Total Mentalism by Luca Volpe

Effect

Total Mentalism by Luca Volpe is a book that focuses on creating strong mentalism routines designed to captivate and astonish audiences. The effects range from psychological illusions to interactive mind-reading experiences, all structured to foster a deep connection between the performer and the spectator. The routines are adaptable for different settings, including stage, close-up, and parlor performances.

Full Details

Total Mentalism is a well-regarded book in the mentalism community, serving as a precursor to Volpe’s later work, Monochrome. It contains a variety of original routines that blend classic mentalism principles with Volpe’s personal performance style. The book emphasizes audience engagement, ensuring that each routine is more than just a trick—it’s an experience.

The book includes contributions from respected magicians and mentalists, adding depth and variety to the material. While the exact number of routines isn’t specified in the provided data, Monochrome (its follow-up) contains 15 original routines by Volpe and 9 additional contributions, suggesting a similarly robust approach in Total Mentalism.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Total Mentalism is ideal for magicians and mentalists who want to expand their repertoire with sophisticated, audience-focused routines. It suits performers who enjoy psychological magic and want to create a deeper impact on their spectators. The material is versatile enough for different performance environments, making it useful for both stage and close-up performers.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The difficulty level of the routines in Total Mentalism varies, but they are designed to be practical for working magicians. Some effects may require a solid understanding of mentalism principles, while others are more accessible. The inclusion of video downloads (as seen in Monochrome) suggests that supplementary learning resources may be available to help with execution. Performers should expect to invest time in rehearsal to fully realize the psychological impact of the routines.

What Magicians Say

Luca Volpe describes Total Mentalism and its follow-up, Monochrome, as books that go beyond simple tricks, aiming to create a lasting impression on audiences. He emphasizes the fusion of magic and photography (in Monochrome), which suggests a similar artistic approach in Total Mentalism.

SaturnMagicShop highlights that the book is designed for multiple performance settings, making it a versatile resource. They also note the inclusion of contributions from well-known magicians like Steve Cook and Federico Bck, adding credibility to the material.

MurphysMagicSupplies mentions that Monochrome (and by extension, Total Mentalism) contains thought-provoking routines that enhance audience connection. The premium design and photography elements indicate a high-quality presentation, reinforcing the book’s value for serious performers.

Overall, reviewers and Volpe himself position Total Mentalism as a valuable resource for magicians seeking to elevate their mentalism performances with strong, audience-focused material.