Friday, July 26 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 27 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 28 at 2:00 PM
Friday, August 2 at 9:30 PM
Saturday, August 3 at 9:30 PM
Sunday, August 4 at 4:30 PM
What happens when documentary filmmakers – whose goal is to explore and reveal – take as their subject one of the world’s great living magicians, whose art (and life) is all about deception and concealment? The subject in question is Ricky Jay, a world-renowned illusionist, author, historian, raconteur and actor (a memorable presence in David Mamet’s House of Games and Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights and Magnolia). Told largely in Ricky’s own, incomparable voice, Deceptive Practice traces the story of his remarkable achievement, beginning at age 4 with his grandfather, amateur magician Max Katz, as well as legendary professionals such as Al Flosso, Slydini, Cardini, Dai Vernon and the great Charlie Miller. Now in his sixties, Ricky Jay’s one-man shows consistently draw rave reviews and sold-out houses; Molly Bernstein and Alan Edelstein’s warm and deeply personal portrait of the artist offers a rare glimpse into the arduous demands of the magician’s craft, and also celebrates the vibrant language and storytelling that remains the living, beating heart of this remarkable, centuries-old tradition. One of the year’s most delightful surprises. (88 min.)