This episode of "American Masters" in one of the strangest in the series. Usually these shows are about famous musicians, architects, photographers, actors, artists and the like. Here, however, the subject is definitely a different sort of artist--a slight of hand artist named Rickey Jay. Also unusual is that although I'd seen Jay in a few small roles in movies, I had absolutely who he was or what made him famous. Even more unusual is that the subject narrates the film and takes the viewer on a journey with him.The show is about Jay and his obsession with magic. But, there is a strong emphasis on the sleight of hand artist--the magician who often used cards but who avoided traditional magic props used for 'big' acts. He talks about the many previous sleight of hand artists who were the greats and who contributed to Jay's education in the subject. Overall, it's very interesting and builds an interest even if the viewer didn't previously care about this sort of magic. Well worth seeing.

The other reviews of Deceptive Practice on this site run the gamut, proving that no single film is for everyone. But I would say that if you enjoy optical illusions, there is a good chance you might enjoy this film.Deceptive Practice is a biographical documentary, but it is more than that. Ricky Jay's life spans a particular era in the history of magic and, through associations, extends to earlier generations of magicians.I was never one who had to know how illusions were performed. The illusion itself gave joy enough. And although this film may not expose every aspect of Ricky Jay's life, it provides great joy.I remember seeing Ricky in some of his early TV performances, demonstrating sleight of hand and using playing cards as weapons. Years later, I saw him in some of David Mamet's films (most notably House of Games, that great tale of hustlers and confidence men). In Deceptive Practice, Ricky traces the story of his life, educating us about the culture of magic.By telling us about his relationships with other magicians--many of whom were his mentors--he brings us into their world. These are men who were fascinated by the peculiar, the arcane, the illusory, the ephemeral. Delving into their talents and their dedication to the lifestyle creates a joyous tour. In general, these are brilliant minds possessing unusual dedication to a craft that they elevate to an art form.Ricky's story also feels nostalgic. A look at bygone days. A chronicle of tales that have become mythic in the retelling. It includes a glimpse into the importance of secrets, some poetry, and an interview with an acquaintance that might even elicit tears. I enjoyed it very much.

A glass one-third empty, two-third full kind of film. The two-thirds that are rich and brimming is the wonderful introduction the various colorful artists who mentored Ricky Jay into arguably the foremost card magician of our time. It's a lineage we learn that is handed down very personally, from generation to generation and then only in bits and pieces. Jay tells great stories of the men who inspired and tutored him. And we occasionally see terrific glimpses of them performing in some great found old footage.The second full third are the wonderful, if all too brief times we to watch Jay's amazing artistry with cards and card tricks. Slight of hand at this level is truly beautiful -- a dance of illusion. There's a silky smoothness to Jay's movements that works in wonderful tandem with this spikey, off-beat, almost dangerous on stage persona. The third that's missing is a deeper exploration of the man himself. By his own admission Jay keeps the world at bay. We hear a very few tantalizing bits about his boyhood family life away from magic, but then that's put aside (even his manager of 20+ years admits he knows better than to ask Ricky about his childhood). Only near the very end of the film do we even learn that Jay is married, and that his wife seems to be a huge part of his life. Then this too is moved on from. I can accept that Jay and perhaps director Molly Bernstein wanted to keep the film focused largely on Jay's mentors, but, for my taste, they took the 'mysteries' part of the title a bit too seriously. It's frustrating to watch a truly striking human being talk about their life and craft for 90 minutes, and realize you know little more about them at the end than at the beginning. Again, it seems intentional. Jay wants to keep his personal mysteries to himself. But it leaves a very entertaining and well made film feeling a touch incomplete. That said, this is still very worth seeing. I was never bored, sometimes astonished, and heard amazing stories I don't think I'll soon forget.

I feel asleep 30 minutes in. Not bad, each 10 minutes earned it 1 start in my book. The beginning part where they talk about Ricky Jay's childhood was interesting. I guess he thought his dad was an idiot and instead he spent a bunch a time with his rich grand dad and famous magicians of the time. Sleight of hand and card tricks are cute and all, but you have to be physically close to the effect to really enjoy it. He seems like a great guy, and he knows a lot about weirdos. Apparently David Mamet is on his nuts and that helps to add to his coolness. If you are interested in old timey card tricks and hustling techniques you will like this movie. I just feel his expert skill and handy work doesn't translate well to the big screen,