After more than forty years of conjuring and mind-bending, Rick Maue’s still managing to keep a bit of mystery about him... until now! This DVD set sees Rick lay bare a selection of his signature pieces alongside some gems that haven’t seen the light of day before, with many effects plucked straight from his working repertoire.
Mental Deceptions is absolutely rammed with robust mentalism suitable for both stand-up and close-up gigs. Remarkably, none of the effects demand splashing out on fancy gimmicks or props — just your average everyday items like envelopes, poker chips, paper, playing cards, and the like. (It’s no wonder Michael Weber dubbed Rick the "OfficeMax Maven".)
And here’s the kicker: no sleight of hand is needed. Rick refers to this as VdM Magic — material so straightforward that even the Venus de Milo could pull it off! In other words, if you can hold a playing card, you’re good to go.
But wait, there’s more! You’ll get a peek into Rick’s brain during insightful interview segments with magician Francis Menotti. You’ll soon see why Marc DeSouza once quizzed Rick, “Why is it that when I see you lecture, I feel like I’m watching a mad scientist at work?”
Volume 2 Features:
Beyond the Witching Hour- A cheeky bit of spirit communication that also teaches a useful utility move for those wanting to adjust the hands of a watch (because who doesn’t need that?).
The Final Picture- The pièce de résistance! This is the one Rick has performed more times than all his other creations combined, whether on stage, up close, or at a séance — it’s a must-see.
Animal Instincts- A close-up prediction effect that relies purely on human instincts (no animals were harmed in the making of this trick).
In the Neighbourhood- A simple twist on "Out of this World"... but you won’t find any playing cards here!
Abstract Extraction (Francis Menotti)- A bizarre effect that makes brainwaves visible to the naked eye. (No, it’s not magic; it’s just clever science.)
Defining the Difference- A striking piece of mentalism displaying the clear distinction between a magician and a mentalist (spoiler: it’s all in the thinking).
Focus/ Sixth Sense Symbols- A three-phase routine that genuinely feels like mind reading. It seems impossible because, well, it almost is... unless you know the secret.
The Journey- A stand-up piece that’s fooled some of the sharpest minds in mentalism. It’s strong, versatile, and everything you need can be nabbed at a regular office supply store.
Interviews (with Francis Menotti).
