 Michael Caine as John Cutter , the stage engineer ( ingenieur ) who works with Angier and Borden . Caine had previously collaborated with Nolan and Bale in Batman Begins . Nolan said that even though it felt like the character of Cutter was written for Caine , it was not . Nolan noted that the character was written " before I 'd ever met " Caine . Caine describes Cutter as " a teacher , a father and a guide to Angier " . Caine , in trying to create Cutter 's nuanced portrait , altered his voice and posture . Nolan later said that " Michael Caine ’ s character really becomes something of the heart of the film . He has a wonderful warmth and emotion to him that draws you into the story and allows you to have a point of view on these characters without judging them too harshly . " 
