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Such a great film!!!

Calling all magic history experts

Is the sword standing illusion a real thing or created just for the movie? also the seance scene with the appearing boy....hmmm i want a book on the history of magic, anybody know of a good un?

Also, the orange tree illusion, does anybody still perform it live? ever?

Much love

Aza

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ht_afydffk

Enjoy

I've watched that clip countless times Lawrence!! PD is the master of classic magic isn't he!!

I'd love to see somebody perform it live, but i was wondering if it still existed (classic magic as i call it)

Much love

Aza

What I liked about the illusionist is that every single piece of magic in it is based on a real routine from that era, but rather than using the original method they recreated it with special effects, which has the beautiful effect of showing it to us in the way people remembered it, not the way we (as magicians) would scrutinise it.

-Stacy

Aza wrote:Is the sword standing illusion a real thing or created just for the movie?

I'm not a historian so can't answer but just yesterday I came up with a routine whereby you balance a pen or pencil, right on the nib/lead...which is quite fun.

I love the film, it rocks!!

Lenoir,

Could you point me in the direction of a method? i have a sword kicking about that i would love to gimmick just as a show piece for visitors lol

Much love

Aza

John Gaughan performs the orange tree. He has, or had Houdin's original, which this is based on. The sword, again, is a variation on Houdin's light & heavy chest, although its not quite possible to do it as in the film, there a few hints to suggest that Eisenhiem's method is the same. the Illusion with the mirror, That was a real Illusion, performed by David Devant.

Going back to the sword, There is a method that was traditionally an old Gypsy stunt, where a broom or walking stick, laid across a stool, couldn't be picked up. with correct presentation, this could be used with a sword.

daleshrimpton wrote:John Gaughan performs the orange tree. He has, or had Houdin's original, which this is based on. The sword, again, is a variation on Houdin's light & heavy chest, although its not quite possible to do it as in the film, there a few hints to suggest that Eisenhiem's method is the same. the Illusion with the mirror, That was a real Illusion, performed by David Devant.

Going back to the sword, There is a method that was traditionally an old Gypsy stunt, where a broom or walking stick, laid across a stool, couldn't be picked up. with correct presentation, this could be used with a sword.

Thanks Dale,

I'm really interested in this effect, I'm going to do some more research!!

Much love

Aza

Its referenced in Richardsons Theatre of the mind, but i have no doubt that its published all over the place.

Aza,

I have three all time favourite illusions, one being the Orange Tree. I was rather dissapointed that they didn't use the actual tree in the film, and opted for bloody CGI.

Another favourite is also from Robert Houdin - Antonio DeAvalon (not really an illusion per se) - a clockwork doll every bit as fascinating as the Orange Tree. This is also in Mr Gaughans private collection. If you use the search function there is a thread somewhere (which I started) which has a link to some footage.

The third is an astonishing piece called the Blue Room. I sall say no more on it, but simply direct your attention to my youtube link at the bottom of my posts. I'm my favourites you'll find - amongst some other great magic - a performance of the Blue Room, enjoy.


Jim

Jim,

The orange tree is beautiful and one day when i have a spare few thousand, i will have one custom built and it will take pride of place in my house!

Secondly, i have just watched the Blue Room illusion and that has absolutely blown me away and further piqued my interest in old/victorian/stage illusion....perhaps that is where my future will take me!!

Watch this space!!

Much love

Aza