Criss Angel's VMA plan for Britney
11:42 AM PT, Jan 11 2008
Criss Angel has a beard now. That was the first thing I noticed yesterday when we sat down to a 30-minute interview (no cameras) in the suite where Angel lives at the Luxor. But it isn't a trendy strike beard; it is a work beard for fans to see on season four of his popular A&E show "Mindfreak," which he is filming now in Vegas. "I don't have time to shave. I've been really intensely training on my close-up stuff like cards and different effects. The purest form of magic is close-up. There have been things I have really wanted to do for years and have been playing with for three years (on 'Mindfreak') but that I never mastered. But now I think I have it under control."
Angel's suite is near the top of the Luxor's pyramid and has been fully decorated for his comfort to include his miniature trains, a pinball machine, a drum set (given to him by a member of Godsmack) and a Pacman. There is also plenty of memorabilia from Angel's rise over the last decade from unknown to one of the hottest names in Vegas entertainment. Later this year he will become the first person to star in a Cirque show. Even though the show isn't opening until September, the Luxor already has dedicated display cases on the casino's ground floor to Angel's motorcycles, not to mention the souvenir store that sells all things Criss Angel. I don't recall during my time in Vegas anything comparable to the interest and excitement that Angel generates.
Angel's suite is near the top of the Luxor's pyramid and has been fully decorated for his comfort to include his miniature trains, a pinball machine, a drum set (given to him by a member of Godsmack) and a Pacman. There is also plenty of memorabilia from Angel's rise over the last decade from unknown to one of the hottest names in Vegas entertainment. Later this year he will become the first person to star in a Cirque show. Even though the show isn't opening until September, the Luxor already has dedicated display cases on the casino's ground floor to Angel's motorcycles, not to mention the souvenir store that sells all things Criss Angel. I don't recall during my time in Vegas anything comparable to the interest and excitement that Angel generates.
Certainly, Angel has become a shrewd marketer of his brand. Some would say that he is even too shrewd with his ability to command tabloid attention through his public interactions with Cameron Diaz, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and others. But Angel become famous not through who he hangs out with but through hard work and going his own way, sticking to his very specific vision for himself as an entertainer.
On Monday, I will have the entire transcript of the interview up on the Buffet. In our conversation we discussed Angel's lows and highs and his future with Cirque.
But for today let me share with you one thing I was curious about. I asked Angel to describe his ideas for Britney Spears' disastrous comeback at the Video Music Awards show in Vegas in September. Angel had been working with Spears on ideas for the performance that would have required a lot of rehearsals and effort from the star. Instead, Spears opted for more traditional choreography in a performance that, rather than announcing her return to the stage, marked the beginning of her total meltdown over the months that followed. But if she had gone with Angel's approach, what would we have seen?
"With Britney I presented concepts to create, within her performance, illusions that would happen in the open. You would see Britney and then she would split into two Britneys and then four Britneys with no boxes or covers. It would just be a visual effect using no screens. People in the past have used the art of magic in music performances but mostly in a cheesy way. Magic has not kept up with popular culture and technology.
"Other things I wanted to do with her was to literally transform her into birds and then for her to reappear in the audience. I also thought of having her levitate over the audience. It was going to be really visual moments that were all epic tableaux that were beautiful, artistic, elegant and, most important, unique -- things MTV hasn't seen in music. I wanted to captivate people in the moment. That was the essence of what I wanted to do with the Britney performance, because I think the performance she did with the snake was a highlight of her career and I wanted to trump that and I thought we had it."
So, what happened?
"Britney is really strong with her own ideas. And what I had planned wasn't an easy thing to do and would have required a lot of rehearsals. Ultimately, I told her I needed 100% commitment or I wasn't going to be able to do this. I told her that, 'You have to feel comfortable.' So, we explored it and she decided it wasn't for her, and I completely understand."
On Monday, I will have the entire transcript of the interview up on the Buffet. In our conversation we discussed Angel's lows and highs and his future with Cirque.
But for today let me share with you one thing I was curious about. I asked Angel to describe his ideas for Britney Spears' disastrous comeback at the Video Music Awards show in Vegas in September. Angel had been working with Spears on ideas for the performance that would have required a lot of rehearsals and effort from the star. Instead, Spears opted for more traditional choreography in a performance that, rather than announcing her return to the stage, marked the beginning of her total meltdown over the months that followed. But if she had gone with Angel's approach, what would we have seen?
"With Britney I presented concepts to create, within her performance, illusions that would happen in the open. You would see Britney and then she would split into two Britneys and then four Britneys with no boxes or covers. It would just be a visual effect using no screens. People in the past have used the art of magic in music performances but mostly in a cheesy way. Magic has not kept up with popular culture and technology.
"Other things I wanted to do with her was to literally transform her into birds and then for her to reappear in the audience. I also thought of having her levitate over the audience. It was going to be really visual moments that were all epic tableaux that were beautiful, artistic, elegant and, most important, unique -- things MTV hasn't seen in music. I wanted to captivate people in the moment. That was the essence of what I wanted to do with the Britney performance, because I think the performance she did with the snake was a highlight of her career and I wanted to trump that and I thought we had it."
So, what happened?
"Britney is really strong with her own ideas. And what I had planned wasn't an easy thing to do and would have required a lot of rehearsals. Ultimately, I told her I needed 100% commitment or I wasn't going to be able to do this. I told her that, 'You have to feel comfortable.' So, we explored it and she decided it wasn't for her, and I completely understand."
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wait...wait...wait. wow, i almost cared for a second what britney and chris thought.
Posted by: steve | January 11, 2008 at 12:41 PM
As usual, Criss Angel is full of it. His magic on Mindfreak is LOADED with VIDEO EDITS and DIGITAL COMPOSITING tricks. He does'nt really do these ridiculous stunts he claims, such as disappearing during a bike jump, computers do the magic for him. Britney levitating over the audience, not unless the audience was all stooges as in his levitations. He is a TOTAL FRAUD.
Posted by: Hal | January 11, 2008 at 02:24 PM
If anyone would like a list of how Criss does his phony computer tricks, they're availible at nana12027@peoplepc.com
Posted by: Hal | January 11, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Thanks for reading. Criss Angel is an entertainer. That is a point he made repeatedly during the full interview. In context, I think he meant an illusion of her levitating. I am sure he did not intend to imply that he could make Britney Spears fly. He is a magician and not someone who claims to violate the laws physics. Yrs., Richard Abowitz
Posted by: Richard Abowitz | January 11, 2008 at 02:29 PM
If you would like a list of how Criss does his phony tricks, my e-mail address can be found on the AETV site under Criss Angel. HDMHDM
Posted by: Hal | January 11, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Thank you for the article. I look forward to the full interview.
BTW, pay Hal no mind. This person is obsessed with Criss Angel. Apparently can't bear that Angel is getting more press than his vaunted idol David Copperfield.
(What? No beard photos. For shame.)
Posted by: Guest#1 | January 11, 2008 at 02:58 PM
of coarse its phony u idiot, there is no such a thing as real magic. its all mechanical illusions tricks, for the most part every one knows. its purley for entertainment purposes, and he's a very good at it , most enjoy he's show. so what hell makes u an expert ???
Posted by: mizzzzzzzzz | January 11, 2008 at 05:51 PM
In reference to the comments above, I don't quite understand how somebody can call a magician "phony". Criss has said numerous times that part of his shows are real and part of his demonstrations are illusions (perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature). Magic is supposed to be fun and entertaining. That's exactly what he is providing. Let me tell you something -- Cirque and the Luxor know just how good and marketable his entertainment is or he wouldn't be getting a 10 year contract.
I don't quite understand the fascination of putting so much time and effort into insinuating that he is doing something wrong. I don't think he is constantly getting the magician of the year awards if the industry thought he was doing something unethical or inappropriate.
Too bad the VMA routine didn't work out with Britney. It sounds really cool.
Criss has worked so hard at his craft. I know I'm in the minority on this -- but I really don't want to know how he does his illusions. I still like to believe in a little bit of magic.
Posted by: PrettyKate | January 11, 2008 at 06:29 PM
i agree with Guest#1 and i cant wait till the interview.
Posted by: Rory | January 11, 2008 at 06:46 PM
PHONY TRICKS... What the hell does that mean? Of course they are phony.. they are tricks!!! And criss NEVER claims that he or anyone can do magic.. but what he does he does extremely well!! Now go back to your silly job flipping burgers!
Posted by: Mike R | January 11, 2008 at 07:22 PM
When computers and technicians do the trick for you, it's not magic. Example, his bike jump: He did the jump, the explosion was taped later and composited with the jump shot. It was'nt even done well. Notice how the explosion lights up a 37 story building, but not the bike 3 feet from it. How do you consider this magic???? It's video technology, not magic. He's a fake. 90% of his tricks are edits or done by computer. You can fool most of the people most of the time.
Posted by: Hal | January 11, 2008 at 08:00 PM
I have figured out and posted on the A&E site almost all pf Criss' tricks, and how they're done. If he's so great, how can a stupid person like me do this? Please explain.
Posted by: Hal | January 11, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Your time in Las Vegas hasn't been that long. Criss Angel does generate excitement, but it is nowhere near the world-wide attention garnered by Siegfried & Roy, Elvis Presley and some others...world-wide being the key. Also, levitating a star over the audience isn't something new...S&R did it in their magic TV special.
Posted by: Frank H. Lieberman | January 11, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Ib really wish Britney would have worked with him! it would have been really cool to watch! "Phony" or not it would have been 700x's better than what she decided to do! The old Britney would've done it!
Posted by: Aisha | January 11, 2008 at 11:09 PM
I bet Beyonce or Rihana would've done it! I know I would!
Posted by: Crissfan | January 11, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Thanks for the article. I also look forward to the interview and hopefully a beard picture.
Everyone, pay no attention to Hal, if that is his real name. He apparently doesn't take his medication correctly, and also appears to have eaten too many sour grapes.
Posted by: kumulus | January 12, 2008 at 01:56 AM
Chris is using actors, camera tricks and post production special effects in most of his tricks. Now he claims that he is practicing hard to do pure magic. I do not believe a word of this. The camera tricks will be back faster then you can turn the television set off.
Chris angel is too pre-occupied with being a famous celebrity, he completely forgot what magic really is about. and he might be the one to destroy magic on TV by making it known to be "all fake and edited".
C'mon... Who cares if he has a beard.
Posted by: Magic lover | January 12, 2008 at 12:30 PM
hey guys i think we neeed to give criss alittle respect here
hes done so much to get to were hes at right now
Loyal for criss
LoyalKim
Posted by: LoyalKim | January 12, 2008 at 03:48 PM
To the people that are "hating" on Criss - you clearly don't know the definition to the word "illusion", go look it up.
As for his stunts (not illusions) being "fake", there are 1000's of people that would bag to differ with you. People come from all over the world to see Criss these days. Hes made a huge impact and if your a fan of magic, but you don't like him, theres something wrong there. Hes done well for himself - so well that hes starting a LIVE show this year with Cirque du Soleil, so hes clearly "good enough".
To sit there and say "Criss Angel is a fake." makes you look like an idiot. Magic and Illusions ARE fake, he will be the first to admit that.
Posted by: SamanthaLoyal | January 12, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Hal is the true wizard! He does REAL magic and rides a unicorn. His best friend is a level 12 elfling. And his mom always packs his lunch for him in the morning and tells him he's her little sweetheart.
Posted by: word up | January 13, 2008 at 07:40 AM
If you don't like Criss or his show -- then don't watch it. There are plenty of other alternatives. Same thing with his new live show. There are plenty of other options for entertainment in Las Vegas. Should we get on the subject of what is really "fake and phony" in that city?
There really was a very important message in the story of "Harry Potter" and it didn't have anything to do with magic. The people who couldn't accept the wizards and their special powers were called Muggles. It's the same way in our world. A lot of people can't accept that other people have more talent, more skills, more imagination and more initiative than they do.
Posted by: PrettyKate | January 13, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Why is their always one jerk who feels like he needs to spoil the trick?
Look, no one believes illusions are real. It is the beauty and mystery of illusions we enjoy (as an audience), and not the debunking. I just want to be entertained, and I don't give a crap how Chriss Angel does what he does. I love that he can fool my lying eyes, and that's plenty enough for me.
Posted by: mojopo | January 13, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Speaking of amazing Vegas magicians...
How did David Copperfield make his rape charges disappear?
Posted by: Big Karl | January 13, 2008 at 02:45 PM
For once, I think Britney actually showed some good judgment by nixing the original routine. The moves he had planned were quite challenging and would have required a lot of concentration and effort, two things that are in short supply in Britney World.
http://doodlewhore.blogspot.com/2008/01/britney-at-vmas-what-could-have-been-pt.html
Posted by: DoodleWhore.com | January 14, 2008 at 09:06 AM
I don't think she would have been able to pull it off
Posted by: AnIntelligentMind | January 14, 2008 at 12:30 PM