Derren Brown is quite simply one of the greatest and most talented showmen alive today. This DVD incorporates some of the highlights from his earlier shows, mostly the mind control specials and TV series.
Derren strikes me as an immediately likable guy, with a sense of humour and personality that carefully balances mock cockyness with humbleness. This is more evident if you listen to the commentary or read his book. As he himself states at the beginning, this show combines elements of magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship to create a thoroughly entertaining hour for any rainy afternoon. The DVD itself features some awe-inspiring tricks that will have you wondering for weeks afterwards "How does he do it?!". These include a hilarious opening where London tube passengers completely forget their destination (one misses his stop by a second), to clearing the blackjack tables at a casino (Brown admits to having been banned from most UK casinos as he has won too much money), manipulating SAS man Chris Ryan to lead him blindfolded through a dangerous obstacle course, memorising an entire book in 10 minutes, an original take on Uri Geller's spoon bending, the infamous scene where he convinces bookies to pay out on losing dog tickets, putting a needle painlessly through the hands of a suggestible student, and a great example of how well subliminal messaging can work.
I would recommend checking out the DVD extras if you want to learn a little bit more about how Derren does what he does. The Commentary between him and his producer is also fun and humourous.
All in all an entertaining and baffling insight into Derren Brown's unique taste on magic. Definitely recommended.
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