MartinHafer This episode of "American Masters" in one of the strangest in the series. Usually these shows are about famous musicians, architects, photographers, actors, artists and the like. Here, however, the subject is definitely a different sort of artist--a slight of hand artist named Rickey Jay. Also unusual is that although I'd seen Jay in a few small roles in movies, I had absolutely who he was or what made him famous. Even more unusual is that the subject narrates the film and takes the viewer on a journey with him.The show is about Jay and his obsession with magic. But, there is a strong emphasis on the sleight of hand artist--the magician who often used cards but who avoided traditional magic props used for 'big' acts. He talks about the many previous sleight of hand artists who were the greats and who contributed to Jay's education in the subject. Overall, it's very interesting and builds an interest even if the viewer didn't previously care about this sort of magic. Well worth seeing.

atlasmb The other reviews of Deceptive Practice on this site run the gamut, proving that no single film is for everyone. But I would say that if you enjoy optical illusions, there is a good chance you might enjoy this film.Deceptive Practice is a biographical documentary, but it is more than that. Ricky Jay's life spans a particular era in the history of magic and, through associations, extends to earlier generations of magicians.I was never one who had to know how illusions were performed. The illusion itself gave joy enough. And although this film may not expose every aspect of Ricky Jay's life, it provides great joy.I remember seeing Ricky in some of his early TV performances, demonstrating sleight of hand and using playing cards as weapons. Years later, I saw him in some of David Mamet's films (most notably House of Games, that great tale of hustlers and confidence men). In Deceptive Practice, Ricky traces the story of his life, educating us about the culture of magic.By telling us about his relationships with other magicians--many of whom were his mentors--he brings us into their world. These are men who were fascinated by the peculiar, the arcane, the illusory, the ephemeral. Delving into their talents and their dedication to the lifestyle creates a joyous tour. In general, these are brilliant minds possessing unusual dedication to a craft that they elevate to an art form.Ricky's story also feels nostalgic. A look at bygone days. A chronicle of tales that have become mythic in the retelling. It includes a glimpse into the importance of secrets, some poetry, and an interview with an acquaintance that might even elicit tears. I enjoyed it very much.

cali-miket I feel asleep 30 minutes in. Not bad, each 10 minutes earned it 1 start in my book. The beginning part where they talk about Ricky Jay's childhood was interesting. I guess he thought his dad was an idiot and instead he spent a bunch a time with his rich grand dad and famous magicians of the time. Sleight of hand and card tricks are cute and all, but you have to be physically close to the effect to really enjoy it. He seems like a great guy, and he knows a lot about weirdos. Apparently David Mamet is on his nuts and that helps to add to his coolness. If you are interested in old timey card tricks and hustling techniques you will like this movie. I just feel his expert skill and handy work doesn't translate well to the big screen,

soncoman Just caught this it the 56th San Francisco International Film Festival. Jay is one of the more interesting hybrid entertainers (magician/actor/author) of the last few decades so I welcomed the opportunity to get a peek "inside the box".The film is aptly titled, as you do get a fascinating look at the influences on Jay's career. Their names alone (Cardini, Slydini, Al Flosso – The Coney Island Fakir) give you some of idea of the characters that Jay surrounded himself with early in his career. Lots of archival footage of these masters at work, along with Jay's early television appearances (including a REALLY early live TV appearance in 1953 performing magic) provide much of the back story as to how Jay got to where he is today.The greatest influence on Jay may have been his grandfather, Max Katz, an amateur magician who introduced his grandson to the art and some of its great practitioners. His passing, and apparently some significant rift in his familial relationships, lead Jay to strike out on his own and go from "Ricky Potash" to "Ricky Jay." This rift is unexplored in the film and may be one of the "mysteries" the film title references. Also left relatively unexplored is Jay's career as a character actor, though David Mamet is one of several folks interviewed. Mamet has directed several of Jay's one-man shows, but I would have liked to hear more about Jay's work as an actor.The directors were present at the screening, and I asked them if Jay's personal life was off-limits to discussion. They responded that while he didn't specifically forbid the subject, he didn't make it easy on them either. I also asked if there was a story behind his surname change (from Potash to Jay), and whether it had anything to do with the family rift hinted at by the film. Their somewhat weak response was that was "something that performers often do" and I got the feeling it never occurred to them to research the change or its circumstances. A quick internet search indicates Jay is his middle name. Did they not know that?As a record of some of the history of magic and its early performers, the film succeeds. As an examination of Jay as something more than a magician, the film leaves us in the dark. That may be just what Jay wanted.www.worstshowontheweb.com