The Better Magician
By magojordan
@magojordan (3252)
Philippines
July 2, 2008 11:10pm CST
Which is a better magician? The one that uses a lot of props or the one who uses a lot of sleight of hand? Tell me what do you think.
4 responses
@Cley_CJ (105)
• Malaysia
3 Jul 08
I doesn't really matter because it all comes down to performance and the spectators. Even spectators like either one than the other, but of course most like all kinds of magic.
I'm not sure what's your definition of props in your question. Either props in grand illusions or gimmicks in close-up magic, because illusions & close-up are not really comparable because, to me, they're very distinct.
In close up however, using gimmicks or sleights both have advantages and disadvantages. For me, I prefer sleight-of-hand more, because it trains my hands to be nimble and also trains my focus, which can be useful in other things that I do.
1 person likes this
@Cley_CJ (105)
• Malaysia
3 Jul 08
I understand what you mean.
Which reminds me of a video from youtube a guy posted showing himself showing the basic tricks with a svengali. You know the ones in the instruction that comes together with the deck. Guess what's the video's title...... 'David Blaine Malaysia'! I say WHAT?! I don't think he knows there're Malaysian magicians who are way better than him (me, for example;), and he claims to be a Malaysian version of Blaine? My friends who actually showed me the video couldn't stand him either. Here's the link:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=kKODAxeJvFo
What about this guy. He's promoting himself, saying he can do shows at your house, but would you hire him?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ayscLyvWv0o
I know I shoudn't kick down my own countrymen, but I think these guys need some reality check, maybe they need a magic teacher, or maybe they need to be judged by Simon Cowell to bring them down to earth.
1 person likes this
@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
3 Jul 08
You're right about what I mean of props in terms of gimmicks also the self working ones. I posted this because personally I am annoyed by those who think they are the greatest magicians when all they could do is to rely on svengali decks and stuff like that.They should really watch those who really came before them like Cardini, Pollock, Mcbride etc. Thanks for that insightful response.
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
3 Jul 08
That's hard to answer! If you are in a big theatre, the large props and effects can look very spectacular and it's easier to see what's going on. If the magician is right next to you, the sleight of hand is incredible, and very baffling when it's done well. I think a good magician sets up an atmosphere to enhance his magic and hold you under his spell!
1 person likes this
@fatman01923 (102)
• United States
3 Jul 08
I think good magicians do not need all of that atmosphere, cause they can back it up with their amazing tricks, in my opinion.
1 person likes this
@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
3 Jul 08
I think it's true too that props look spectacular in a theater and sleight of hand artists look good in a close-up set. I agree to that magicians set up the mood in order for his tricks to be more effective.
@fatman01923 (102)
• United States
3 Jul 08
A one who uses slight of the hand because they are the ones who specifically need quick timing to pull their trick off, one bad move and their trick failed...
1 person likes this
@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
3 Jul 08
I really admire sleight of hand artists. Thanks for the great insight.
@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
13 Jul 08
Thanks for the comment? I just hope you had elaborated on it though.
