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Corey Harris Inner circle Kansas City, MO 1229 Posts |
I tried to search, but couldn't find any thing. So if this has been discussed I do apologize. I am new to the Mental world here, and was wondering what is the difference between Mentalism and Mental Magic? I have some books I have Corind's 13 Steps, Annemann's Practical Mental Magic and Ted Lesley's Paramiracles. I have actually just gotten Corinda's book today. So any help in defining this would be appreciated. Thanks.
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jimtron Inner circle 2039 Posts |
"Mentalism" and "Mental Magic" have different meanings for different people. In my opinion there one and the same. I'm sure others would disagree. Either way, I wouldn't worry too much about it--call it whatever you like.
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TheNightBringer89 Special user 766 Posts |
IMO Mentalism is presenting a mind reading effect the way it would really look like if it were real.
Mental Magic is performing a mind reading like a magic trick. Banachek has posted a good example on here, and is also talked about on his psi series.
"Dreams are born of imagination, fed upon illusions, and put to death by reality."
It doesn't matter if you're right or wrong, If you're not like the others then you don't belong. |
nucinud Inner circle New York, New York 1298 Posts |
Well, Mentalism is Mental Mental Magic.
But the layman don't knoww that.
"We are what we pretend to be" Kurt Vonnegut, jr.
Now U C It Now U Don't Harry Mandel www.mandelmagic.com |
David Numen Inner circle 2072 Posts |
Bob Cassidy has the best explanation of the difference AND why there is a difference.
I can't recall which book specifically and I'm too lazy to find it just now, but it was one of his major works which any Mentalist should have. For me, Mentalism is the replication of apparently "real" mental phenomena. Mental Magic is common-or-garden magic which has a Mental theme. Rule of Thumb: - If it looks in any way possible that what you are seeing is real then it's Mentalism. If it's unquestionably a magic trick then it's Mental Magic. |
Parson Smith Inner circle 1937 Posts |
At the risk of being drawn and quartered, I actually like the term mental magic, more than I like the word mentalism.
It seems to me that it is all in how you use the words. You see, I believe that magic IS real. It is just easier, in most cases, to make mental magic LOOK real. I doubt that I am smart enough to let anyone know what I mean, but I have a pretty good idea. Peace, Parson
Here kitty, kitty,kitty.
+++a posse ad esse+++ |
rrubin98 Veteran user Cogito, ergo sum scripsit 357 Posts |
Although this topic has been discussed elsewhere on the Café, I'll try my hand at this one. For me, the difference between mentalism and mental magic can sometimes just be the context of an effect:
- Is the effect done in the middle of several card and coin tricks? - Is it called a "psychological experiment" or a "magic trick"? - Are some rather gimmicked-looking boxes used, or just a pen and paper? As jimtron said, however, the meaning of the two terms will vary for different people. Richard |
Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
If someone opens a book to just about any page and you tell them what word they are looking at, or any process that simple, then it's probably mentalism
If in order for them to get the word they must first pick a card then multiply its value by pi then add their shoe size then take that number and square it... well, that's probably mental magic. Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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jimtron Inner circle 2039 Posts |
Corey:
May I ask, what's your interest in making a distinction between the two? To decide what to call what you do? |
Corey Harris Inner circle Kansas City, MO 1229 Posts |
Just curiosity I suppose.
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Parson Smith Inner circle 1937 Posts |
Greg Arce,
You sorry human being. You have just exposed my act to the entire world. The pi/shoe size trick was my bread and butter. I am doomed. Hopelessly lost, Parson
Here kitty, kitty,kitty.
+++a posse ad esse+++ |
Greg Arce Inner circle 6732 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-11-26 18:56, Parson Gary Smith wrote: Sorry... I just felt it needed to be told. I guess you're going to have to end with the Ten Colorful Buddhas on a Dragon Tray Where You Know Who Picked What Buddha By the Vibrating Toy In Your Pants.... that is a vibrating toy in your pants, isn't it? Greg
One of my favorite quotes: "A critic is a legless man who teaches running."
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Parson Smith Inner circle 1937 Posts |
Hey Greg,
Remember the "vibrating" item at Mindvention. I thought about buying one of those. No assistant. Just keep the reciever in my pants pocket. Then at least one person would enjoy my show. Peace, Parson
Here kitty, kitty,kitty.
+++a posse ad esse+++ |
Magic and Drums New user Germany 46 Posts |
Great answers there. For myself I always thought of mental magic as a mixture of mentalism and magical effects (similar to bizarre magick). For example: You read the mind of a spectator or play with their thoughts in some way, but as a "kicker" there is a visual/physical finale to the routine.
Daniel |
jlibby Inner circle 1044 Posts |
Okay, here's my definition: If you have an effect where something magical happens (i.e., an appearance, disappearance, color change, etc.), but there is a psychic kicker of some sort involved (such as the revelation of a previously thought of date), that to me would be correctly classified as "mental magic." It can still be a strong and very entertaining effect.
Joe Libby San Antonio, TX
My new FREE ebook on the classic Mismade Bill trick is ready for you:
https://funnybirthdayshow.com/mismadebill/ |
Thoughtreader Inner circle Calgary, Alberta, Canada 1565 Posts |
The more important point is "Who cares?!?!?!?!?!?". A lay audience doesn't care if they watch mental magic or mentalism as long as they are entertained. If they, as adults chose to believe then they will believe no matter what you say, whether it is mental magic or mentalism, no matter what disclaimers one uses or even if it is one mental effect in a magic show. So is doing mental magic less effective than an entire mentalism experience? No. Is saying that you are a mental magician demeaning? No. Does an audience care? No. Focus on entertaining your audience with whatever you are doing and forget about the labels.
PSIncerely Yours, Paul Alberstat |
jimtron Inner circle 2039 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-11-29 14:01, Thoughtreader wrote: Yeah, I was wondering what the relevance was in differentiating between the two. Like why would you need to do that in the real world. |
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