Ricky Jay is a world-renowned magician, historian, collector of antiquarian books and artifacts, and actor (often a mischievous presence in the films of David Mamet and Paul Thomas Anderson) — and a performer who regularly provokes astonishment from even the most jaded audiences. DECEPTIVE PRACTICE traces Jay’s achievements and influences, from his apprenticeship at age 4 with his grandfather, to such now-forgotten legends as Al Flosso, Slydini, Cardini (“the best act I ever saw”) and his primary mentors, Dai Vernon and Charlie Miller. Featuring rare footage from his 1970s TV appearances (doing 3-card Monte with Steve Martin on The Dinah Shore Show) and told in Jay’s inimitable voice, this is a remarkable journey inside the secretive world of magic and the small circle of eccentric geniuses who have mastered it.                                              

USA • 2012 • 88 • MINS.

REVIEWS

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“Astonishment abounds.  One of the most compelling characters in magic gets his due.  A biography not of a person but a passion and career.”
– John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter

“Thoroughly engrossing, highly entertaining.” – Ronnie Scheib, Variety

“Grade: A –.  A deeply magical biography of the illusionist.” – Drew Taylor, Indiewire