How does the magician actually saw a person in half?
Surprisingly, the magician does not physically cut a person in half during this trick. Instead, they use clever techniques to create the illusion of sawing someone in half while keeping them unharmed.
Is there any danger to the person being sawed?
No, the person being sawed in half is not in any real danger. The trick revolves around the art of misdirection – shifting the audience’s attention away from the actual method used to create the illusion. The person being sawed is carefully positioned and secured in a specially designed box that allows their body to be hidden or manipulated.
How is the trick set up?
The setup of this illusion may vary depending on the magician’s preference or the design of their prop. However, most versions involve a large box with two compartments – one small and one larger connected by a narrow tunnel. The magician typically invites a volunteer from the audience to participate, ensuring their complete cooperation.
Can the box be examined before the trick?
Magicians avoid allowing the audience to examine the box too closely as this would reveal vital secrets. However, they often make the box appear innocent by showing its empty interior or even placing a live animal inside to demonstrate its safety.
What happens when the saw or blade cuts through the box?
Here is where the magic happens! As the magician pushes the saw into the box, it appears to penetrate the person’s body. However, the blade is cleverly designed not to harm the person inside. It may be detachable or retractable, allowing it to pass harmlessly over the person’s body.
How are the two halves of the person seen during the trick?
Once the magician has made the sawing motion through the box, they pull the two halves apart, revealing what seems to be the person’s severed body. However, this is merely an optical illusion created by using a mirror or a false bottom within the box. This hidden element reflects an image of the person’s lower half inside, giving the appearance of being completely separated.
How does the person remain conscious during the trick?
To maintain the illusion of authenticity, the magician might encourage the person being sawed to wiggle their fingers or toes while appearing in distress. This helps convince the audience that the trick is real when, in reality, the person is never at any risk or pain.
How does the magician put the person back together?
The magician reverses the process by pushing the two halves back together and removes the saw. It is essential to be skilled in sleight of hand and misdirection to distract the audience during this crucial part of restoring the person’s body.
The ‘Sawing a Person in Half’ illusion is a staple of magic shows, captivating audiences worldwide. By understanding the secrets behind this trick, we can appreciate the mastery and skill that magicians possess, creating seemingly impossible illusions before our very eyes. So, the next time you witness this remarkable illusion, remember that there’s always more than meets the eye!