Navigation Menu

[Mark ScivierParticipant]

I went through the worksheet for each of the magicians this week. They are obviously both giants in the magic world. I admire their skill, especially with cards. I love the way Lennart Green is so casual and apparently bumbling, while all the time maintaining such incredible control of the cards. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not a fan of the “lecture” style of presentation or the “gambling cheat” style. My personal preference is for magicians who use their skill to produce moments of magic. I would rather watch a magician produce order from apparent chaos in a moment of surprise – rather than be told up front what to expect.

It will be sacrilegious to say, I’m sure, but I personally don’t find Ricky Jay entertaining to watch. His use of language sounds unnatural to me, and his presentation carries a supercilious air. Lennart Green, on the other hand, is more conversational and generates humour from his apparent difficulties with the English language. (My hunch is that he probably has complete command of the language!) He presents himself as a much more lovable character. I would very much like to emulate Lennart Green’s casual style in which cards seem to tumble from his grasp and moments later do amazing things!

[JackKeymaster]

Great insights Marc. I agree on Ricky’s performance style – although his routine with the wind up toys I find very fun.

On the other hand I find Lennart also quite difficult to watch as his style is too all over for me to relax into. I’m always too close to the line of being confused as to what is happening to enjoy it fully.

But these are personal things. So I’m glad you’re finding elements of style you’re enjoying and would like to emulate – that’s the whole idea behind the studies!

Thanks for sharing!

[Andrew MurphyParticipant]

Good observations from Mark and Jack – thanks.

Ricky Jay is/was revered by many within the magic community, and his skill with cards undoubted, however his performance style – both as a magician and an actor – has never resonated with me.

I’ve always enjoyed Lennart Green however – aside from being a funny guy I also like his chaotic/ shambolic approach.

If I ever thought about performing magic I think I’d like to see myself as a suave handler of cards, perhaps like Ricky Jay, Guy Hollingworth or, say, Michael Vincent. I suspect however, in reality, I’d be more of a Lennart Green type, stumbling from one trick to the next although, hopefully, getting through successfully from start to finish.

From a card handling perspective, Jay and Green are at opposite sides of the scale – I think though there is a ‘happy medium’ where the handling shouldn’t be too clinical and precise and where a little ‘disorder’ can be applied in order to make things look a little more natural/less suspicious.

Andrew

[Author]

Posts