Hustlers, Hoaxsters, Pranksters, Jokesters and Ricky Jay

In any field of endeavor there is a short list of people who, through great diligence and talent, are at the very top. Ricky Jay was, at the time of his death, Indisputably one of the greatest close-up magicians and card mechanics ever known. His ability to manipulate cards was the envy of other pros. He performed tricks that left other magicians shaking their heads, and all the time engaging his audience with a steady stream of patter.

But he was also an historian of magic, of card manipulation, and of esoteric wonders, whether human, animal, or completely inanimate. He loved books, posters, and handbills relating to his chosen art, and was an avid collector of same. It is a truth that the world is a poorer place without him.

I was surprised by this documentary. It began as you'd expect, a run of the mill tribute style show on conjurer, illusionist, master of slight of hand Ricky Jay.

He does a few tricks, others talk about his skills and knowledge in awed and glowing terms, including Steve Martin. Simply another forgettable 'TV spot' style film. But the documentary travels this familiar path until somewhere into the second half, when it suddenly asks the question of what type of person might be a magician.

And bam, it tugs aside the curtain and gives you a peak behind the facade, behind the showmanship. A momentary glimpse into precisely the type of person that Ricky Jay is. And it ain't pretty.

The film, despite a formulaic start, takes on a sinister twist that I found fascinating. It's worth hanging in for the peak behind the magic.