Do You Want to Learn Magic?

Do You Want to Learn Magic?

In this instructional magic video gone awry, a young magician comes to terms with the difficult reality that doing coin tricks may not be enough. “Do You Want to Learn Magic?” directed by and starring the real-life magician, Chris Fanelli, is a free-roaming mixture of infomercial, personal history, and surreal narrative. What begins as a promo video selling a series of VHS tapes (“Card Magic,” “Money Magic,” “Italian Magic,” etc) soon deconstructs into an identity crisis. To meet his stated goal of becoming the greatest magician since Houdini, Fanelli decides he must ditch the parlor tricks and go big. But his first attempt, being locked in a tin trash can, goes horribly wrong and he’s forced to reconsider his life path once again. The film employs a melange of visual styles and landscapes which cohere around the vibrant personality and old-time talents of Fanelli. -KA. Director: Chris Fanelli. Cast: Chris Fanelli, Primo Berrettini. 

Newly added (4/23/2023): the 10-part series "Pillars of Magic" from the creator of "Do You Want to Learn Magic?" for subscribers only.

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Do You Want to Learn Magic?
  • Do You Want To Learn Magic?

    In this instructional magic video gone awry, a young magician comes to terms with the difficult reality that doing coin tricks may not be enough. “Do You Want to Learn Magic?” directed by and starring the real-life magician, Chris Fanelli, is a free-roaming mixture of infomercial, personal histor...

  • Meet the Director: Chris Fanelli ("Do You Want to Learn Magic?")

    Chris Fanelli is a filmmaker & comedian from Chicago, Illinois.

  • Pillars of Magic - Episode 1

    Episode 1 - Foundation of Playing Cards: Fifty-two pieces of worthless card-stock have the power to change your life. Dive into the wonder that is, “playing cards”.

    Pillars Of Magic is an education program. Sort of. Over the course of 9 episodes, master magician, Chris Fanelli, teaches viewers l...

  • Pillars of Magic - Episode 2

    Episode 2 - The Charlier Cut: Learn how to dominate your audience with one of magic’s greatest hand flourishes: the Charlier Cut. (Feat. Jay Weingarten)

    Pillars Of Magic is an education program. Sort of. Over the course of 9 episodes, master magician, Chris Fanelli, teaches viewers lessons about...

  • Pillars of Magic - Episode 3

    Episode 3 - The Ambiguous Card: Chris performs one of the most iconic card tricks of all time: The Ambiguous Card. (Feat. Joey Santore).

  • Pillars of Magic - Episode 4

    Fifty-Cent Piece American Half Dollar.

    The magician’s go-to coin for coin magic. But whose head is on it? John Fitzgerald Kennedy. (Feat. Cole Kush)

  • Pillars of Magic - Episode 5

    Authority

    In order to blow people’s minds, you need to possess authority. Here’s how. (Feat. Oscar Chavez)

  • Pillars of Magic - Episode 6

    Is Magic a Lie?

    Are magicians liars? Are liars bad people? What constitutes a lie? Find the answers to these questions and more. (Feat. Brendan O'Hare)

  • Pillars of Magic - Episode 7

    Flourish

    It’s what magic is all about. Not mechanism! (Feat. Sarah Squirm)

  • Pillars of Magic - Episode 8

    Rope(s)

    It’s hard being a magician. Maybe life would be better as a “normal guy”. (Feat. Nnamdï, Sen Morimoto, & KAINA)

  • Pillars of Magic - Episode 9

    The Mind

    The mind is a dangerous place. But to perform magic properly, a magician must know how to penetrate it.

  • Pillars of Magic - Episode 10 Special

    Pillars of Magic: The Paid Programming Experience!

    There’s an entire storage locker filled to the brim with a magnificent opportunity just waiting for you!