Mind Control with Darren Brown

[lizthefair]

Have any of you seen this show? And if so, what do you think about it?

I've watched a couple episodes now, and while I've got some issues with the morality of some of the stuff he does, it is amazing to me just how susceptible people can be to the world around them.

[Advent Shade]

You might want to read his book 'Tricks of the Mind' if you're wondering about his moral stance. Derren Brown is actually quite an incredibly nice guy and in his last chapter he takes the unpopular, yet passionate stand of exposing charlatans and new age lies (not LOA/subjective reality) like certain psychics using the technique of 'cold-reading' and how astrologers manage to write impersonal material that other people manage to view as personal. He talks, from an objective standpoint, about how easy it is to get tangled up in our emotions and why Science is a reliable method of enquiry.

I've seen about three of his episodes, including the one where he pierces Robbie Williams with two 8 inch nails without him noticing, and the infamous 'Russian Roulette' episode. It really is incredible to watch. The episode I really want to see is when he goes to see 6 new-age therapists from different areas and manages to fool I think 4/6 of them that he is an expert in their area. Definitely worth a watch.

[WanderingOak]

I caught my first episode the other day and was impressed, although I do have to wonder about some of the things he does. In the show I saw, he paid for jewelry with blank pieces of paper, and managed to talk people on the street out of everything in their pockets. I have to wonder how the jewelry store clerk managed to keep his job after being conned on camera the way he was. I also have to wonder how Derrin Brown managed to avoid being pounded into the pavement after being caught 'scamming' people.

Is 'Tricks of the Mind' available in the US? I just tried to find it on Amazon without any luck, although there were several 'related searches' with various spellings (Derrin/Darrin/Darin/etc) of his name linked with that title. I did find 'Pure effect: Direct mind reading and magical artistry by Derren Brown', but it must be hard to find because Amazon wanted $495.00 for it.

[openeyes]

Originally Posted by Advent Shade

The episode I really want to see is when he goes to see 6 new-age therapists from different areas and manages to fool I think 4/6 of them that he is an expert in their area. Definitely worth a watch.

You can find it here: Derren Brown - Messiah (1/5)

[openeyes]

Originally Posted by WanderingOak

Is 'Tricks of the Mind' available in the US? I just tried to find it on Amazon without any luck, although there were several 'related searches' with various spellings (Derrin/Darrin/Darin/etc) of his name linked with that title. I did find 'Pure effect: Direct mind reading and magical artistry by Derren Brown', but it must be hard to find because Amazon wanted $495.00 for it.

The Amazon UK site has it:

Amazon.co.uk: Tricks of the Mind: Books: Derren Brown

[Advent Shade]

Thanks a lot openeyes!

[lizthefair]

Thanks for the book info--I may have to check it out. In any case I'm happy to hear he's addressed the ethical issues of some of what's going on.

Also to be clear, I don't think I ever really thought that **he** was unethical. He seems mostly interested in showing people what's possible (and making money off of a very interesting tv show which is totally legit.)

My concerns are more along the line of all the unethical things one **could** do with that kind of power; and that people who had accidental success with similar techniques in the past, might be inspired to practice based on this show. Of course, one could probably use it for good as well.

Anyway, its all probably more analysis's than a tv show really warrants, but when I saw it I was immediately interested in what folks here thought, so thanks for the indulgence.

[UHF]

Deren Brown is a great performer and has genuine talent. However, he doesn't fully acknowledge the fact that he uses hypnotism.

When people accept blank paper for money or hand over their wallets in the street, it is because he has hypnotised them already. Watch how he interacts with people - the repetition of the same words, the touch on the wrist. Watch what he does and watch their expressions change as they re-enter the hypnotic state.

He does have great talent, but to me; if people are hypnotised into behaving out-of-character, then is this the same 'mind control' he's trying to convince us he's doing?

[Advent Shade]

However, he doesn't fully acknowledge the fact that he uses hypnotism.

He writes 97 pages about Hypnotism in his book. It's a fascinating chapter really. And UHF absolutely; Derren Brown always insists he is an illusionist more then anything else. He never lays any claims to any unscientific personal abilities - he is an Atheist and dislikes such claims from anyone.

I am often dishonest in my techniques, but always honest about my dishonesty. As I say in each show, "I mix magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship".

[lizthefair]

My partner just sent me this youtube video of someone explaining some of the techniques used in the show. Thought you all might find it interesting too.

YouTube - Derren Brown- Russian Scam (explained)