Instinct
By
By
Matthew Mello
__________________
Effect: This is Matthew's (safe) approach to the spike under cup version of the classic russian roulette routine. A nail is placed under 1 of 4 cups. The cups are then freely mixed by the spectator with the magicians back turned. After concentration the magician then crushes each and every cup, only leaving 1. The cup containing the nail.
Download: I have wanted this effect for quite a while. However, it wasn't on the top of my list of needed items/effects so I didn't want to buy it plus pay shipping, etc. etc. Recently with the launch of www.thementalplayground.com I heard that it was going to be offered as a download, to which I was elated. I quickly purchased it just after Christmas.
Now, here is where it gets good. I was immediately sent the download link and attempted to download the file. However, not only did it download insanely fast (a bad sign for a large file) but would not play any audio or video. Just a black screen. I shot an e-mail to Brian Rodgers at Mental Playground and we began troubleshooting. Brian worked very hard trying to fix the file but attempt after attempt proved to no avail, it would glitch every time. Not only did Brian offer to refund my money and still give me the product, he was going to ship me a DVD free of charge. Thankfully, however, the download got straightened out and I was able to successfully get the effect. I have never had a magic company not only work as hard as they did to fix the issue but also work as closely with the customer as he did. I was talking to him through personal e-mail at all times day and night. Excellent customer service.
Quality: The video is very good quality and everything is quite clear. I believe this was shot before the "HD era" really came into effect, so it's not modern quality but still very clear. The only issue I actually found was that they used a stark white background with white cups, so sometimes they can be a bit odd to look at. Nothing that hinders learning, just something to point out.
Performances: Thank god, live performances on a DVD... This is a dying trend. Usually the effect is either performed for just the camera or for spectators brought in to film the project. However, Instinct features 3 live performances showing different situations and presentations for the effect. 1 of these is shot in a local magic shop, the other is shot on the street, and the final is filmed in a loud bar, showing how well the effect can carry in noisy situations.
Method: This method is sheer genius. Whatever you are thinking for methodology, you are wrong. There is no marking, switching, forcing, glimpsing, odd ways of mixing the cups, nothing at all to see. You will need to make the nail setup to do the effect as seen in the preview. This isn't a gimmick, per say, but is vital to doing it with a nail. Wether or not you have this nail setup with you or not, however, doesn't matter. The methodology can be used with any Styrofoam cups anytime, anywhere.
Safety: Instinct is about as safe as roulette routines come. There is only 1 thing that could make this effect at all risky but that is almost entirely under your control. I feel very comfortable in performing this routine and believe you will to, after playing with presentation this becomes as close to %100 safe as it can be. Understand, though, that NO routine of this nature is completely safe and does rely on your performing skills to ensure your own safety.
Bonus Routines: Matthew also teaches several bonus routines and ideas for Instinct. Several of which are ways of using the basic method behind the roulette but applying it in another effect. These bonus routines are also for those that don't wish to perform the roulette for possible safety concerns (see safety info above). He also teaches "Impulse" which is a Truth Teller/Liar routine that has nothing to do with Instinct, but shares a common feel in methodology. This is a cool routine but probably not something you would put in your act. It is, however, totally impromptu so it could make for a good spur of the moment mentalism piece.
Final Thoughts: All in all I could not be happier with Instinct. The method is direct, diabolical, and stupidly simple. This is a piece that merits allot of thought in performance and, with the right presentation, can bring the house down. This has gone straight into my act and could make a great piece in yours.
Thanks,
C
