While it is certainly true that most magic secrets are disappointing, boring or too logical to be amazing, I think there are many effects wherein the method is more interesting than the effect itself.

Magic squares, Magic Inc's 'Transactions', and 'The Powers of Darkness' would be 3 for me, that I think have a more interesting method than effect.

Are there others?

Don't know. But I certainly don't want something that has a more interesting method than effect. I want the effect to be amazing. Maybe a method that's on par with the effect...

We all do, but sometimes that isn't the case.

Fickle Nickel by John Cornelious is a great method and fun to perform too.

Sean

I think the movie was speaking to the fact that once the secret is known, the magic is lost.

The whole movie wraps around Algiere trying to figure out the "real" secret to the Transported Man.

The secrets are simple -- and that is our biggest secret! If our audiences realize the simplicity of what we do -- we lose our "prestige" ;-)

Right on, Icy Rabbit.

Well said Icy _ rabbit !!

Not to mention obsession usually gets the best of you sooner or later. It was a good movie; I can't wait to get the DVD.

Did anyone see any magician's or familiar names in the credits?

Mine would have to be Die-Cipher and the Matchbox Penetration, very sneaky and unassuming.

Not to mention effective and examinable!

Wasn't that Ricky Jay performing in the opening sequences? Anyone recognize anyone else?!?

Regards,

Barrett James

Ricky Jay and Michael Weber provided the magic consultantcy and Ricky Jay played the Character 'Milton the Magician'

Icy_rabbit pointed out ...The secrets are simple -- and that is our biggest secret! If our audiences realize the simplicity of what we do -- we lose our "prestige" ;-)

He made a very good point. Recall the effect of having a spectator seated and showing him/her how to do a vanish of a rolled up napkin. Everyone in the audience will know the method except the one seated on stage. I used to do a little warm up to keep my hands busy before a show of just holding a silver dollar in my palm and tossing it from hand to hand as I turnd them over. A spectator caught a look at it and coundn't understand how I could do it. To them it dissapeared from one hand and appeared in the other. The speed at which the brain can process images is why movies caught on.
John