Mentalism vs. Hypnotism

[mattjones]

Hey guys,
I've been noticing a lot of threads recently about hypnotism, and I'm just curious: What's the difference between mentalism and hypnotism? As far as I'm aware:

Mentalism:
Uses psychology, suggestion, misdirection, and showmanship (according to Derren Brown) in order to create the impression that you have the ability to read someone's mind. According to Banachek, he uses his five senses to create the illusion of a sixth. Mostly mind-reading and knowing the future stuff.

Hypnotism:
Uses the power of suggestion to make people think a certain way or make certian choices.

Is there anything I'm missing here that you guys would like to add?

Thanks,
-Matt

 

[tsarothpaco]

Well hypnotism isn't making people do things by suggestion along, its to have them enter a more relaxed state where they are then open to suggestion.

 

[mattjones]

Ok. I haven't really looked into a lot of hypnotism techniques and I was just curious if those were the only differences...

 

[urban entropy]

The differences are distinct and vast.

One, like magic, is all illusion. It is for entertainment purposes and beyond that serves no real purpose.

The other is a science and based on tried and true results. It is used for both theraputic reasons, as well as entertainment.

Both require study.

For further knowledge there are multiple learning sources for both.

 

[OwnerM]

People like Derren Brown tend to blur the two, because he uses hypnosis, suggestion, slight of hand, gaffs, etc in his performances.

I'd say that hypnotism "magic" involves having the audience perform while the hypnotist makes suggestions, Mentalism "magic" is when the performer makes the illusions of, for example, predicting the future, reading minds, etc.

So it is possible to have the two mixed.

 

[mattjones]

I think it's really interesting hearing everyone's opinions and points of view. Keep 'em coming!

 

[Tempest]

Hypnotism has been made out to be a cheap gag, in my opinion. I personally can't stand even hearing the term, and I definitely don't claim it.

Mentalist is more of a magic-ky term as well.

The real opposition to hypnotism is manipulation. Hypnotism requires that one is consciously willing to participate.

With manipulation, no one is safe.

These are just my opinions.

|| sean ||

 

[Wallmott]

Well mentalism is "mind magic" or whatever you would like to call it. I dont really think Hypnosis and mentalism has any similarity´s more then it deals with the "mind" and some suggestions.

Mentalism can be allot of things, Bend a spoon, make something move, read some one´s mind etc thats all mentalism.

Tempes, why would you say that Hypnosis is a cheap gag?

 

[M_dalgashon]

There is a big difference.
In mentalism, you don't touch people's minds... That is, you don't intentionally change their experience, as you do with suggestions.
Mentalism is a clever illusion of mind reading, based on all sorts of gimmicks and sleights just like card or coin magic.
Whereas in hypnosis, the only tools you use are your mind and voice and body language. Also, hypnosis is a science, and it can be used for other purposes than entertainment.
However, for entertainment purposes, magicians tend to mix hypnosis and mentalism.