Issue 21 - July 08
The
Professional Repertoire of Etienne Pradier
Available from: www.magicshop.co.uk
Price: £29.99
In this two disc set Etienne Pradier
teaches twelve routines that he uses in his commercial work. Each segment starts
with a performance filmed in a live setting with genuine lay audiences. This
format is excellent as you not only get to see the effect in action but also how
Etienne interacts with the group and how he uses the situation to present the
magic. Immediately following the performance the method is explained. This was
much better than having all the explanations in a separate section, as on a
number of occasions I wanted to go back immediately and watch the performance
again to see how and when specific bits of the routine were performed.
The twelve items are varied and include
Etienne Pradier's handling of the Bill Switch, Ring Flight, Bottle Through
Table, Coin Under Watch and various card effects. These are the effects of a
successful working professional and all, with one exception, meet the criteria
for effective close up being short, having an immediate impact, easy to carry,
requiring little or no reset and entertaining. There is a balance between the
effects he uses at tables and those during the walkabout reception.
Typically the effects on a new DVD are
original to the performer. To a large extent this is not the case with this set.
As the credits acknowledge, other magicians have developed much of the material
and many have become close up standards. If
originality is the test then much of the originality in these tapes is in the
fine grain of performance. It is from learning something of the subtle nuances
and inflections developed through experience.
There are some original elements in a
few of the routines. In the bill switch, for instance, Pradier repeats the
change up to three times, each time apparently producing not only the currency
requested but also the denomination. Impromptu Signed Card in Sealed Bottle is,
I believe, Pradier’s own version. A killer effect, but one that requires an
open bottle full of liquid to be carried in a pocket, which is fine for the one
off special performance, but a reset is required and it would not be easy to use
repeatedly table to table.
There is no question that Pradier is an
impressive performer. Skillful, polished, funny, and charming. This can be
mesmerising and I found that I needed to step back and take a second look to
really judge the value of the material. For example, Finger Snap and The Broken
Glass are both entertaining but essentially quick asides - OK amongst stronger
core effects, but not sufficient to stand alone.
In the context of his whole performance I can see that they work well for
Pradier but might not stand up so well in a less packed or polished set.
The second disc comprises predominantly
of card magic. Typical of his fast, amusing performance, Card to Pocket is a
compilation of effects, incorporating card under watch, David Williamson’s
Fifty-One Cards to pocket and a series of flashy displays, all of which can be
done in the hands and are therefore ideal for walkabout. One of the strongest
card effects is The Wedding Test, his handling for two signed cards that meld
into one (double face) and which are ultimately left with the couple.
This is a great plot with real commercial appeal.
The discs contain additional segments
and these were of mixed value. The card sleights and the bill switch are
explained in a separate section. As with other sections in the explanations this
is shot with an overhead camera, which considerably enhances the finished
product, however, the explanations were quite brief.
If learning the sleights is a priority you might be better with a
different source. Similarly,
although the topic of Pocket Management is important, this section simply
described where Pradier puts various items in his suit and I don’t think added
much. In contrast the interview section on disc two was very informative.
Pradier answers ten or so questions about performing close up. What is the first
effect you do? Do you stay longer if asked?
How do you deal with difficult people? And others. Very interesting and
of real value.
In the end does it all add up to good
value? On balance I think that it probably does. The final product is very
professional and the quality of the original filming and editing shows through.
Learning standard effects from an experienced performer is a good way to benefit
from experience but a careful evaluation of the effects on offer might question
whether there is sufficient that is new.
More than many other instructional
videos, however, I enjoyed watching this set. It was fun, it was entertaining
and there were things to learn. I will go back to them again to look at specific
sections. It is a bit flash in places but then that is all part of the Gallic
charm Etienne Pradier exudes. If nothing else, I might finally get around to
learning bottle through table. SB
What’s Hot: His signature effect -
bottle through table
What’s not: Less substance than the glitz suggests
Star Rating: ****
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