleight of hand and a rubber ball.Guard: (flipping through Borden’s notes) I’m gonna learn all The Professor’s secrets.
Borden: Only if I teach you how to read.
Guard: (unimpressed) They’re just stupid tricks, aren’t they? Haven’t helped you get out of here, have they? (picks up the chain binding Borden’s shackles to the table and jingles it) Or can’t you undo real locks, Professor?
Borden: Well, maybe I’m only biding my time. Maybe one day, I’ll just… (produces a rubber ball) open my hand, get your attention, ask “Are you watching closely?”, (tosses the ball a couple times) do a magic whirl or two, and then I’ll be gone! (makes to toss the ball a third time, though it has seemingly vanished. Then it drops and he starts scrabbling under the table for it)
Guard: (chuckles) How’d you get so famous, then?
Borden: (backs away from the table, showing the recovered ball- and his unshackled hand) Magic.
Guard: (starts forward only to find that Borden’s shackle is around his foot, chaining him to the table) OI! BORDEN, GET BACK HERE! (the inmates start laughing- including Borden, even as some other guards take hold of him) SHUT UP! WHERE’S THE BLOODY KEY?!
