Derren Brown has been one of the biggest UK TV sensations in the last few years. He appears to be able to control and predict human behaviour, but the question that has to be asked is "is he skilled in psychology or just a very clever magician".
Derren started one of the first shows by showing a standard "magic trick" then saying that was the last magic trick he was going to use. Taking the example of the boxer lifting the woman, albeit it is not a magic trick, but it is an example of simple physics - he can lift her when she stands close to him, but he can't lift her when she stands a few inches further away as the force required to lift her increases - we don't notice her move away, but she does! Take a look in the 'Magic Tricks & Videos' section at the 'Poker' trick to see another simple magic trick that Derren used.
There are many other examples of standard magic tricks that Derren Brown uses. Does it actually matter what techniques he uses, as long as the show is good (which in my opinion it is), then everyone's happy! I purchased the Devil's Picturebook from him that shows some magic tricks and some tricks to be dressed up as psychological tricks. When I saw the effects, I was amazed, but as soon as I found out how simple they were, I almost felt cheated on.
In conclusion, I do respect Derren for his amazing performances (all except for the Seance, but that's for another article!), but I think the shows should be taken with a pinch of salt - don't always believe what you see and hear.
