MENTALISM: what is it?
‘Mentalism’ describes an art in which the performer appears to reproduce various types of ‘mental’ or psychic phenomena.
'Mentalism', was once described by Theo Annemann as the
'grown-up form of magic'
While some of the techniques of mentalism are related to the techniques of close-up and stage magic, many mentalists prefer to avoid the impression that they are presenting a magical performance. On the other hand, some people may mix some mentalism into a performance of magic. The latter is sometimes referred to as ‘mental magic’.
Mentalism may include the presentation seemingly ‘psychic’ phenomena such as telepathy, predictions of future events and the divination of hidden information through clairvoyance. While it has been traditional for mentalists to duplicate ‘psychic’ phenomena, some mentalists now prefer to present themselves as masters of psychology.
A lot of performers, including Richard Osterlind, Banachek and Derren Brown choose to attribute their results to other skills: the ability to read body language or to manipulate the subject subliminally through psychological suggestion, for example.
by Huw Collingbourne at The Magic Bunny Forum
One constant is that mentalism and mental magic requires performers to display an authoritative, commanding and charismatic stage presence.
With Magic, your audience will know that it's not real, things don't just disappear etc. It's just sleight of hand, or whatever. With Mentalism, there is always that little bit of 'believability'.
According to a recent Gallup survey, about three in four Americans profess at least one paranormal belief, according to a recent survey conducted by Gallup. The most popular is extrasensory perception (ESP), mentioned by 41%, followed closely by belief in haunted houses (37%).
Having seen Derren Brown (below) perform live, I can understand what that 'believability' factor means to the spectators. Some of the comments I heard after the show, as people left were amazing. They didn't know what special powers he had, yet he stated himself that his brand of psychological illusion uses elements of magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship.
Derren Brown
The English, psychological Illusionist.
Born in Croydon in 1971, Derren traces his interest in psychological techniques to childhood. "I was a very good liar and a revolting child", he says. It was at University that he started to take his magic seriously.
After graduating, Derren abondined a career in Law and concentrated on developing his skills at psychological magic.
I, like many others, was inspired by Derren after watching hisTV show 'Mind Control' in 2001. (I must admit that I missed the first series). I wanted to know more and took my first steps into the world of Magic and Mentalism.
Highly Recommended Reading from Derren Brown:
Pure Effect: This is a book for the serious thinker who would normally disregard 99% of a magic book's contents.
Absolute Magic: Following the success of Pure Effect, Derren Brown offers a detailed study of the most difficult task facing any close-up magician: how to make magic convincing.
For moreof my recommeded reading, Go here : BOOKS
For my recommeded viewing, DVD's etc, Go here: DVD's
The Skullmaster is a member of The Frinton Magic Triangle. This is a small, friendly magic club that meets on the second Sunday of the month, at Frinton-on-Sea Essex.
New members are always welcome.
Anyone who is interested and would like further information, please email me with the link below.
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| Derren's books, have now, apparently finished their print run, which means they will soon, no longer be available. |
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bravenet.com