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Well first off these people were not converted. In fact one of them clearly stated after his experience something along the lines of it was something that needed further investigation.

Now what type of people are going to go to a meeting about God? Probably people with some degree of openeness to the idea. Then if something happens they can't explain and it's being put down to God, it's not too difficult to see why they might start to waver in their beliefs.

Still it was very well done and I'm not suggesting I could have done it.

Happy Toad wrote:Well first off these people were not converted. In fact one of them clearly stated after his experience something along the lines of it was something that needed further investigation.

That was the skeptical guy with the short black hair. After the third bit (where people started slumping into their seats) he said that he believed in God.

Now what type of people are going to go to a meeting about God? Probably people with some degree of openeness to the idea. Then if something happens they can't explain and it's being put down to God, it's not too difficult to see why they might start to waver in their beliefs.

I tend to agree with this. Even though these people were supposed to be non-believers, just as those who participated in the medium bit at the end were, just to go there in the first place requires a willingness to listen.

I personally found the 'conversion' part of the show to be the most effective by far. It made me wonder why it was the second item. I suppose the other really strong effect (the medium one) had a better result. The evangelist minister was the most reserved person about Derren's 'powers', so it would have been a bit of an anti-climax to end with that.

I really enjoyed this programme and it was done extremely well in terms of not condemning or criticising directly - the actions and re-actions were enough to show that all 5 scenarios needed to be questioned or at least tested in some way. The fact that it was all done in the US tends to give the impression that folks there are more likely to accept strangers as having some supernatural powers but I have no doubt that it would be easy enough to find equivalents in almost any country. If nothing else, this sort of programme ought to make us stop and think for ourselves before taking something for granted.

It's on again in December. Courtesy of magicweek.co.uk:

8.12.06 (Late night, Thursday 7th)
Derren Brown: Messiah (Rpt)
0.10am Friday 8th December (1 hour 5 minutes) on E4.
1.10am Friday 8th December (1 hour 5 minutes) on E4 Plus 1.
"The psychological illusionist hosts a special programme, challenging belief systems and our capacity not to question them. In particular, he promises to test the tendency for people to accept directions from someone in authority."

I have to admit to laughing out loud at the bewilderingly uncritical responses displayed by some of the participants when this was first shown.

The dream box has to rank as one of the great comedy TV moments

I agree with the initial posts, Derren Brown is very professional, but on the other hand, he's a very nice guy. I met him last weekend at the International Magic convention and chatted a bit with him. He told me he's been invited to perform in Iceland, but he still hasn't found time to fit it in his sceldule. It amazed me how relaxed he was and he was not at all like some of the "names" around, that felt they were superior to the common people.

I've always thought he comes across in interviews as "just little old me" and someone who's a bit put off by fame. It's a refreshing attitude to have in this day and age.

as for the "conversion" bit mentioned here - well, if you have the right book, there's a method to use...i won't be sharing it though, sorry...

but's its available from alakazam amongst others if you really want to find it...bet some will be dissapointed though!

and im not saying it was the method used on this show either

brown and nyman should both be applauded in general i think, for their general niceness and fun and above all entertainment they've proved us all with these past few years...it's encouraging to see pro's with good attitudes, rather than bitter or snobbish...