Deceptive Practices – The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay, co-directors Molly Bernstein and Alan Edelstein

deceptive-practice posterWhat happens when documentary filmmakers—whose mission is to probe, explore, and Reveal—take as their subject one of the world’s greatest living magicians, whose life and art are basically off limits to probing, exploration and revelation? More than a decade in the making, Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay is the captivating result of this curious conundrum: a mesmerizing journey into the world of modern magic and the small circle of eccentrics who were its perpetual devotees. Award-winning co-directors Molly Bernstein and Alan Edelstein will join us for an informative and entertaining conversation on the making of a film about Ricky Jay, master magician, actor, artist, enigma.

Special Appearance at the Nuart Theatre (Los Angeles, CA)

Star and subject of film Ricky Jay, producer/director/editor Molly Bernstein and producer/co-director Alan Edelstein will appear in person on Friday, May 17 for a Q&A after the 7:30pm show. They will also appear on Saturday, May 18 for a Q&A after the 7:30pm show.

 “Wonderfully engaging!” – New York Magazine

“Full of happy surprises. Card tricks that leave his audience speechless.” – David Edelstein, New York Magazine

“He puts on a smashing show, whether on or off the stage… Mr. Jay proves a hugely entertaining guide…” –
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

“A riveting look at Mr. Jay’s arduous, arcane pursuits through the prism of those who taught and inspired him to be one of the world’s great magicians. Some of his illusions are so stunning that they leave spectators teary-eyed – out of amazement, or perhaps fear.” – Robert P. Walzer, Wall Street Journal

The Oversimplification of Her Beauty, director Terence Nance

poster-xlargeYou’ve just arrived home after a bad day. You’re broke and lonely, even though you live in the biggest and busiest city in America. You do, however, have one cause for mild optimism: you seem to have captured the attention of an intriguing young lady. You’ve rushed home to clean your apartment before she comes over. In your haste, you see that you’ve missed a call. There’s a voice mail; she tells you that she won’t be seeing you tonight. With arresting insight, vulnerability, and a delightful sense of humor, Terence Nance’s explosively creative debut feature, AN OVERSIMPLIFICATION OF HER BEAUTY, documents the relationship between Terence and a lovely young woman (Namik Minter) as it teeters on the divide between platonic and romantic. Utilizing a tapestry of live action and various styles of animation, Nance explores the fantasies, emotions, and memories that race through his mind during a singular moment in time.  He joins us this Friday for a lively conversation on his award-winning film.

“A dense, organic, dazzling and funny tapestry, making use of varied and subtly colored animation and stop-motion; candid video; playfully verbose direct address; chapters and footnotes and doodles; and suavely chosen music and sonic bridges.”  Nicolas Rapold, New York Times

“This brisk and self-searching, sharply intelligent and deeply vulnerable romantic comedy is a masterwork of reflexive construction.” Richard Brody, New Yorker

“This musical, elliptical, personal, poetical, sensual indie has a seductive DIY feel and a lineage that’s part early Spike Lee and late Charles Bukowski.” Joe Neumaler, New York Daily News