Blaine is often mocked for being a “trick-less magician” (to use Chris Rock’s phrasing). I think it’s fair to say that there have been few magicians that had enough guts and charisma these days to change the face of magic and David Blaine is one of them. And, I would venture to say that he is one of the most intelligent and talented performers to hit the big time in years.

I’m sure you probably have caught some of his “street magician” acts on his TV specials that had limited runs. One moment this magician is unheard of outside of New York bars, the next he’s an exciting new addition to the world of magic and entertainment. He is a master at performing amazing feats and mind-boggling stunts in natural environments (In the last decade he has gone from urban street performer to international superstar with his fresh approach to magic).

Oddly, he continues to be described as “illusionist David Blaine” in the press, though, of course, his tricks are “common” magic tricks known to most magicians and entirely illusion-free. I’m certainly not the first ones to point out that the feats of “magician” David Blaine have nothing to do with magic (for the most part). Most of his specials centers on his Houdini like stunts… hence he has been called “the hip-hop Houdini,” “the Michael Jordan of magic,” and “the master mystifier”. Say what you will about Blaine’s unique brand of magic but he always follows through and does exactly what he says he’s going to.

His latest stunt was living in a water-filled tank for a week before attempting the world record for holding his breath. However, he failed in his bid to break the world record for holding his breath under water, while simultaneously escaping heavy chains. The whole ordeal lasted for 177 hours, where he was submerged underwater in an 8-foot, see-through tank in downtown New York. One Blaine-fan, David Linker, said the magician symbolised “man’s strength to go beyond what normal people can do”.

In any event, street magic has become a very popular form of magic thanks to magicians like David Blaine and Criss Angel – since it allows you to take magic to “the people”. This type of urban magic is performed close-up and “in the face” of the audience. And watching Blaine in his “Street Magic” special, it’s not difficult to comprehend his seemingly overnight success. His Street Magic TV programs have impressed young and old. I’ve personally always liked Blaine, but he needs to be careful to stick to what made him famous, e.g. street magic, not stunts.

You can say Street Magic or you can say David Blaine; the two phrases these days are virtually interchangeable.

One thing is for sure, David Blaine is, no doubt, amply rewarded for his risk-taking. Somehow, I get the feeling that David Blaine is going to try to break some type of a “dangerous” record again. David Blaine is a fearless guy, with amazing dedication but I have to say I wish he would get back to his “magic”.

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