Magic in the big screen: Three great films about performance magic

Performance magic has been around for centuries and has been captivating audiences from around the world. From simple and complex tricks to optical illusions, this art form never fails to entertain all kinds of viewers. Because of this mystique, Hollywood has tried to capture the allure of the performance. The following are notable films that critics and viewers believe have succeeded with the hat tricks:  

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The Prestige (2006)
 Based on the award-winning novel by Christopher Priest, The Prestige centers on the rivalry between two magicians, Robert Angier and Alfred Borden. Once partners, the two become bitter enemies after Angier blames Borden for his wife’s death during a performance. They both begin to sabotage each other’s tricks, which lead to deadly consequences.  

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The Illusionist (2006)
This is the story of Eisenheim, a master illusionist, and the great lengths he went through to be with the woman he loves. Eisenheim is a son of a peasant who, as a teenager, falls in love with Sophie, a duchess. After being forced to go their separate ways, they meet again as adults, with Eisenheim as a famous magician and Sophie engaged to an abusive crown prince. The two then devise a grand magic trick that would allow them to finally be together.  

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Now You See Me (2013)
A team of illusionists known as The Four Horsemen are led by a mysterious mastermind to commit bank heists in front of a big audience using magic tricks, after which they would give the stolen money to the viewers. This gets the attention of FBI and Interpol agents who decide to investigate on the magicians.

Performance magic, whether in film or in reality, never fails to capture viewers’ attention. Thus, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the art form endures for a long time.  

A celebrated speed painter and mentalist, Robert Channing continues to mesmerize audiences with each performance. Visit his website to learn more about his work.

The most popular mentalist performances

Mentalism is a performance art, whereby the performer, known as a mentalist, displays what appear to be highly intuitive – even supernatural – abilities. Also known as psychic entertainment, mentalism is done purely for entertainment purposes, and it has no pretentions of portraying authentic paranormal acts.

 

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The following are some of the most common mentalist performances incorporated by magicians, street performers, and even public speakers to their presentations:  

Telepathy

Telepathy is the transmission of information from one person to another, without any physical or sensory interaction. Essentially, it is the ability to use the mind to send messages to another person.  

 

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Clairvoyance

This is the ability to provide information about a person, object, or event through purportedly extra-sensory means without prior knowledge about the subjects. Clairvoyance is also known as remote viewing or telesthesia.  

Divination

Divination is the use of supernatural rituals to gain information. Some magicians employ elaborate rituals as part of their performance, making their shows not just psychic acts but also visual spectacles.  

 

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Precognition Also known as fortune-telling, precognition is the skill of describing events and occasions that have yet to happen.  

Psychokinesis

Psychokinesis is the ability to move objects or persons through non-physical means. An example is the old “floating lady” trick.  

Robert Channing is a world-renowned mentalist and motivational speaker. To learn more about his work and to request for a performance, visit his official website.