Direct and To the Point
If there’s any aspect to perhaps fault Angel, and this is highly subjective, it’s that his plain and direct presentations showcase his effects more as puzzles. I admit to being a big-time sucker for Copperfield’s emotional setups and use of pop music. Whether it’s Copperfield’s stories of love lost and regained (his Dancing Handkerchief is among his finest work ever), his childhood dreams of flying or watching snow fall or wish to reunite estranged couples on remote beaches, Copperfield effectively wrote the book on bringing emotion to magic. His brand of magic plays well on stage and television and his comedy is equally good.
Angel, on the other hand, relies on a reality-TV style approach where the build-up occurs in supposed crew meetings, or his consultants are interviewed and they comment on an upcoming big effect. It’s not my favorite presentation for magic, but Angel is doing something different, and his success among a young generation and teens-that sought-after demographic-indicates that I may be rather old-school. To be successful, one has to change, and this applies to the art of magic.
Good for Magic
I’ve also been impressed with the way that Angel has publicized institutions such as the Magic Castle and the Academy of Magical Arts, even participating in this past year’s award ceremonies. I’m convinced that Angel has a sincere wish to promote the art of magic and its institutions.
I wish Criss Angel continued success and hope that he can grow in popularity and gain more recognition. And with his success, the art of magic and all working magicians will benefit. Let’s all give Angel the enormous credit and respect that is due.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
