by Demitri » Nov 29th, '06, 07:38
Your way might be easier for you to perform the effect - but while it may benefit the technical side of things for you, it does nothing for the performance side.
In my opinion, the way you opted to handle the penetration at the very beginning of the completely dispells any effect you're trying to achieve.
The coin is completely out of sight for quite a few seconds. This alone opens the floodgates for countless explanations. Not to mention - you look like you're fiddling with it here. This is supposed to be a quick BAM and it's gone. I don't want to sound rude - but the way you're doing this could actually tip the method to some of the more observant people out there.
Your handling after the penetration is incredibly awkward. Watch this video again from a spectators' point of view. They're not always looking at the can - and thus - your presentation should be made to pull heat off of your hands.
You fiddle quite a bit, and the can is neither held, moved, nor displayed in any kind of natural motion. Every move looks suspicious. The flash is the deal breaker - but that's a minor point.
The biggest problem here isn't your hands or the awkward handling of the can. Your biggest problem - and one that even the lay-est of laypeople might notice throughout:
What are you looking at?
Your eyes give up the game with every display of the can. True - focus WILL be on the can for most of the effect - but you cannot let other things that seem unimportant to BECOME important - and therefore a path to discovery. It's very clear what you're doing and where you're doing it at all times, because your eyes are going right where you don't want our eyes to go.
Beyond anything - this effect relies on confidence, feel and natural movements. Wayne himself has adopted a more flashy handling - which suits his style. Perhaps take note of some of the things Criss Angel says on the DVD. He opts for a more casual and "everyday" handling of the can. You don't have to be flashy here. If your vanish is handled well - and your display of the can is clean and smooth - this effect kills without a hint of flash or dazzle.
One final thing - after you open the can - don't do whatever it was that you did there. Even though you DIDN'T drop the coin in at that moment there - a spectator might think you did. This is a minor point, and probably just something you did at this particular moment. However, thats another thing you need to keep in mind for performances.
My advice for you would be to continue working with the original handling of the effect. I don't think you're quite there yet, and as a result your variations are unrefined and detrimental to the overall performance.
Your original video of this effect is far superior to this one. Go back and look at both of them and compare.