“Tesla”, 2020
Director: Michael Almereyda
This biographical drama, starring Ethan Hawke as Nikola Tesla, explores the inventor's life, including his inventions and his interactions with Thomas Edison. Directed by Michael Almereyda, the film delves into Tesla's groundbreaking contributions to electrical science and his complex personality, employing a unique narrative style that includes modern anachronisms.
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Kyle MacLachlan, Eve Hewson, Jim Gaffigan, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Rebecca Dayan, Josh Hamilton, James Urbaniak, Lucy Walters, Donnie Keshawarz;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,1;
“The Prestige”, 2006
Director: Christopher Nolan
While not a biopic of Tesla, this Christopher Nolan-directed film features David Bowie as Nikola Tesla. In a supporting role key to the plot, Tesla is portrayed as a brilliant but reclusive inventor who creates a fantastical machine for one of the competing magicians in the story. The film does an excellent job of conveying both the mystique surrounding Tesla and some of his real-life scientific pursuits.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Piper Perabo, Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Samantha Mahurin, David Bowie, Andy Serkis, Daniel Davis;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: thriller, science fiction, drama, detective;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 130 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
More information about the film “The Prestige” on the website imdb.com
“The Current War”, 2017
Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
This historical drama focuses on the bitter rivalry between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse, with Nikola Tesla (played by Nicholas Hoult) playing a crucial role in the narrative. The film details the contentious race to spread the usage of electrical power across the United States and highlights Tesla's significant contributions and challenges during that era.
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Michael Shannon, Nicholas Hoult, Katherine Waterston, Matthew Macfadyen, Oliver Powell, Sophia Ally, Tuppence Middleton, Woody Norman;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: biography, history, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “The Current War” on the website imdb.com
These films, each in their own way, strive to honor the memory of Nikola Tesla, exploring his accomplishments, the adversities he faced, and his lasting impact on the world. Through biographical narratives or key supporting roles, Tesla's life story continues to inspire and intrigue audiences around the globe.
In conclusion, films about Nikola Tesla illuminate the life and achievements of a man whose innovations were nothing short of revolutionary, yet whose story was often overshadowed by his contemporaries. Through the lens of cinema, audiences are invited to explore the complexities of his genius as well as the trials he endured in pursuit of a future powered by his visions. From dramatized biopics to documentaries rich with historical insight, these films collectively offer a nuanced portrait of Tesla, moving beyond the caricature of the eccentric inventor to reveal a person of profound intelligence and enduring influence on modern society. They remind us of the importance of recognizing and commemorating those who, like Tesla, dedicate their lives to the betterment of humanity through their unyielding spirit of innovation and exploration. Through each frame and narrative, the cinematic journey into Tesla's world not only educates but also inspires, challenging us to imagine the boundless possibilities of perseverance and the power of an idea whose time has come.
