RICKY JAY'S MOVIES AND MAGIC

Roped off Silicone profiles Ricky Jay's movie career via the film "Magnolia" and explores his magic side in a discussion of the 199 Film. 

I know a magician. He's a pretty damn good one. His name is Jerry. To tell you more is to reveal his secrets. I asked him a few weeks ago which magician he is most impressed by. I mentioned some popular names like David Blaine (you know, to help him out). He shook his head at every name I mentioned and said, "That's easy. The greatest magician I've ever seen is Ricky Jay."

When I asked my friend Jerry, the magician I mentioned earlier, why he favored Ricky Jay above all others he said, "Because, Andre, all those other guys… they do impressive tricks. They do. But I have a pretty good idea how they did them. I've seen Ricky Jay do his acts up close, and for the life of me I can't figure that guy out. I can't explain his tricks. He's as masterful a presenter as I've ever seen. To me, he epitomizes a great magician, a great performer. I can't fully articulate to you why, but when you see him, you know."