All I can really say about last nights marathon E4 showing of Derren’s Mind Control was excellent, over three hours of pure pleasure. The more you see of Derren’s artistry, the more you want to see. Although without having any thoughts or wish to copy his demonstrations this is the way mentalism should be heading, not having to resort to using unnecessary props or gimmicks. I for one want to see more of the same.
:cuteangel: Heavenly

The Paranormalist

Derren probably uses more gimmicks than you realise. However as this topic has been done to death I shall say no more!

Regards,

Kris Sheglova

Yes Kris,
I agree some aspects of Derren's performance has been done to death, mainly the lack of knowledge of some 'mentalists!'. But the gimmicks I am refering to are for instance, the lack of Derren's long windedness in the accomplisment of various demonstrations. All for the betterment (If there is such a word) of our art. You know the ones I mean, not having to roll dice, add up spots, use playing cards, just to find one word in a book and such like, everything that has given mentalism a bad name in the past, for being too long winded and drawn out. It dose'nt matter what pre-show work goes on behind the scenes, It's what the viewing audience see in the finality of it all.
It also must be said the more good Mentalism
etc, even John Edward and his like, anything paranormal, is seen on television can only be a good thing for the rest of us who make a living by performing for the public in whatever capacity.

The Paranormalist

I saw the last two shows and can only say hes getting better and better. What a great show. There isn't anyone around that comes near him at the moment.

The Mind Control night was a real treat.

Apart from the fantastic new material - it was also great to see what a skilled performer he is in the related disciplines of pickpocketing and card sleights etc.

With the purer mentalism material, at times it's frustrating how much TV editing you know is going on.

He's the true master of flannel - the pre-effect monologues to lead the viewers up the garden path.

BB

Can someone post a review ?

I have to admit that I never thought I'd see the day when I contributed to a thread on Derren Brown having become sick of them both here and in other magic forums, but after last night's Mind Control programmes it hard to see how mentalism could get any better than this.

I agree, Derren certainly has streamlined a lot of mentalistic effects, for TV. His books, Pure Effect, and Absolute Magic contain his thoughts on the matter (especially Absolute Magic!).

Sad thing is, that just becuase Corinda did it one way in the 50s, mentalists have sometimes taken this to be set in stone, or been so enamoured of the method they neglect the "effect".

I for one have totally redesigned my mentalism after seeing Derren. I have not copied his style or effects, but taken the philosophy behind it, to create the most convincing presentations I can, where possible.

If it means ejecting a method or effect that does not contribute to the overall image of "pure mindreading", then so be it.

Anyway, let's not make this another 50 posts plus, thread, eh?

Enough, already!

I'm so glad that some people are recognising the value of Derrens high profile presence as a contributory factor towards the elevation of our art into the public consciousness.We need this type of exposure and should welcome Derrens rise to fame as a calling card for us all. Being as this is the mentalists section of the forum I don't fully understand how or why some can tire of discussions of such quality demonstrations of mentalism by this expert showman. I say keep the threads going and capitalise and build on what DB does.

I was watching this with a qualified and experienced scientist and was astonished at how readily she accepted Derren's explanations. It seemed churlish to disilluion her (so I didn't). An absolutely superb show.

Did any of you gentlemen happen to tape the show?
I could not get anyone in the UK to tape it for me but would love to see it if anyone would be so kind to contact me.

Regards Alan

The best bits for me was Mr Brown's links between each programs - they really made me laugh.

Mind you, the programs didn't show what most of us dicuss on the boards i.e. coin guess, book test, ESP match?

All in all, very good entertainment.