Review of Psychology Derren Brown: Confessions of a Conjuror
'The Waves' + John Cleese on embarrassing incidents + Mr Mullica's card effect, 10 Jan 2012... plus consideration of Brown's own past. Very unusual style of book, which in some ways reflects a magical 'effect'—not just the mechanics of a trick, and not just the mechanics plus 'patter', but the full choreography. There's one trick, punctuated by reflections on the past, reflections on psychology, and reflections on the sorts of things people do. Brown comes across as a man of calculating shyness, as he decides how to approach some group of people who may, or may not, be receptive to his trick with 'Bicycle Brand' red-backed cards. His disquisitions include theatrical conventions (this reminded me of an H G Wells story, about a drama critic), the box style of After Eight mint chocolates, the realisation that his parents were once as young as he is now—and perhaps equally competent at dealing with children—climbing stairs and other gait-related movements, homosexuality, and party events with famous people. A note at the beginning states this is a work of non-fiction, but adds that some details have been changed 'solely to protect the privacy of others', though I haven't been able to deconstruct the meaning here: at one point he describes a faux pas with Hugh Grant at a party—I simply can't work out which, if any, parts of this anecdote may have been changed 'solely' to protect privacy. Brown is good on introspection of everyday events, such as descending in a lift—possibly the need to design 'effects' needs great attention to small details. He's not quite so good on philosophy and personal ethics (the bit that reminded me of John Cleese). No doubt it's better to be nice, but would this work in our world of large-scale deception and considerable callous cruelty?
An unusual book which may well not appeal to certain, perfectly legitimate, character types. I was left with the feeling that Brown's insights and methods might be employed with great advantage to the human race when people like Tony Blair, Murdoch etc are being quizzed on their wars, lies, assassinations, and so on. Worth a try, anyway?