Film Discussion: An Honest Liar

But what pisses Randi off, and makes this a documentary that you will definitely want to see, is people who try to pretend that their magic is real. These people—psychics, faith healers and con artists—claim to be able to do something that Randi says they can’t, which is to command supernatural forces.

Randi, now 81, has made it his life’s work to investigate and expose these charlatans and criminals. And that seems like a worthy goal to me.

If that story were all An Honest Liar has up its sleeve (see what I did there?), it would be a really fun movie. The filmmakers have dug up lots of historical footage and interviewed dozens of collaborators, colleagues and admirers. And I’ve got to tell you that I love me some magic on the big screen!

But from what I’ve read, there’s a deeper story that runs through the film, and it has to do with The Amazing Randi’s personal life. I don’t want to drop any spoilers, but there are a few revelations about this very public man’s private life.

Randi is a genuine character and one hell of an entertainer, so I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll enjoy yourself. And I think there are elements of the movie that will make for a great discussion.

Sound good? I’ll see you Tuesday night at 7:00 in The Music Hall Loft. That’s the Loft, not the Big Room. (I think I lose a few people every time the movies are in the Loft because they go to the Historic Theater and just decide to stay. So come to the Loft.)

I hope to see you there. Then, on May 5, we will be watching Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles. And if that doesn’t get your blood racing, you need to watch Citizen Kane again. Welles wasn’t always the perambulating wine barrel that he turned into in his later years. And he can still astonish with his genius. Put it on your calendar now. Also in the Loft.

Paul Goodwin
TMHMG