I’m fascinated with all forms of magic which is not necessarily a good thing. Being enamored with everything precludes me from focusing and becoming better at one thing. However, looking at and trying different forms of magic at least gives me some insight into the good as well as the bad of each form. Who can not deny the visual nature of regular magic? Cards change colors, values, and suits, coins appear and disappear and smoke emanates on stage and an animal shows up. So amazing it can take your breath away. However, the audience knows that it was an illusion and not real. Conversely, mentalism does not have the visual appeal of magic but done correctly it can convince people that it can be real. It may be bland visually but psychologically it leaves people wondering, can there be others senses other than our known five senses?
The challenge is how do you make a mentalism effect not so procedural and boring as most tend to be? The answer may be in Hook by Eric Ross. Hook is basically a bank night effect without the arrogance of the mentalist being the “winner”. A typical bank night effect is in which there are five envelopes or bags and only one holds a valuable “prize” Four audience members are chosen to participate and no matter who picks what envelope, the mentalist always outwits them and keeps the prize. Not only is it predictable but slightly arrogant.
Hook is quite different. A quadruple fish hook is placed in the performer’s mouth. Along with the hook the performer places five lengths of string. Four of the lengths are not tied to the hook but one is. Each spectator is asked to come up, choose one string and pull on it as hard as they can. Ultimately, the last string which was not chosen is the tied string. Relieved and triumphant the performer pulls out the last string and shows it truly is tied to the hook. Even knowing that this is a trick, it is hard to watch the video without getting chills.
Originally this effect was a limited release at a much higher price. Thankfully, it was recently re-released at a much more “affordable” price. Although still not a cheap effect, I feel the reactions you will get is well worth the investment. Hook and all that is needed to perform comes in a small metal case designed to look like a survival kit. I can see Hook as the last trick performed after doing some mind-reading and prediction effects with a small group of people. It is so strong visually and viscerally that it will probably be remembered for a lifetime.
To watch a trailer on Hook click below: