Does anyone know of the show called 'mindfreak'? It stars Criss Angel, who goes around in public doing stunts and tricks. I was wondering if anyone thinks its either fake or real, because some of the things are pretty convincing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fie.gif)

Most likely fake. Most of it is very convincing but if you look closely and think for a little bit you can think of some ways he could have done the trick.
Hope that helps,
~Christopher

This topic has come up a couple of times in the the entertainment section.

I think it's a nice blend of both fake and authentic. He takes what's authentic and exaggerates it and makes a nice show of it.

He's a real illusionist who incorperates mysticism and philosophy into tricks as a kind of gimick to suggest to viewers that he really is "magickal". Though I'm sure Criss Angel is spiritual and his beliefs are real his tricks are mere illusion. Search google and I'm sure you can find links that explain how he does his thing. Same with David Blane. In fact I think Kinjo posted a pdf on how David does his tricks. I'd bet the two use similar techniques. I respect such entertainers as mere entertainers with the ability to use their skills as an art form and personal expression. Viewers are challenged to question their reallity. To me I think what they do is respectable because people who question reallity find discovery. If the great scientist of history did not question they never would have discovered or postulated the things they did. The illusions of Criss Angel can open the mind to new possibilities.

Maybe this will help:
http://www.sacred-magick.org/index.php?showtopic=2380

This post has been edited by Acid09: Jul 5 2006, 05:31 PM

yes, he's part real, part fake

he has videos that instruct SOME of what he does, and if he does something fake, he admits to it. however, walking on water/transporting etc. that part of his art is real.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/angel.gif)

He is an illusionist. Stage magicians have used preselected audiences for hundreds of years and with the advent of the television, many have edited their video clips to leave out the parts you arent supposed to see such as prop changing etc.

Moving this to entertainment forum.

I own this bridge in NYC. Worth a lot of money. You should see the revenue for the tolls. I will sell it to you for a discount. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

fiddler

Well, he's "fake". Doesn't mean he isn't entertaining though, lol! Makes my mind think back to the days when magicians of old would add a litte "stage magick" to their real magick, to enhance it's effect in the person's mind. (Still done today, I've done it too. Card tricks and Tarot go great together) Awesome.

F.F.

This post has been edited by Frater F.A.M.E.: Sep 16 2006, 11:24 PM

That is true, some of what he does is true and some fake. He mixes for better results. But the water walking was not real, the camera man uses some sort of see-through glass that Criss walks on, pay close attention you'll see.

However, the teleportation and some of his other stuff are real, I know because I practice it.

This post has been edited by DeathStalker: Nov 12 2006, 11:09 AM

A four part series on fox explains how most "teleportation" tricks are done. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

lol, enjoyed the old criss angel.... not this new preppy version. I don't think any of his stuff is real, I'd have to be there in person **MAJOR SKEPTIC!**. I've joked a lot with people about Criss and David Copperfield, being witches.