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closeupmagician New user 60 Posts |
I have read other posts on here of people's opinions of Copperfield's magic today, as opposed to his magic of past years and televisions specials. A few of the comments concerned his "distasteful effects" such as panty swap, voyeur, and impregnating and woman onstage. How can anyone find these offensive? For one, Copperfield does what most magicians do not. For him, the magic comes second, the entertainment value comes first. I saw the baby illusion live and it wasn't even close to distasteful. Actually it was hilarious, and it was obvious he was having fun performing it. People have commented that he seems tired, but I thought it was as if he was performing all of his illusions for the first time. Also, someone commented about how they did not like Copperfield having his volunteers give him a kiss on the cheek after they assisted him onstage. Let's be honest...what woman in her right mind would not want to kiss him? He is the MAN when it comes to magic. His name is recognizable everywhere and everyone styles one thing or another off of his shows. It's all about telling a story and making people believe the impossible, and David does just that. I had the opportunity to meet him at the show I attended and he is quite personable, not the mean, arrogant star that some have depicted. I cannot believe what some people have to say about him, but if David Blaine and Criss Angel are the biggest stars in magic for our near future then our craft may be in jeopardy. I hope someone will come along that performs Copperfield-esque and cause people to dream and not cuss their heads off, aka Blaine/Angel. Magic is about dreaming, telling a story, and connecting with people and that is what Copperfield does.
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Marshall Thornside Inner circle chicago 2016 Posts |
It's his personality I have an issue with
not so much his magic or performance. but then I have mentioned those later in other discussions. I view magic like the independent music business. there are a lot more talented artists (magicians included) out there that aren't promoted with a lot hype and financial backing. When you strip the performance down you see what you get and it'll blow you away with out the added effects. Although I do have to admit, I really enjoyed Criss Angel's special from a couple years back. Maybe its the gothic side I related to. I don't know, I did enjoy it. It was creative and interesting to veiw. A bit thought provoking. Other than that I haven't seen much great talent in magic that I can remember in recent years.
you will remember my name
World's Youngest Illusionista 7th greatest pianist in the world Go Red For Women and Stroke Ambassador www.mai-ling.net |
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collective foundry Inner circle 1404 Posts |
As a designer / Consultant I will tell you that there are people ready to step into the place where David's at these days. New fresh shows. No worries. Our craft will be around for generations to come with new blood, new illusions and effects and ground breaking magic and performance. Our audience is ready for a change, I think DC's noticing that people are loosing interest. they've surrendered to the fact the guy can do anything. And mostly: its the same david they've seen for the last 25 years. Our audience is waiting for an evolution. A change/
R. |
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Well, he hasn't promoted his show via television specials in years; who knows if this is his choice, or the networks? Not that he needs the work, but I'm sure that a lot of younger kids today have no idea who he is.
I have seen that tired, seemingly bored magician described here when I saw DC the last few times. I also think tricks along the lines of "panty exchange" are distasteful. You can't argue with success, but I long for the elegant storyteller of 20 years ago. I know the argument will be "he's keeping up with the times," but in fact he NEVER really did that in his younger days. When disco was king, e was using music by the likes of Sinatra, Gershwin, and Cole Porter. He used to set the style ... now he's become a trend follower, attempting street magic ion his last special rather than the stage performance he excels at. |
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RandyStewart Inner circle Texas (USA) 1989 Posts |
I tend to skip posts that comment on performer's personalities and whether they are personable or not. I don't have to hang around with DC or even have to deal with him beyond a performance so I don't care if someone was able to chum up to him or not.
As an audience member, I pay to be entertained by the performer - not be buddies with them. As for being offensive, I'd say he has a way to go (by my standard) before he crosses the line. Obviously mine is just one of many opinions. As for looking tired, I've heard this a lot and heck, it may be true. The recent photos I've seen of him are not of a tired man but merely older - it's not always easy to look as one did 25 years ago. I forget DC's ranking among Forbe's List of wealthiest Americans, but he came in with an impressive 45 million dollar pocket. I suppose he could retire or take an extended vacation whenever he likes. Perhaps he's married to his work as a top notch performer. All in all, I think he's doing a fabulous job as always. No problem. |
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Jeff007 Regular user 109 Posts |
How you can possibly know someone by just talking with them after a show is beyond me. I have met with DC numerous times. I do know a few things he has done in the magic world that I do not agree with, but a public audience would never know about those sorts of things. DC has probably been the best thing that has ever happened to magic in the long run. I do not agree that his way is the way magic is "supposed" to be. Magic is a lot of different things to a lot of different people. We need different personalities, not a big group of clones.
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
I think there's a difference between being offensive and distasteful. I wouldn't feel comfortable taking my 9-year-old daughter to his show, and that's too bad.
As for his personality, I think the charm and charisma is gone from years past. It has nothing to do with getting older. When George Burns was in his 90's, he had a stoop to his posture but a twinkle in his eye. DC seems to have lost some of the the twinkle. It's not about money. He's a very successful performer; IMO, one of the best magicians ever. I feel fortunate to have been able to see and participate in his programs on many occasions. I just think he is past his prime, and I'm afraid it might be because he is trying to stay young and be trendy. Just my opinon, I could be wrong. |
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-09-22 02:44, closeupmagician wrote: You lost me when you started to dispute a matter of taste. Try again if you actually want to discuss the subject of content and presentation for audiences.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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Mr. Muggle Special user 999 Posts |
I think that David is now a superstar and that's why he's still selling show's. People are going to see "David Copperfield"; I also think that he uses this to his advantage and gets away with some bold things because of it. We do need a fresh change in magic, hopefully its doens't include hanging from a set of meat hooks.
David isn't going anywhwere anytime soon. He still owes a TV special to one of the networks and has publically said that he doens't have plans on retiring.
"Now you're looking for the secret... but you won't find it because you're not really looking. You don't really want to know the secret... You want to be fooled." - The Prestige (2006)
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closeupmagician New user 60 Posts |
Well, this post accomplished one goal at least. Because some other topics that were along these lines were locked, it provides an opportunity for this topic to be discussed by newer members.
I am not saying I know DC from just one meeting. But then again, there is more to the story and the way he remembered something from several years ago struck something in me. Anyways, perhaps I didn't exactly phrase it correctly but I didn't say magic needed a big group of clones. When I perform, I want to emulate, NOT imitate. I still think Copperfield is the epitome of magical performance. This doesn't mean he can mess around and do offensive material...and I don't think that is what he is doing. The panty swap, the voyeur, the baby illusion...are all being criticized for their offensive nature. In reality these illusions aren't half as bad as many that have been performed by other magicians out there. Perhaps the fact that it is Copperfield has caused people to criticize his show more closely than anyone else's. As for losing you...I'm sorry I was talking too fast. I'll slow down next time. I think this is a great topic for this forum. It gets people talking, in a good way. I'm glad there are more magicians out there to take David's place. I can rest assured tonight that magic is in the best of hands....and yes, hopefully, without the meat hooks. |
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Jeff007 Regular user 109 Posts |
I have met with David a number of times, and he and his staff are always very generous to us - that is beside the point.
You're right then, magic does not need any clones. Not a big group, not even a duplicate. Now that would be the true impossible, if we could pull it off. The offensive material (or not), personally is not the portion of this past that I do not agree with - there are other things, but I have no right to judge anyone. Also, some people seem to be stuck on material but I actually think most of the material that I have heard others label as offensive, to be some of the most clever to date. As for losing someone, I'm not sure who you lost, but I hope you find them soon. Honestly, I don't think anyone will ever be able to replace DC - but I know what you mean. |
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Chad Sanborn Inner circle my fingers hurt from typing, 2205 Posts |
David is a top notch performer. Actually he is more than that, he is a super star. He is one of the most respected, and successful performers touring the world today. He sells more tickets than many famous singers!
But just because he is so good, doesn't mean that everything he performs is good. Show business is trial and error. Not everything you put in your show will work. Remember the Burmuda Triangle fiasco? Even David admits this was not one of his brighter moments. Another famous magician you may have heard of, Houdini, struggled with material. His stage shows featured a new segment every season, to stay fresh. But even Houdini had his 'not so bright moments'. He tried to be a movie star. Houdini was many good things, but a screen actor was not one of them. His movies, and his movie studio all flopped and went bust. The true measure of how good an actor, magician, singer, etc is, is their tenure in the business. This is how an entertainer should be judged. Chad |
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closeupmagician New user 60 Posts |
I agree with you both. David has been my hero in magic all my life...because of how long he's been around, and what he has done. He has made mistakes, sure, but like you said, he admits to them. Still, I enjoy the magic, and so do the masses..and I guess in the end, that is the important factor.
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Jeff007 Regular user 109 Posts |
Amen
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bry1513 Veteran user 373 Posts |
Criss Angel? David Blane? Please. If this is the future of magic, we are in trouble. I'll take Copperfield on his worst day. David is a big reason I and many, many others chose this wonderful art. I would much rather have my child see a panty trick then some mis-guided circus freak being air lifted by a helicopter attatched to nipple rings. 25 years is a long time to be on top. He has done his profession a great service and although once in awhile he may trip, he has never fallen.
Take care, Bry |
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Deke Rivers Loyal user 216 Posts |
Everything you said is true, Bry, but I still think he's slipped. I think that he's trying too hard to appeal to the younger crowd to his detriment. He's a 50 year old man , and he should accept that and go with it. Look at the other top acts today ... the Rolling Stones are also still packing 'em in, and they don't do it by resorting to rap or hip-hop; they stayed with good ol' rock & roll. I think David should also do what he does best (and he really is the best at many things.) Personally, these days I'd rather see a show by Rick Thomas.
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collective foundry Inner circle 1404 Posts |
Chris kenner: any thoughts? you read this board..........Speak up sparky.
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Jeff007 Regular user 109 Posts |
David is only 49 - close enough though, I guess.
Chris has posted on the Café, but its a rare thing. He's far to busy to worry about silly threads like this. |
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The Mac Inner circle 1982 Posts |
The bermuda triangle special - I havent watched that one - what was so "tragic" about it?
Lovely base in the main illusion (i saw a clip on the illusions DVD) |
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
It was just silly more than tragic. The concept of David vanishing into the Bermuda Triangle was too much to swallow, and the boat vanish/burning looked really hokey.
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