The two part special was a good leap from the previous special Erik Mana had (Stranger). The first episode focused on some street magic and parlor settings. Strikingly, the three card monte was the most visual of all. His handling of the routine and the patter that goes with it is seamless as far as the audience is considered as can be seen in their faces. Even my friends beside me thought that it was a great trick. Though some cinematic visual effects were used to augment the segments. This is most noted during the "Magic at Home" segment, wherein his hands seem to flash energy (a computer effect). After seeing that part, some of my friends started talking about camera tricks and other video manipulations. So I guess, a magic show which uses these advancement will lessen its magical impact due to some known visual effects.
The theme of the episodes, especially the second one, was ghosts. Everything in that part were about ghosts. Experiments on spirits and ghosts were vastly explored. The striking segment was that of the video tape wherein the figures and drawings created at the setting was seen to have been on the mysterious tape. And the tape goes with the audience as a souvenir. Again, myy friends who were at my house to see the episode, looked at me in awe. The could not understand what happened. The sequence was so scary, some of the ladies shriek with the audience in the boob tube. That was the most visually effective part as far as my visitors were concerned.
As a budding magician, I am quite impressed by the way Mr. Mana handles his experiments. His coolness, soft voice and occasionally speaking in Tagalog added a sense of eerieness for his audience. Even in some hilarious moments, he controlled his emotions. Maybe because he wants to portray the whole episode as a mastermind, controlling other peoples minds. His settings of the experiments were carefully selected to keep movements to a minimum with a maximum impact. A combination of simple moves coupled with a good patter and some patience make way for him.
This two-episode magic special of Erik Mana may prove to be a good start for Philippine magic. It is hoped that this profession will gain ground and some other top magicians will follow suit in creating an aura of magic, even only on TV.
To Mr. Erik Mana, congratulations Sir!!! It's a very good show...
posted by The STRUGGLE between REALITY and what is SEEN. @ 3:45 PM
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