by MagicIain » Sep 1st, '06, 23:08
I know you've kind of wrapped this one up, but in answer to "Should magicians always win?" I'd say it depends on the circumstances and the type of character you portray - if you're a hapless fellow who is made to look foolish by magic, then winning is a no-no from the start. If, however, you portray yourself as a hero in your effects - maybe telling a story that unfoldsand ends with you 'saving the day' with magic, then yes, you must win - unless, of course, you need to build some suspense, when a minor loss will probably not hurt.
I think we've decided that's not what you asked, but it's an extremely interesting point, and one I'm sure is covered in Darwin Ortiz' book, "Strong Magic." I've got it with me here, but can't find the exact reference.
Looking at what the original post actually meant, in that should the magician's effect always work, then I think you need to look at it from the view of the spectator. Mentalism aside, where misses can help provide some realism to the show, conjuring effects I think should always work, from a spectator's point of view. You might know that Slydini's Silks doesn't work 100% of the time, but the audience doesn't. In this case, why not have a change bag with duplicate silks in nearby, with which you can quite easily swap for the permanently knotted set. The technical aspect of the original effect may not have worked, but the spectators will be none the wiser, and you can produce an extreme climax with maybe a giant silk made up of the original colours.
If your effect is hit-and-miss, for whatever reason, then give yourself an out.
Wow, I've not felt this helpful on TalkMagic in months!
Again, great thread!