Does David Blaine pick up from where Houdini left off?
i feel that comparing two great magicians is like comparing a mustang and a royle's royce. They are both amazing in their own way but you cant compare them directly. You can compare particular abilities, like escapes or close up. etc. so, to shorten that, no i dont think blaine picks up where houdini left off
Why do we still go and see David Blaine perform his stunts?
no matter how much i know, know matter how many times i see it, david always amazes me. his ability to comand attention always gets me in the most subtle ways and his smooth presentation and how natural it looks... i will never tire of watching him perform his magic.
Are we still amazed? - What feelings do you have when you watch them on TV or live?
as i said above yes im still amazed, although not always in the same ways. Im amazed at skill now, im amazed at technique and the sense of wonder that someone can instill. and every now and then, im still amazed by and effect and i have to sit there for a long while pondering how,
Do you feel the reactions to Blaine in the UK are different than the USA?
i think if you go to any alternative area reactions are going to vary. based on cultural differences and their reactions to outsiders.
Is it trickery, or are they both really putting their lives at risk?
i would say that there is a certain amount of risk, however i would guess they both take as many precautions as possible to minimize the risk without ruining the effect. With that said, i believe that in modern society it is easier to minimize risks for david's stunts, what with heart monitors, computers, etc, where as Houdini was less able to take precautions such as these and a heart monitor will always be safer than a guy behind the curtain with an axe ready to break the glass.
Do you think they are driven by money in order to perform?
no, there are many ways to make money in this world. There are even many ways to make money in the magic industry. Several of these are much less dangerous, time consuming, or require less dedication or work. I think it is an itch they both have to scratch. They are looking to see how far they can push themselves and the art and want to advance it as far as they can. I think its partially because they enjoy it and partially for the spectators or audience, giving back sort of. Look at David for example. He does lots of charity work and donates. Why would he do PUBLIC displays? he cant charge for those? why not do stage illusions or private performances. so no i dont think its about the money, at least not entirely or predominantly
Which country are you from?
the United States
