David Copperfield Breaks Down His Most Iconic Illusions | GQ
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- Опубліковано 17 тра 2024
- Legendary magician David Copperfield breaks down his most iconic illusions, including making The Statue of Liberty disappear, escaping from Alcatraz and more.
See David Copperfield as part of the documentary LIBERTY: MOTHER OF EXILES, which debuts THURSDAY, OCT. 17 on HBO. The documentary will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and partners’ streaming platforms.
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David Copperfield Breaks Down His Most Iconic Illusions | GQ - Розваги
He can’t stop saying “we”. I grew up idolizing this guy as a little kid, and I’m so happy to see him look back on his career and acknowledge his production team like that. Very cool.
bc it's him and the devil.
It’s funny that you just see his face plastered everywhere in Casinos today in Vegas still today in summer of 2021. I’ve still never seen any of his tricks or shows, guess it’s because David Blaine is the big name today and Copperfield’s stuck in Vegas.
@@casedistorted I've never heard of David Blain, but everyone knows who David Copperfield is.
@Nutter butter no way Blaine is just close to the fame copperfield has. Blaine is known by a few american people. But Copperfield is know in China Europe Russia and all over the world by millions and millions of people
@@N1ghtf4ll666 true that. I know both of them but I've seen Copperfield tricks since I was a small kid. I live in Vietnam and there was no internet or cable at the time.
"David Copperfield Reads A List Of His Most Iconic Illusions Without Giving Any Interesting Information On How It Works"
But here you are commenting.
I liked hearing him talk.
@@198sambrrs No it says he "breaks them down". On what planet does that not mean explain?
@@Android480 nibiru
And yet here you are commenting.
@@mooseontheloose-2531 i figured no one would get it haha its in alleged reference to Tiamat and nibiru colliding and braking them down hahahaha
Maybe his biggest mystery is how his appearance hasn't changed in over 30 years.
exercise, good genetics, make up, wig and artificial teeth. Plus TON of swagger
Morfeus nah, pretty sure its magic.
he still the same person + fake teeths + makeup
botox, money, and botox.
Because he is long dead and this is a Deepfake mixed with CGI
Wife of fighter pilot that died in service, I took my son to see one of his shows - just to have positive role models in his life - not knowing that after the show this incredibly generous man signed anything and greeted anyone that stood in line - until every single person was gone. It was the best life-lesson my son ever learned. I don’t remember any magic tricks, but we both remember his kindness. Thank you so much. We pay it forward. You never know who you are influencing. ❤❤❤
Wow, what a fantastic memory to share with your son :)
I can't believe this man is 63.
He's an illusionist for a reason 😂
Obie Flice Yeah cause his hair is the only thing that's making him look young????? His whole face doesn't look 63. He looks like he's in his early 50's. Max.
I’m pretty sure he’s wearing a wig, not that there’s anything wrong with that. People chastise when even men lose their hair. Prince William had more than a few insults thrown his way about his thinning hair.
He just turned 60
Obie Flice I suggest you take your own advice.
As a magic history nerd and walk around magician of 20 years I can honestly say I’ve never felt more magical than being at a Copperfield show. I saw him when I was 6 and it changed my life. I got to be the kid on stage with the duck and box. To this day that is one of my most cherished memories. Thank you David Copperfield 🙏🏻
Sweet!
I can imagine what a cherished memory that must be for you!
Right there with you. He changed my life at about that age and I got to go to 2 meet and greets as a young adult, many years ago. Super nice guy! A legend in his own time.
@@zackpercellvo7923 He’s a legend of all time. After Houdini, David Copperfiield is the most common answer when laypeople are asked to name a magician. Another fun fact: David Copperfield is the highest-grossing solo entertainer in history, with upwards of $4 billion in ticket sales (that’s including all entertainers. Musicians, comedians, speakers, you name it). He’s a legend. And like you said, he is an extremely nice man, and so is Chris Kenner
Yeah, I also saw him in show and even high five him! Really cool experience
The guy is so magic he had DVDs back in the late 80s
We all just assumed that it was a CD at the time, but now the secret has been revealed.
The DVDs only appeared late 90's, beginning 2000's
@@brunovale823 yes that's why he's so magic as soberhippie said
He meant cd
Can't blame 63 year old granpda for confusing tech terms.
My god, he's telling his stories like it happened a year ago, amazing memory!
The master of misdirection, everyone is so busy looking at his hair they don’t see what his hands are doing
Hahaha.
Totally. I thought he was going bald the last time I saw him, and now he appears in this video with the biggest hair.
ajrobson “hair”
Yeah can you imagine he is 63?. He he really good looking, and not a day older than 35.
S S if your in to pedo's
This guy is such a magician that I have never even known what he looked like until now
C M it’s all fake it’s a illusion it’s still there idiot all magic Is 100 percent fake
If it helps put things in perspective, he’s the first entertainer of his kind in history to make a billion dollars primarily through live shows.
@@stantheman0091 he says it's an illusion multiple times. You're the guy that yells about pro wrestling being fake too, I bet. Why are you so angry at the original poster, or at all? Did mommy and daddy not hug you enough? You need to stop sitting in the house alone on the internet. Lolololol
@@HamsterK37 Right? so dumb he saw a joke as a literal statement.
Looks better now then. Good God
You were actually expecting an illusionist to reveal his secrets? Oh, people...
MrCorvusC plenty do though
I’m smoking a joint waiting and was waiting forever until I realized he won’t lol
Watch Video Titled..."Magicians prove that the spirit world exist-demonic activity caught on video"...The secrets of magic are in fact revealed, but not by the magicians...and there aren't any illusions, the magic is for real...Just allow your brain to believe what your eyes are seeing, and to disregard what your ears are hearing.
I know how it was done but I'm not telling
I mean you can find explanations for all his tricks. Not really secret anymore.
The real magician is the one who sewed his finger on and nothing is seen
The person that makes this 63 year old man look like he's in his 40s is a far greater wizard of medicine.
Real magician is the man who put it back haha
Mike Tyson's cutman
Doubt he would argue with that.
The person who makes his hair look like it’s natural is a real sorcerer 🧙♂️
I have deep respect for this man, he was a real professional, not just on illusions but also on acting. He'll be immortal.
Guy is a douche
When I was finally old enough to attend a concert, I went to a live David Copperfield show instead. I always say that my very first concert was David Copperfield. 💜Unforgettable💜
Must suck to be a magician in any emergency situation, with people constantly assuming your just performing a trick:
Copperfield: "I think I cut my finger off"
Crowd: "Nice trick, awesome! *applauds*"
I just saw him last night. The Narrative of the show was so well done, that even though he did these massive illusions, that there was an emotional connection to the story itself. I was literally resting at the middle of the stage and couldn’t see a single clue as to how he did any of it. I was between him and Penn and Teller, and even though I usually like them more……his show was a once in a lifetime event
David Copperfield is an Icon. He paved the way for every generation of magician since.
He's incredibly charismatic
I’ve had the chance to attend his show at Las Vegas two years ago and with all honesty I was astonished and amazed of the show made me feel, I felt like 10 year old again the things he did was remarkable and I can’t explain it but it’s way different when you see the tricks in real life it’s like a movie.
I spent a fortune to get 2 front row tickets when he performed in Zurich back in the mid 90s. Always loved seeing him on TV, but the show was plain and simple pure "magic", worth every single cent. He's an amazing illusionist AND entertainer.
@@JustARandomFio I totally agree.
He is Fabulous
@@JustARandomFio I've paid to see him over 40 times in my life. It adds up but is well worth it.
I saw him live as child in the early 90s it was great.
What makes his acts so special is that even if you figure out how the trick was done, you can still enjoy them as performance art. This is why the presentation and theatrics surrounding the act is just as important as the trick itself.
To be an great magician...'first you need to be an great story teller'...this guy proves it
a a a a a a a a a a
he didnt reveal any of his 'illusions' . But yeah, he's a good story teller here. A great magician, for sure.
11:18 "You hear my heart beat as I go OVER the wall."
He just uses lots of plants lying about what happened, of course the plane didn't disappear in front of all those people.
Douglas Kalberg lol
@@Rad_Pug Yes I noticed that as well.
Thanks
I grew up with David Copperfield specials on TV. Those were a big deal to my brother and I as kids. We reminded my parents for weeks ahead of time to make sure we had blank VCR tapes and the VCR was set to record the program so we could watch and rewatch the specials hundreds of times. I remember being so scared hearing the "heartbeat" speed up at towards the end of the Great Wall illusion.
same :)
When I read ''breaks down'' and ''David Copperfield'' in the same title I quickly clicked on this video but naaah! Not what I thought. David Copperfield would never reveal how his tricks are done.
Worldatmyfingertips7 Until he was put on the stand in court. 🤭
thanks I'll stop watching the video now
Same
He made the Statue of Liberty disappear with a complicated set of mirrors and lights
@@happyhoney2000 no apparently he moved the entire platform over a couple minutes so that the audience couldn't feel it. They turned out the lights which cast light on the statue and placed a new ring of lights in the water which the platform would now face after being turned. They also coordinated for the statue to be placed exactly behind one of the rigs/column things that hold up the lights and the sheet
I grew up watching David Copperfield as a child in the late 80's and early 90's. He's 'illusions' too me was real magic, it was truly amazing. He was the superhero of my generation. And today Im still a fan. Thanks for all the magic David.
I was re watching "the dream of flying" special. His illusions are so beautiful. To be his "interlude" will always be my favourite ❤
He is amazing.
He was the man. I miss those simpler times.
I watched the building implosion escape over and over. So awesome.
He is such an artist, love the way he meticulously crafted every illusion
I was born in 82 my grandparents used to tape his specials and give them to my brother and I. We wore those tapes out. Hates can hate but this man is a brilliant magician
Born in 83 and for me it was my parents that taped them. Wore them out as well, good to see I’m not alone!
I met him after one of 3 performances I have attended. He is AMAZING
Same. I was born in 81 and we would get together as a family and watch his t.v. specials live. I have also seen him preform in my early 20s. Big part of my childhood.
Born in 85 and I destroyed the Flying special tape.
Everyone needs to see him live at least once in your life. It's incredible.
One of the fondest memories I have was spending time with my Grand Dad and when he took me to see David Copperfield! His final act was the teleport where he walked through a giant fan and it shredded him and then he appeared right behind me in the audience. It was so amazing and totally blew my mind! I'll never ever forget that.
I was born in the late 90s but my parents had all of his specials taped on VHS so as a child I loved watching his specials. Truly made my childhood, thanks David for such a magical childhood and of course thanks to my parents that had everything recorded and showed these specials to me.
Same! My grandma had all of his performances on vhs and I watched them every day again and again ❤
I love the way he is a "storytelling" and the passion that he is narrating his shows. It's kind of romantic. When I was a kid never noticed that, but I'm glad for his stories and the way he create the illusion.
Back in the 1990's I had the honors of seeing David Copperfield in person. Five years in a row. Early 90's was when my hearing about David Copperfield. Since then I've been a huge fan, and still am.
Thank-you Mr. Copperfield for the magic/illusions you create. Since seeing you in person the magic of theater combined with your art in illusion, still has me wanting more
This is nostalgic! He really made me a believer as a kid in the 90's seeing all these cool illusions :)
The ultimate nerd done good. Good on him, he's made a remarkable career. He also possesses the largest and most comprehensive collection of magic artifacts and memorabilia.
he's kinda like Dr. Strange actually...
Willswalkingwest what else would you spend that kind of money on dude is loaded.
You get a certain amount of wealth and it’s just a score card it’s not actual money. I mean there’s nothing you can do with billions for example even if you tried to spend it on just yourself.
Unless your Elon musk and you want to colonize Mars
David Copperfield’s illusions are the only ones that make me emotional
His choice of music is amazing
I grew up watching his TV specials, me and my mom had great memories of his magic. We didn't always get along, but David's magic was something we both loved together. I think we even took a trip to Vegas to watch one of his shows.
Larry Singer you can't remember if you went to Vegas or not?
11:14 "I went over the wall."
GOTCHA
Nice catch!
Yea man, nice catch.
And "pushing through spandex" 12:52
I got to see his show in Las Vegas a couple of months back and I was completely impressed and at some point I started to cry.
The ufo appearing is amazing and the little alien blue 32 is so cool
This guy is incredible. Was lucky enough to see him on tour when I was a kid and it blew my mind.
Love David Cooperfield, saw him several years ago at his Vegas show and he re-appeared right behind us. We were amazed!!!
21:05 "Remember DVDs? There's a little round disc that you put around the thing and uh.. Anyway.."
XD This guy is so wholesome. He even took the time to explain something that he thought most people now don't know.
His flying illusion to this day its still my most favorite beautiful piece of magic I've seen
He makes a UFO appear over the audience he it now that is my new favorite
Mine, too!
I agree.
Agreed,
Same here! I was 12 and will never forget it. My daughter is 11...I think it's time for a trip to Vegas!
I saw him perform in Vegas 2 months ago.. he is the man!!
I saw David Copperfield years ago when I was 12 years old. I was totally blown away by his magic and still am to this day.
Utica NY
I got to see David perform the flying illusion live. Especially the part when he's in the plexiglass box flying upside down walking with his feet against the ceiling, with his assistant walking on top of his ceiling/her floor, matching his footsteps, completely blew my mind.
timeb4ndit the only part I can remember is the flying couch, one of them was acrophobic and their reactions were soooo funny 😂
I saw it live, as well. I'll never forget it. I cried too.
Me too - never forgot that. It was incredible.
Thanks to your parents now 3 of you is part of live audience magic history. Until now i can only enjoy his performance through televison. I just wonder does the flying trick is his repeated performance or just one in a lifetime act
@@sistersnbrothers8373 He did it in his Vegas show practically every night. Awesome show, I saw it back in 1998. I was so close I actually saw how he did it. There were wires, at the time they spun big rings around him and they missed the wires due to how they spun them. Never saw him do it with in a box. He used a sparkly moving curtain behind him to disguise the wires.
amazing, I grew up watching and admiring the Amazing David Copperfield and am very happy to be able to say I’ve had the privilege of watching him perform live.
"Got President Reagan and Frank Capra onboard... now just gotta figure out how to do it". That made me laugh.
Thank you, GQ, for this simple, illuminating interview with the greatest magician of our time. Thank you, DC, for the spectacular illusions, big and small. I miss the days of "specials" on network TV.
He's a true legend. There was no magician like him, and no one like him since.
"Flying" changed me, my body reacts every single time I see it still, that is a special magic to be able to make me feel
He does it very well however I remember watching it on TV and while I suspected how it was done, as soon as you see them do the bit with the hoops it gives away the secret, even thought here is only one way to do it.
My sister and I met him in Vegas (she was randomly chosen to be a small part of the portal act). He is a humble and wonderful guy - genuine to the core. The show was amazing. No one can top Copperfield for his showmanship.
What did she say about that trick and her experience?
@@Germanbro96 Gotta respect the NDA! But let me just say Copperfield puts a lot of trust in his volunteer audience members.
I met him several years ago. Nice, personable, and very down to earth, and also gives great hugs,,🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
David Copperfield is the reason I have the love of music I listen to.
To me David's saw-in-half illusion is one of the greatest in history.
Mubble Mann that thing scared the crap out of me as a kid!
@@kandyappleview I was in awe of it too but if you watch it carefully (slow motion) the potentially back-breaking secret is revealed - which is even more scary!
The Death Saw is indeed one of the greatest stage illusion routines in magic history!
I remember watching the Niagara Falls trick in school the day after. My teacher taped it. I knew i wanted to do magic after that. The best living magician period.
I wonder if David Blaine agrees with you...?
Breaking down illusions without breaking them down, that's masterpiece illusion.
I used to love his specials back in the day
While his tricks might be corny and easy to find the solutions to now back when these happened they were state of the art and amazing. But he also makes sure to say they are illusions. Theres no magical forces just illusions and there is something honorable about that.
THE MASTER. So much nostalgia attached to this guy. Was a privilege to see him perform at one of his final shows in Vegas.
He just has such a soothing voice
David will always be my favorite magician. His flying magic made me love magic forever. Now I get to share it with my children.
There's nothing better than a lazy Sunday Morning like this: waking up late | drinking my favorite German Jacobs coffee fresh hot hand-brewed in my favorite cup | indulging myself with delicious German Giotto & having a private coffee chat with David Copperfield to learn how he breaks down his most iconic Illusions of all time = MAGIC
Thanks team GQ Magazine for this amazing special
Ben Ngo alright I need to know more about this coffee!
@@JPEnjoi "Jacobs" won't disappoint you. It's Magical ;)
15:47
"next time you're in prison, you'll see,..no exit sign"
David copperfield, 2019~
Find someone who loves you the way David Copperfield loves himself.
He has got a bit of an ego about him doesn't he
Bruh it's literally an interview about him...
He's being interviewed about his own greatest accomplishments. How would you expect him to talk about them?
@Corvus Morve Tell us how you really feel...
my girlfriend?
I've got to say he's won me over. What an agreeable chap.
BiG fan here, saw him back in the late 1980's and early 1990's and it was amazing. when he flew over the audience. that was amazing.
“Next time your in prison, there’s no exit signs” - David Copperfield
You’re
He seems like a really cool guy. Watched him growing up in the 80s and 90s.
Love this guy's shows. We'd normally get them in the UK during Easter Holidays as well as Bank Holidays.
The death saw trick with the cutting crew music was awesome
12:52 "pushing through spandex" in the Chinese Wall . Gotcha!
Bonembud I believe he meant to “spandex” the act of what he was doing. To stretch it, for more show value, he wanted to add showmanship
This guy changed my life as a youth and I owe him everything for keeping my real imagination alive salute David too those of us who still believe and to those who don't he is apart of your life and we should give him the title as the best.
A great magician never gives away his tricks and secrets. David Copperfield is a legend and so happy I was able to see him here in Atlanta. Loved it.
David Copperfield is real magic. -my inner child
Its great to see Magicians showin their tricks off to the public. Much appreciated
M parents took me to one of his shows back in the early 90's and was not let down. He made some ghost fly out into the audience and stuff, plus he is a great storyteller that draws you in to what he's saying. He paved the way for all modern magicians.
i just watch you Mr. Copperfield impact a young man greatly. The part of your heart to give has multiplied toward others. Your giving is more than magic. Rent for a year. Thank you sir.
The man is such a magician he used a DVD in his trick six years before the DVD was developed.
That was A CD
I watch him on LD 😆
At 36:37 he explains, that magicians invent things you and me use years later. This is just one of these things 🤣
It's a CD in a Sony D150 discman
VCD?
He always seemed like he was a bit weird on tv in his manner. I’m really pleased to see that he’s just a normal guy and a great interviewee!
Got to see him in Vegas last summer and it did NOT DISAPPOINT! Felt like a kid again and was completely be-dazzled. Thanks Mr. Copperfield, you still inspire me :)
Holy shit!!n its been so long since i last saw him!!!
I remember when i was a kid this guy was everywhere, and the shows and tricks he made, where phenomenal!!!
What a legend. I had the chance to see him live when I was like 10 year sold or something. In the 2nd row!!!! I can't get it out of my head, and I don't want to. This was real magic, nothing like this cheap photoshop fakery of today.
Listen, I love David Copperfield and I love hearing him talk about his tricks and why they are the way they are but lets all be very clear
He isn't breaking down anything in this video
He is breaking down his illusions. He is telling you step by step how they came to be. What he isn't doing is telling you step by step how they were performed. But the video doesn't say he is going to reveal how they were done. Nowhere does it say "David Copperfield reveals how his magic is really done."
He can’t reveal it 😂
I saw his Live Tour in the 90s as a kid and to this day is still the best live show I have seen.
Absolutely agree. Had the pleasure to enjoy his "magic" live in Zurich, back in the mid-90s, and it was the best show I've ever seen. Both a great illusionist and a brilliant entertainer.
I had the pleasure of meeting him after his performance (the first of three that I have seen). He is amazing, very personable, down to earth, and really cares about his fans.
this has made me feel every emotion
21:02 Pretty sure he's talking about a CD since it was 80s/early 90s ... so long ago he forgot the name
I thought that as well, but its a little too large; maybe a laserdisc?
DVD is the same as CD although DVD came out in 1995 whereas CD was in '82. Also DVD's had larger storage.
@@BaldMancTwat So not the same?
You are an NPC, please reply. A dvd is not the same as a CD ... completely different item, just looks similar! Know what you ere talking about please - it’s like saying a dvd is the same as a blue ray
@@iriswaldenburger2315 ...if you cant see the similarity about a dvd and a cd i dont know what to tell you...both are objects to store information, both use the same kind of technology to be read (laser), a dvd is just more optimal,
"David Copperfield remembers some events he put on without explaining anything" doesn't get as many clicks, but that's the actual title.
On November 24, 2017 in Las Vegas I went to one of his show. There an alien who was on his show. So, the show was nearing ending he brought a UFO out of nowhere it’s really big too. David is amazing.
I remember that moment at the London show that was 1995, had no idea Princess Diana was there. But I remember the curtains closing and everyone wondering what has happened. Was still amazing. He never came here again 😞
Seeing him fly was just THE most magical thing I’d ever seen when it happened back in 1992. I was 10 and it was just next level.
I was 12 and I remember sitting in my living room with my Mom and crying. Simply beautiful!
probably the last of the best showman in the business. There should be a film made based upon his life.
Copperfield's career was ruined when he got stuck in lift and couldn't escape, now he takes the stairs, like all great magicians.
Soo good. I go to his live shows in vegas frequently. Have been about 6 or 7x and it really is the bestest. Yep!
Wealth of knowledge, a visible passion for showbiz. One of the absolute greats. Excellent interview.
I was a kid waiting for the next David Copperfield special on tv 📺🙂
This was a joy to watch, he is so soothing to listen to ^^
I know this might sound dumb, but he was my child hero. I genuinely believed I could fly if I try really hard. He brought some magic to my childhood, and I will always be grateful for that.
What an incredible insight into a great artist and performer. I watched all of these tv specials as a child and loved them💯🙏
I can't believe how old these illusions are!
They must have been replayed on tv a bit as i would have bet they were done in the late 90's
"David Copperfield breaks down everything *about* his iconic illusions, *Not* the Actual Illusions themselves, but we're leaving that last part out to trick people!"
Oh no, boo hoo :(
This is really fantastic. Mr. Copperfield is a very interesting and articulate storyteller. His illusions were groundbreaking, and still hold up today. He's wasted in Vegas. I'd love to see him host a documentary about magic. In fact, I'd imagine he would be a great presenter for any type of art programme.
The 80's had such powerful larger then life character: Bruce Lee, Arnold, Mike Tyson, Gretzky, Micheal Jackson, David Copperfield. We talked about those guys everyday in the schoolyard
Bruce died in 1973, boss.
But his movie popularity did not die down until the 2k era.