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Zackary Loyal user Monroe,Louisiana 210 Posts |
Hello,I am new to mentalism and was wondering what would be some good, visual, and high-impact tricks. I'm really wanting to buy books or DVDs. I have been a card magician for about five years, so I'm pretty familiar with any sleights. I need everything to be close up. Any info would be great.
Thanks, Zack |
NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
Hi Zack,
I'm a new mentalist, too (with 20 years in magic), and the most important thing I am learning is that mentalism is VERY different from magic. I would recommend Richard Osterlind's DVD set. There is a lot of good mentalism and magic in them that will inspire you and give you a taste of different areas of this art form. I would also suggest thinking about WHY you want to do mentalism. |
mindhunter Inner circle Upstate NY 2280 Posts |
Welcome to the "other side", Zack. It is a whole new world as far as performing for real people is concerned. They will remember that you knew their innermost thought LONG AFTER they forgot about that perfect top change or perfect Ambitious routine.
As discussed previously, I tie in cold reading, psychological forces, and standard mentalism ruses into a "package" that helps me at my day job. And the craft has served me very well. I GET confessions and I talk people into coming out (usually there is a reason I am also an active member of the AR-15.com SWAT forums, lol). I think what Nichols above is mentioning is that a totally different performing attitude is required other than "look at ME I can do MAGIC!" While nothing is WRONG with that, I think that an approach closer to claiming to tap inner consciousness plays as more real. IF that is what you are looking for. As far as a trick/reading list, well, in my opinion the resources are vast. I would start with the modest investment in the "classics" such as 13 Steps to Mentalism by Corinda. "Mind Myth and Magic" also springs up. Also probably Henning Nelm's "Magic and Showmanship" and apply the THOUGHTS to mentalism. As much as I love to sell my effects, I wouldn't recommend any until you devour as much literature as you can. I am sure others will chime in with some great recomendations. Bryn
Bryn D. Reynolds, Author of:
"The Safwan Papers" & "The LOGAR Scrolls" Mentalism ebooks - PM any interest. My artwork: https://darkmountainarts.com |
dpe666 Inner circle 2895 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-02-25 00:45, mindhunter wrote: Yes, you now need a "look at ME I can do mentalism" performing attitude. LOL. I agree with Mindhunter. I find that a lot of magicians who make the "change over" into mentalism have a hard time getting out of the "magician's mindset". |
Peo Olsson Inner circle Stockholm, Sweden 3260 Posts |
Zackary,
Reading a book about a subject, never can't be wrong. Let me suggest that you sink your teeth into the "Big Three" ones about mentalism: 13 Steps To Mentalism, by Tony Corinda Practical Mental Effects, by Theodore Anneman Mind, Myth & Magic, by T.A. Waters There are, of course, other books to read, but these three are the essential ones. Peo
Pictured to the left my hero and me during FISM 2006 in Stockholm.
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Anabelle Special user 951 Posts |
I totally agree with Peo, Zack.
Anabelle |
david_a_whitehead Inner circle USA 2122 Posts |
I would add that you should pick up Bob Cassidy's fundamentals, a guidebook to mentalism. Cassidy recommends above all The Jinx, and Bascom Jones' Magick. Get all these books, study them, then come back here and ask for the books of further study.
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Peo Olsson Inner circle Stockholm, Sweden 3260 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-02-25 10:41, david_a_whitehead wrote: You should learn to crawl before you learn how to walk. Peo
Pictured to the left my hero and me during FISM 2006 in Stockholm.
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DaveS Veteran user New York 329 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-02-25 13:14, Peo Olsson wrote: For beginners in mentalism, Bob Cassidy recommends, above all, Henry Hay’s "The Amateur Magician’s Handbook." Cassidy's "The Thirty-Nine Steps A Mentalist's Library of Essential Works" on his website: http://www.mastermindreader.com/ offers an annotated list from one of the art's top practitioners. Good luck! DaveS
We shall not cease from exploration/And the end of all our exploring/Will be to arrive where we started/And know the place for the first time. (TS Elliot)
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david_a_whitehead Inner circle USA 2122 Posts |
I was going to say that in my post. However, the original poster said he has been in magic for five years, so I assume he has the experience taught in Henry Hay's book. And, Peo, my post was meant to be a supplement to what you said. The books I mentioned can be gotten at the same time or after 13 Steps, etc.
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Samuel Catoe Inner circle South Carolina 1268 Posts |
I would like to further the recommendations by adding Larry Becker's works to the mix. If you want effects with punch, check out his material. It is top notch stuff.
Samuel
Author of Illusions of Influence, a treatise on Equivoque.
PM me for details and availability. |
Stefan Behrens New user Hamwarde, Germany 38 Posts |
Hi Zack
I agree with Peo Olson too. Don´t try to get eyerything you find about mentalism at once. In mentalism simplicity for the maximum effect is the best way - but hard to find. You should start with a "standart"; maybe Corinda or Anneman. Waters, Becker or Cassidy in my opinion give you adaptions to the "modern style" . I think for a newcommer,it is substantial to permeate one "standart". There is so much material you can adapt to your person, that you will be engaged in for a while. And with your engagement you will find also works by Riggs, Rowland, Osterlind, Strivings, Knepper, Zingg, Lesley, Brown, etc... Please take time ... !, take time for reading. There are not many complicated sleights and flourishes. With best regards from Wohltorf, Germany Stefan Behrens |
London Special user U.S.A. 769 Posts |
Zack,
I would suggest reading some of the Bob Nelson stuff you can find. Some of it is a bit dated but there are still some gems in there. Good luck
THOUGHTfully,
LONDON |
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