Instinct by Matthew Mello

Instinct is Matthew’s approach to the Russian Roulette routine. To those unfamiliar with the Russian Roulette, a sharp object (nail, knife, etc) is hidden under 1 out of 4 cups, which are then mixed up by the spectator as the magician/mentalist turns away. The mentalist then slams his hand on 3 of the cups, except the cup hiding the sharp object (or so we hope).

Matthew Mello’s Instinct has been claimed by many to be the end-all of Russian Roulettes.
With Instinct, you can perform the effect with:

· No gimmicks
· No forces
· No peeks
· No Equivoque!
· No Preparation Needed!
· ANY small object can be used!
· Magician/Spectator NEVER marks the cups!
· Everything can be borrowed!
· COMPLETELY IMPROMPTU!

A bonus Truth Teller/Liar routine, called Impulse is also taught on the DVD.


My Views on Instinct

The main menu is very simple and easy to navigate. Also, if you click on the “Instinct” logo you will be able to view another performance of Instinct by Matthew Mello. However I do admit that the overall audio could have been improved, and the camera work was pretty unprofessional. The shots were shaky and the constant zooming in and out made me feel like I was having tunnel vision. I believe that the director (or Matthew himself) should have worked out which shots would work and which wouldn’t.

Although Matthew claimed he has performed this effect for several years (plus on stage), I felt that his performance was nothing more than amateurish. His personality didn’t come through when he presented it and there was hardly any suspense/drama in the performance. In addition, Matthew should have worked on his script (for the explanation) a lot more. Almost every chapter in the explanation would begin with “OK”, “OK guys” or “Alright guys”. I believe he wanted to have the ‘laid-back’ feel to the explanation, but it just felt boring for me. A little humour wouldn’t harm anyone.

The method is very smart, great for impromptu (provided the spectator has 4 cups) and no gimmicks are required. However, the principle behind this method is not new. Experienced mentalists might be familiar with it, as Docc Hilford used this principle for his Hummer routine in the Book of Numbers series. But having said that, I applaud Matthew Mello for applying the principle to the Russian Roulette effect.

Matthew Mello mentioned that this method is 100% safe (if done right, of course) but we all have seen video clips of mentalists slamming their hands (or worse, a spectator’s) onto the wrong cup! In my opinion, audience management is very important in Russian Roulette effects and I feel that this has not been stressed enough on the DVD. If safety is your concern, you do not need to place a nail or knife under 1 of the cups. Any other object may be used, such as jewellery or wads of cash.

Bonus Effect - Impulse

Experienced mentalists will be familiar with the principle behind the method. I believe Kenton Knepper presented it as “The Five Bill Miracle” on the Desert Brainstorm Series (Vol. 2). However, Matthew has applied the principle to different effect. To me, this showcases Matthew’s creativity in applying existing principles to other effects.

Unfortunately I do not think we can use this method for our currency (SGD). My recommendation for a great Truth Teller/Liar effect that can be done anytime, anywhere, would be ‘Ring of Truth’ on Banachek’s Psi Series #2.


Ratings

To those who are new to Mentalism/Russian Roulette effects, I recommend that you purchase Instinct, but only for the principle behind the method. The method is ingenious, no gimmicks are required and the items required are very inexpensive. If done properly with good audience management, it will be very safe. However you are responsible for your own safety when performing the effect.

3 out of 5 stars

Currently available at www.MagicBoutique.sg

By “Iron” Will