Review by Brad Henderson
Fans of Jeff McBride will consider this film, produced by award-winning Canadian documentarians Daniel & Donna Zuckerbrot, a must-have. Not only are small portions of some of McBride’s signature pieces archived, but his personal and performance philosophies are explored at length. Most importantly, it chronicles McBride as both a performer and a seeker of magic.
Those who are new to McBride may find this portrait distancing. While it accurately represents him and his worldview, the Zuckerbrots leap headfirst into McBride’s unique philosophy and spiritual practices that might push some viewer’s boundaries. He has immersed himself in a variety of disciplines which have helped create one the more unique acts in our field. More than that, this symbolic approach to magic is not only one of McBride’s secrets of artistic success but, whether used knowingly or not, a common element among other successful magical artists. As McBride says on symbolism in magic, “The audience may never be aware of that, and that’s the power of the magic.”
For some, this film will prove a fascinating insight into the creative process of one of magic’s most successful artists. Others may find it confusing or even off-putting. And some may prefer to avoid knowing altogether. After all, once the secret’s told, you may never look at the magic in the same way again.
