The Sexy Sad Sandwich by Aaron Fisher

The Sexy Sad Sandwich

This magic trick, “The Sexy Sad Sandwich,” is presented as one of several effects detailed within Aaron Fisher’s The Paper Engine, a 20th-anniversary edition of his influential work. It’s characterized by a specific, deceptive presentation designed to evoke a strong emotional response from the audience – a combination of surprise and melancholy – before revealing a seemingly impossible result.

Full Details

The “Sexy Sad Sandwich” involves a series of card manipulations that create the illusion of a card vanishing and then reappearing in a dramatically different location. The core of the effect centers around a specific card handling technique, likely a variation of the Classic Card Force, combined with a misdirection strategy. The presentation emphasizes a slow, deliberate pace, building anticipation and focusing the audience’s attention on the performer’s facial expressions and gestures. The name itself suggests a contrast – a juxtaposition of attractiveness and sadness – intended to heighten the impact of the reveal. The trick relies on the audience’s expectation of a simple card reveal being subverted by the unusual emotional framing.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is most suitable for magicians with a moderate level of experience in card magic. The “Sexy Sad Sandwich” requires a solid understanding of basic card handling skills, particularly card force techniques. The detailed chapter in The Paper Engine promises a step-by-step guide to the Gravity Halfpass, which is likely a foundational element of the trick. Reviewer SaturnMagicShop notes that the trick is designed to create “astonishing performances,” suggesting it’s intended for magicians aiming for a high level of impact and audience engagement. The emphasis on “invisible techniques” indicates that the trick’s success depends on the performer’s ability to conceal the method while maintaining a compelling performance.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The 20th-anniversary edition of The Paper Engine, as highlighted by SaturnMagicShop, includes a significantly expanded chapter dedicated to the Gravity Halfpass. Fisher’s claim of refining this move over two decades suggests a considerable investment in perfecting the technique. While the initial description of the Gravity Halfpass was brief in the original book, the expanded version promises a thorough explanation. The reviewer indicates that the technique is designed for “ease of learning,” implying that, with dedicated practice, the trick can be mastered. However, the “invisible techniques” and the need to maintain misdirection suggest that achieving a truly polished performance will require considerable skill and attention to detail.

What Magicians Say

Reviewer SaturnMagicShop states, “The paper engine is filled with the invisible techniques and direct tricks that made my reputation.” This quote underscores the importance of misdirection and concealment, key elements for successful performance. Johnny Thompson, the foreword author of the original The Paper Engine, emphasizes the book’s value as a “toolbox of techniques” for creating deceptive magic. Fisher himself expresses joy in sharing the magic within the book and encourages viewers to utilize the techniques to “astonish their own audiences.” He highlights the importance of guiding the audience’s attention towards the effect, rather than the method, as a core principle of his magic.