Lost in the Shuffle

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Douglas C 10/09/2024 This documentary about playing cards, magicians, and a pet theory is unfortunately less than the sum of its parts. I've been in the same room with some of these magicians (Shawn Farquhar, Richard Turner, and Juan Tamariz) and can assure you that they have great personal charm and mad skillz. So why did this documentary fail to grip me? I'm not sure. The pet theory struck me as implausible--to quote from an episode of _The West Wing_: "I'm not convinced, and that's because you haven't convinced me." And frankly, I didn't find the theory all that entertaining. We've all learned to "just go with it" when we want to know what happens next, but the narrative never seem to grip. Maybe the director took too long to get to the point. Maybe the director spread the theory over too many minutes. I won't claim I understand good documentary-making. The construction of the card trick based around the pet theory underwhelmed me as well. It seemed rushed, which certainly fits with the "to deadline" premise of the documentary... but I'm not sure the artificial deadline didn't lead to an artificial result. This is not a documentary that needs to be vilified. It's fine. It's just not great storytelling. I'm prepared to wager that once I get over the lack of narrative--as I did with the movie "The Big Sleep" and the musical "Cats"--I'll enjoy "Lost in the Shuffle" more. But I don't expect to view this as a classic. See more 09/30/2024 "Lost in the Shuffle" by Sean Farquhar is, unfortunately, one of the most tedious documentaries I've ever endured. A film about a magician's life, playing cards, and the self-promotion of being a two-time Magician of the Year should have had the potential for intrigue, but somehow it manages to strip all that potential away. Sean Farquhar’s attempt to impress feels more like an awkward flex than anything remotely inspiring or captivating. For a documentary about magic, a craft built on mystery and wonder, it’s baffling how little of either exists here. Farquhar spends most of the runtime indulging in stories about playing cards as if he’s unaware that not everyone is as fascinated by his deck obsession. Every so-called ‘reveal’ feels about as impressive as watching someone shuffle a deck at your average poker night—monotonous, repetitive, and uninspired. He flaunts his awards, but instead of building excitement or offering a glimpse into the high-stakes world of competitive magic, it feels like being cornered at a party by someone who won't stop bragging about their bowling league trophies. There’s no spark, no depth, just endless card talk and an overwhelming sense of self-importance. The pacing? Non-existent. "Lost in the Shuffle" drags like a lecture on accounting procedures, stretching even the most banal moments into eternity. It’s less like watching a magic show and more like watching paint dry—or worse, watching the brushes get cleaned afterward. I’d rather endure a marathon of waiting for walls to turn from wet to dry than sit through this documentary again. For a performer who supposedly thrives on amazement, it’s astonishing how utterly devoid of wonder this film is. Even the editing, the presentation—everything feels flat, with no flair, leaving the viewer feeling like they’ve shuffled into a snooze-fest instead of a magical experience. See more Neil W 09/15/2024 I thoroughly enjoyed Lost in the Shuffle. Shawn Farquhar, a two-time world champion magician, does an incredible job guiding us through the unique relationship between magic, playing cards, and history. The documentary not only showcases captivating performances but also explores the hidden meanings behind certain king and queen cards, hinting at an age-old murder mystery. Farquhar’s investigation is fascinating, as he interviews historians who present differing views, ultimately leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions. Farquhar’s interviews with legendary magicians Richard Turner, Alexandra Duvivier, Juan Tamariz, and Michael Vincent add even more depth and perspective. Whether you're a magic enthusiast, a history buff, or just curious, this documentary offers plenty of memorable moments that are both fun and thought-provoking. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for something engaging and unique! See more john z 09/13/2024 A great documentary exploring the "history " of the cards and wonderful insights from some of the most accomplished magicians and historians. The section on the printing press is a wow! I highly recommend it. enjoy! See more Read all reviews

Lost in the Shuffle

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