Watch Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay

Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay is a documentary film that tells the story of the fascinating career of Ricky Jay, one of the greatest magicians and card manipulators of our time. Directed by Molly Bernstein, the film takes us into the enchanting world of magic and gambling, offering a glimpse into the life and work of a master of deception who has captivated audiences worldwide.

The film begins with a brief introduction to Ricky Jay's early years and how he started getting interested in magic and sleight of hand. We learn that he grew up in a family of performers and was exposed to the world of magic from a very young age. He started practicing card tricks and other illusions as a child, and by the age of 17, he had already become a professional magician. The movie then takes us through some of the most significant stages of his career, from his early performances in New York to his successful Las Vegas shows and his collaborations with filmmakers like David Mamet and Paul Thomas Anderson.

One of the key themes of Deceptive Practice is the importance of mentorship and lineage in the world of magic. The film explores the various mentors and influences that have shaped Ricky Jay's career, from his grandfather Max Katz, who introduced him to magic, to legendary card manipulators like Dai Vernon and Charlie Miller, who taught him some of his most impressive tricks. The movie features interviews with some of these mentors and peers, who offer insights into Jay's style and approach to magic.

At the same time, the movie also highlights Ricky Jay's own unique talents and contributions to the art of magic. We see him perform some of his most breathtaking illusions, such as manipulating an entire deck of cards with just one hand, throwing a playing card through a watermelon, or making coins jump from one hand to the other. The film also delves into his scholarly work on the history of magic and his fascination with oddities and curiosities, which has led him to collect one of the largest archives of magic-related ephemera in the world.

Throughout the film, we get a sense of Ricky Jay's intense dedication and perfectionism, as well as his deep love for the art of magic. He speaks eloquently about the principles of deception and misdirection, and how they can be used to create moments of wonder and surprise. He also reflects on the challenges and limitations of the profession, and the difficulties of maintaining a sense of mystery and enchantment in a world where technology and social media have made secrets and surprises harder to come by.

The film is peppered with amusing anecdotes and stories from Ricky Jay's life and career, as well as tributes from some of his admirers and colleagues, such as the late magician Harry Anderson and talk show host Dick Cavett, who has been a longtime friend and supporter. We also see glimpses of his personal life, including his travels to various cities, his passion for collecting and curating, and his close relationships with his family and friends.

Overall, Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay is a captivating and insightful documentary that offers a rich and rewarding portrait of one of the most talented and influential magicians of our time. Whether you're a fan of magic or not, this film is sure to leave you spellbound and fascinated by the world of illusion and deception.

Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 79.