Derren Brown

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(23-01-2013 02:50 PM)evenheathen Wrote:  I get how he does a lot of his stuff, suggestion and understanding of the psyche. But when he does the twenty questions bit and pulls the most arbitrary answers out of thin air, I just can't see how he does it. If it's completely on the level I'm baffled and amazed.

I think part of the fun is in not knowing...it makes you think, question. I don't think all of it is on the level...he 'earns' your trust by doing MOST things on the level, then the throws some really cool stuff at you that's sketchy, but you trust him. He has been honest with you so far, why wouldn't you trust him? That's what I think...

[evenheathen]

I'd tend to agree with you DL. I guess I just think it would be awesome to know that there is someone out there who is that badass. Then again, you're right. If I knew then it wouldn't be nearly as impressive or fun to watch.

[Endurance Swimmer]

Derren Brown is brilliant. He is up there with James Randi in educating the public about how easily they can get fooled using trickery. Id like to see him asked to attend some Atheist conventions.

[evenheathen]

(30-01-2013 08:47 PM)Endurance Swimmer Wrote:  Derren Brown is brilliant. He is up there with James Randi in educating the public about how easily they can get fooled using trickery. Id like to see him asked to attend some Atheist conventions.

I'd like it if he got a bit of attention in America. I think having a show like his air on American TV would be wonderful for the mindless public. Maybe he has somewhere, but I had never heard of him before I became an atheist.

[Adenosis]

He's clever. I just watched the video on you tube of him paying for stuff with blank slates of paper instead of bills. He keeps talking and keeps them thinking so their conscious attention is not directed at the money, and they treat it like a regular transaction. Hilarious.

[PurpleChimp]

He wrote a book a few years ago, I haven't read it yet and I had to get it second-hand because it is out of print, but it might have some insight.

Also, try doing a search for "Derren Brown reading list" or "book list", I had seen a list going around a while back on books recommended by DB.

[kim]

Thread moved.

Cause this isn't skepticism, pseudoscience, and conspiracy theories... this is real illusion.

[kim]

I don't know much about Darren Brown but from what I've seen, he seems pretty cool. I want to know more about his study of hypnosis - I'm gonna look for his books.

I think Chris Angel is a good illusionist and means well but I think he rides a lot on hype and the flashier illusions. And he's all pretty-boy-Hollywood so, meh.

My current favorite illusionist is Steven Frayne. He goes by the name Dynamo. I saw a documentary about him and he appears to be just the sweetest guy... and a hell of an illusionist.

I love magicians; me and Houdini go waaaaay back.