Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay

Very good documentary about a great man. Some seem to feel that this film falls down because it doesn't "get personal", but to me that is a very conformist demand today, as though everybody needs to expose themselves to the world in front of a camera, as if to not do so is to deny the audience its right to know. Why should the subject not be able to retain some control? Hence this documentary focuses on other pleasures and sources of interest, whether that was the filmmakers' preference or not.

I've come to the depressing conclusion recently that I'm no good at sleight of hand and most likely won't ever be. I have no interest in simply learning the mechanics of it, the art of slight of hand I find to be fascinating. This doc takes us into the world of magicians before my time. I'd say don't watch it if you just want to see some cool magic stuff, but if you want to hear some history and a couple good stories interspersed with a handful of tricks, this is a decent watch.

I wish he could make my wife disappear. Am I right fellas?

I am a big RIcky Jay fan, he has a kind of nerd cool about him. This is not a particular great documentary though.

A highly entertaining jape.