Nobody likes a killjoy. So if you're a big fan of guys like Criss Angel the Mindfreak, bail out now before your bubble gets burst.
I watched a show "about" him last night--an expertly orchestrated sham-fest that managed to trick the very gullible into thinking he knew how to dematerialize and rematerialize; and that this was a physically demanding process.
Once you know how magicians operate, it becomes entirely obvious and even kind of funny to see audiences so surprised at what transpires.
Have they never heard of the term "body double"? Clearly this is a big part of his act. He and his troupe of born liars (all seemingly right off the set of "Jersey Shore") make obvious statements about how "Chriss knows he could die if he falls from that height"; and pose silly possible explanations while of course never saying: "or, he could have a body double".
This is fairly standard stuff. That, plus massive amounts of preparation, audience plants, mirrors, trap doors and well-known mechanical ruses, accomplish all of his admittedly imaginative stunts.
What I find disturbing about him is that he seems to revel in lying--his eyes are the shiny orbs of a cynic. At least he is not doing anyone harm; and folks sure seem to love his act.
He is very good with cards of course; and some of his small-bore trickery is quite fascinating in its ingenuity.
One supposes there are plenty of folks who really have no clue how magicians operate, and these comprise his acolytes. In the end, it is they who are annoying for their obstinate gullibility.
Note to Chriss Angel fans: of course he cannot rematerialize; or make elephants move away from their posts in a flash. Why do you suppose he is always using a curtain? and why is he always standing on a platform? Heavens to Betsy.
