Deep Astonishment by Lee Myung-Joon

Okay, here’s a detailed analysis of the “Deep Astonishment” trick, incorporating the provided transcripts and summaries, formatted as requested.

Deep Astonishment

Effect: What the trick looks like to the audience

“Deep Astonishment” is a close-up card trick that presents as a seemingly impossible prediction. A spectator freely selects a card from a standard deck, while simultaneously thinking of a person’s name. The magician then, through a series of carefully orchestrated reveals, reveals both the selected card and the name the spectator was thinking of, spelled out using a set of red cards. The effect culminates in a dramatic display of the name, creating a strong sense of wonder and astonishment. The presentation is key; it’s not just about the mechanics, but about building anticipation and a feeling of genuine mystery. As John Graham explains, it’s about creating a “double-punch of amazement.”

Full Details

The trick’s core relies on a clever combination of pre-arrangement and misdirection. Here’s a breakdown of the process, as described by John Graham and Steve Faulkner:

John Graham emphasizes that this version of the trick is a refined adaptation of Paul Harris’ original “Deep Astonishment.” He’s removed gimmicks like magnets and wallets, opting for a cleaner, more versatile presentation. He’s also addressed limitations of the original, allowing the effect to work with almost any name, not just four-letter names.

Who should consider the trick

“Deep Astonishment” is well-suited for magicians who:

• Enjoy Close-Up Magic: The trick is primarily a close-up effect, requiring interaction with the audience.
• Value Presentation: The success of the trick hinges heavily on the presentation and misdirection. It’s not a trick that can be performed mechanically; it requires a skilled performer.
• Seek a Strong Emotional Impact: The effect is designed to evoke a strong emotional response from the audience, creating a memorable experience.
• Want a Versatile Effect: The instant reset and ability to work with any name make it a highly adaptable trick.
• Are Comfortable with a Degree of Mentalism: The trick blends elements of card magic with mentalism, requiring the performer to appear to be reading the spectator’s mind.

As Steve Faulkner notes, the trick is particularly beneficial for magicians transitioning from simpler close-up routines to more sophisticated effects.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is considered moderately difficult to master. While the basic mechanics are relatively simple, the success of the trick depends on several factors:

• Misdirection: The magician must effectively misdirect the audience’s attention, creating a sense of mystery and wonder.
• Presentation: A confident and engaging presentation is essential.
• Timing: Precise timing is crucial for building anticipation and delivering the reveal effectively.
• Practice: Extensive practice is required to ensure a smooth and seamless performance.

John Graham’s instructional videos are highly recommended to help magicians learn the trick properly. As he states, the trick is “laborated over more than any other,” and the video provides a detailed breakdown of the technique.

What magicians say

• Steve Faulkner: “It’s a fantastic resource for magicians of all levels, offering actionable tips on developing acts and overcoming performance hurdles.” He highlights the book’s depth and practicality, noting that it’s particularly valuable for magicians transitioning from close-up to stage magic.
• John Graham: “It’s my version of an now classic Paul Harris effect and I'm so grateful to Paul for giving me permission to share my version of his iconic routine.” He emphasizes the importance of presentation and the emotional impact of the trick. He also notes that it’s a versatile effect that can be performed with almost any name.
• Andy & Josh (Vanishing Inc.): “It’s going to be evergreen that it’s just going to be this book that’s always going to be desired by people once they get to that level where they want to do a stage show.” This indicates a high level of confidence in the trick’s long-term appeal.
• Bob Cassiday: “I've done it for years and I've never really thought about it and I've never really thought about it and I've never really thought about it” This quote highlights the trick's simplicity and effectiveness.

I hope this detailed analysis is helpful! Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any specific aspect of the trick.