Phone call
Hello.
This is Jeremy Brook speaking.
Sorry — Janice who?
I'm sorry. I don't think I know anyone by that name.
On holiday? Did we? When was that?
In Greece! Of course! I remember! You're the American girl who was in the next room. That was years ago! How are you?
I'm fine. What a surprise! What are you doing? Where are you?
Here? What are you doing here?
Erm ... well ... I'd love to, but ... well, it's not very convenient, actually.
Yes, I know I said that, but that was a long time ago, and ... our flat isn't that big, and ...
Yes, I am. I got married last year.
Well, I'm glad you understand. I'm sorry to let you down. I'd have liked to help, but you see what I mean.
Well, maybe we could meet for a drink er ... you know, for old times' sake?
No, no, I suppose you're right. Well, it was nice to hear your voice again. Enjoy your trip round Europe.
Thanks. Bye, Janice.
Same to you.
Derren Brown - a cheat or a genius?
I = Interviewer, M1 = Man 1, M2 = Man 2, W = Woman
1
I: How do you feel about Derren Brown?
W: Well, I reckon he’s probably genuine myself. It sounds as if audiences love him. Whether it’s magic or not, all his TV shows are completely compelling viewing – and you can’t say that about much TV these days. So even if we don’t really understand how he does it, if you ask me, it doesn’t really matter. He must be doing something right! I think Derren Brown gives us real entertainment and there’s nothing wrong with that. Some people want to know how everything works, but I’m in favour of just enjoying it as entertainment, and not analysing things too much!
2
I: What are your views on mind-reading and illusionists? Do you have any strong feelings about that kind of thing?
M1: Yes, I do. I’ve always believed that people like Derren Brown are just good showmen. To my mind, it’s all rubbish – he’s just good at talking and charming people, and also filming things so they look spectacular. But, I have my doubts about how much mind-reading he actually does. I mean, what’s the point of pretending to predict lottery numbers when really he’s filmed himself picking out every number and then they’ve edited the correct ones together at the last minute? I’m sceptical that any of it is real and I’m against people paying for a show which is really just a con. I mean, I doubt anything he does is real … it’s just clever filming.
3
I: What do you think of mind-reading by people like Derren Brown?
M2: From my point of view, I have to say that when I went to one his shows, I thought it was fantastic. I loved every minute of it. I mean, at the beginning I was quite open-minded about it all but having seen him in action, I’m convinced that he really does have some kind of power. As I say, I’ve seen this man in action with my own eyes. He’s a magician, I can tell you. Right in front of me, with absolutely no special effects or pre-filming, he did mind-reading on me. He predicted my answers to every question he asked me. It was amazing and almost a bit scary. In fact, I suspect that a lot of people don’t believe he’s doing anything just because they are quite scared about the whole thing.