Vogler and Vergerus
Would you say their rivalry comprises the heart of Bergman's The Magician?
"...if that was off, I'd be whoopin' your ass up and down this street." ~ an irate Tarantino
[deleted]
Sean,
I frankly think it obvious that the answer to your question is yes. While there are other conflicts in the film, such as between the Consul and his wife, and within the Vogler family as well, the MAIN conflict is clearly as indicated.