Measure for Measure
07-19-2005, 09:27 PM
Throughout his performances, Magician, Hypnotist, Illusionist, Armchair Psychologist and Showman Derren Brown (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derren_Brown) typically advances a skeptical POV. Uri Geller (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uri_Geller), in contrast, claims to bend spoons, "By the sheer force of his powerful mind--powerful, that is, compared to those of the dopes who bought his line of baloney (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a3_062.html).
Yet a page on Derren Brown's Channel 4 website (http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/M/mindcontrol/subtle/illusion.html) compares the 2 performers and even contains ads for 2 of Uri's books.
Specifically it notes: But while even Derren would admit that what he does is 'not down to natural talent' and that, in theory, anyone could do it, he is keen to point out that it took years to develop his skills. 'It's all about working at it,' he says. 'It took me 10 years to learn this stuff.' Uri Geller also believes that 'psychic powers' are only an extension of our normal powers, and that everyone has the capability to possess them. For him, it's all about concentration, which is rather like working out in the gym. 'If you lift weights for a day or two,' says Geller, 'nothing happens. But if you lift weights every day for one or two years, then you will see the change.'
But although these performers share certain approaches, each act is unique to the individual. Sheer force of personality is key. ... I'm not outraged by the preceding so much as puzzled. Why does the website draw a parallel between overt trickery and claims of paranormal powers? Is this an example of editorial advertising? An intern project gone awry? If it's mere promotional fluff, I'd say it's buried pretty deeply in the website. What gives?
Yet a page on Derren Brown's Channel 4 website (http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/M/mindcontrol/subtle/illusion.html) compares the 2 performers and even contains ads for 2 of Uri's books.
Specifically it notes: But while even Derren would admit that what he does is 'not down to natural talent' and that, in theory, anyone could do it, he is keen to point out that it took years to develop his skills. 'It's all about working at it,' he says. 'It took me 10 years to learn this stuff.' Uri Geller also believes that 'psychic powers' are only an extension of our normal powers, and that everyone has the capability to possess them. For him, it's all about concentration, which is rather like working out in the gym. 'If you lift weights for a day or two,' says Geller, 'nothing happens. But if you lift weights every day for one or two years, then you will see the change.'
But although these performers share certain approaches, each act is unique to the individual. Sheer force of personality is key. ... I'm not outraged by the preceding so much as puzzled. Why does the website draw a parallel between overt trickery and claims of paranormal powers? Is this an example of editorial advertising? An intern project gone awry? If it's mere promotional fluff, I'd say it's buried pretty deeply in the website. What gives?