do you like magic?

[squeeeb]

this is kind of a philosophical, life, entertainment question, i put it here, hope i'm correct on that...

sleight of hand, stage magic: do you like it?

every once in a while, they have some magic special on tv. you see magicians at ren fests and such. but it seems magic's appeal is not so much. and i wonder why this is.

is it because people feel frustrated that they don't know how it's done, and they feel like they are being fooled and made fun of?

is it because the tricks are so old and overdone that you just don't care anymore?

are we so advanced, technologically, that everything can be explained and magic has no interest or wonder anymore? "back in the day" magic was kind of "believed," people used it to convey meaning. now it's just "a stupid trick." it seems to have lost it's power to mystify.

have you seen so many crappy magicians they just ruined it for you?

i for one LOVE magic. i've studied it for years. it's an art form, a theatrical art. it's more than just doing stuff with your hands, there is acting, grace, timing, etc. even though i know how most of the tricks are done, i appreciate the skill the magician uses, and i am still entertained watching the tricks.

but it seems interest in magic, overall, is dying. is it? if so, why?

[xxxafterglow]

Oh man in my twisted head that topic read as a really naughty,

"Hey little girl.. do you like ... MAGIC?"

Time to go to bed. I like to believe in real magic.

[Hyacinthe]

I'll admit to not being a big 'magic' fan. Simply cause I was brought up to know that it's all sleight of hand and illusion.

I agree with you that it's admirable the dedication that people put in to learn it and I consider it as valid a theatre sport as music, acting and dancing but to me that's what it is a theatre sport.

He doesn't really make that girl disappear or chop her in half.

I guess if someone is going to put on a magic show for me I expect real magic.

[squeeeb]

Originally Posted by xxxafterglow

Oh man in my twisted head that topic read as a really naughty,

"Hey little girl.. do you like ... MAGIC?"

Time to go to bed. I like to believe in real magic.

for you...

hey little girl...do you like....MAGIC?

[xxxafterglow]

hahahahahhahaahaaaaaaaaaaaa thanks, man.

[MSD]

Being one who doesn't believe in much of anything, it's fun to watch a refined performance that seems to do the impossible while acknowledging that it's all an act. Trying to figure it out is an intellectual challenge at times. Performing for crowds, especially in close quarters, is difficult and takes real talent.

Unfortunately, frauds like David Blaine and Criss Angel ruin magic for a lot of people, including the genuine performers who have to compete with the pop appeal of frauds who have no qualms about using special effects and camera tricks then denying it.

[Cynthetiq]

I love magic and follow it.

I've met Blaine and used to see Criss Angel on the LIRR from time to time since he lived nearby when I was living on Long Island. They just have their own twist on things like Penn and Teller did in their original acts.

There is something elegant about stage magic and sleight of hand. I enjoy it whenever I can get the opportunity. Oddly enough I have never been able to get into the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Each time I'm invited something happens and I can't make it. I've wanted to get into there since I was a kid watching Bill Bixy in the World of Magic shows.

[KirStang]

My bestfriend does it. Although I recognize that it's all sleight of hand and essentially fake, it's still enjoyable to watch.

[majik_6]

Alright, I'll admit it....

I love magic.

I've been a magician for about 20 years, performing at least semi-professionally for the last 13. It's been the best paying gig of my life, at times, and has always been a lot of fun.

I've gone to the meetings, hit the conventions, and try to see a good show any chance I can. Though a lot of people may despise him, I love Copperfield and have seen him five times (actually got to go on stage twice). It's been great watching masters at the craft doing what they do best, and often getting a chance to meet with them and discuss the art.

Unfortunately, I think you're correct when you say that the art is largely dying. In our reality-obsessed entertainment culture, it's tough to sell an artform that benefits largely from elaborate presentation and well-thought staging. True, there are new performers that have embraced a stripped-down aesthetic, but they certainly don't have the aura and pump of the great performers of years past. And I'll agree with what's been said, the idea of using camera tricks is appauling.

[JustJess]

I completely agree with you, squeeb. It's fun to watch, and when well-done, a real art. Q does the basic 3 card monty trick, and it makes me giggle like a kid every time - I don't know how he does it, and I don't want to know! It's the awesomest.

I know they're tricking me, but I admire the skill. It's not like it's an easy thing to learn and be good at. I do think that the ability to wonder at such things is being lost, as majik said. I kind of miss some of the earnestness of kids... it seems like they're the last spot of wonder in the world, and that's quickly being lost as well. It's a shame, I think... I'm happier being able to say "golly gee wow!!" than if I were all cynical about everything. There's enough to bring out my cynicism... I'll keep magic with fireworks and enjoy the show, thankyouverymuch.