My recent post on upcoming documentary projects had me thinking about a few of my favorite ones. The reason that they’re favorites is not just because they are very well made but the love and respect that they show for magic is evident throughout.
Our Magic (R. Paul Wilson): Whenever I feel discouraged about magic, this is my go-to remedy. It’s a loving journey into performance magic with exceptional talent, photography, and editing. The original film ran about 90 minutes. A shorter edit can be found on some of the free streaming services. I can’t say for certain but I believe that the Tameriz segment on the Seven Veils of Magic was removed. Two shorts were once available: What is Magic? and The Perception of Magic. Both constructed from unused material. If you can find them, they are excellent too.
Deceptive Practice (Molly Bernstein and Alan Edelstein): While a little uneven in its depth, the Ricky Jay documentary manages to capture the artist’s passion for magic and its deep history. We learn about his influences especially his grandfather, Max Katz, and the icons Ricky met through him. At the end, you want to know more about Ricky. Sadly with his passing in 2018, we are left with a mystery but isn’t that what magic is all about?
Magical Vision (Michael Caplan): I wish this had wider distribution. Perhaps on a niche streaming service or PBS? Magical Vision is all about Eugene Burger, magic’s preeminent philosopher who inspired and influenced every magician he met. The director was a personal friend of Eugene’s. This gave him access that another director may not have had. I had the opportunity to get to know Eugene over the last 15 years of his life and miss him dearly. I rewatch this to remember him and his impact on me and my magic. On a personal note, I was in attendance at the Mystery School Reunion event at the Wonderdome when segments were filmed. If you know when to look, you’ll spot me.
