Price$30.00
Media TypeTrick
CategoryMentalism
Date AddedJan 17, 2008
Social Distortion
Andrew Mayne
(Based on 1 review)
Effect
A totally random volunteer is selected and before your audience's eyes, you reveal a thought of word, a name and a two-digit number. No stooges. No pre-show work. They write nothing down.
Social Distortion has already taken the magic world by storm, fooling magicians and entertaining audiences in Las Vegas up close and on stage. Everything you need fits in your wallet, but the impact is so big you could close your show with it.
Along with everything you need, you also get a CD with a one-hour in-depth discussion with magician Christopher who has been using Social Distortion in his own show in Las Vegas. You'll get advanced performance tips and suggestions including turning Social Distortion into an entire 15 minute act.
Includes complete instructions, full performance script, gimmicks and special bonus CD.
"Andrew Mayne understands my principles better than most. This effect is strong, easy to do, and amazes everyone involved. It's a winner!"
- Kenton Knepper
"A mentalist's DREAM!!"
- Christopher, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Reviews
(Top ▲)
You'll notice that there's no real description of Social Distortion provided in the ad, but there is plenty of hype. You'll also notice that one of the endorsers of this trick is Kenton Knepper. And there, in a nutshell, you have the reason why the effect isn't clearly described. It's subjectively experienced in a very Knepper-ish fashion.
That's not to say its bad. In fact, I think it's a pretty good trick. But you should be aware that this is for a more formal performing situation. That is, you need an audience, a participant, and some experience with managing both. You'll also need the ability to memorize and effectively perform a script. (That sound you hear is most magicians losing interest.)
The script you're provided with is good, but due to the nature of the method, you'll do best to learn it as-presented so as to benefit from subtle and important points that Mayne has incorporated. After a few performances, you can start to make it your own. In fact, there's a lot about this trick that can be tailored to suit your style. I was surprised when the included props differed from the booklet description, given how much thought Mayne had put into things, but it does give you another option in presenting the trick.
The 12-page booklet is pretty good, and tells you everything you need to know in order to learn and perform the tick. Also included is a hour-long audio CD, but consider it a bonus. It's a telephone conversation that wanders a bit in terms of topic and relevancy and I didn't find it a worthwhile investment for the time it takes to listen to it.
All in all, Social Distortion, despite being overhyped, is a solid piece of mentalism for the experienced performer. It would make a nice middle-piece in a show, and if this review hasn't given you reason to avoid it, you'll likely be satisfied with your purchase.
That's not to say its bad. In fact, I think it's a pretty good trick. But you should be aware that this is for a more formal performing situation. That is, you need an audience, a participant, and some experience with managing both. You'll also need the ability to memorize and effectively perform a script. (That sound you hear is most magicians losing interest.)
The script you're provided with is good, but due to the nature of the method, you'll do best to learn it as-presented so as to benefit from subtle and important points that Mayne has incorporated. After a few performances, you can start to make it your own. In fact, there's a lot about this trick that can be tailored to suit your style. I was surprised when the included props differed from the booklet description, given how much thought Mayne had put into things, but it does give you another option in presenting the trick.
The 12-page booklet is pretty good, and tells you everything you need to know in order to learn and perform the tick. Also included is a hour-long audio CD, but consider it a bonus. It's a telephone conversation that wanders a bit in terms of topic and relevancy and I didn't find it a worthwhile investment for the time it takes to listen to it.
All in all, Social Distortion, despite being overhyped, is a solid piece of mentalism for the experienced performer. It would make a nice middle-piece in a show, and if this review hasn't given you reason to avoid it, you'll likely be satisfied with your purchase.