The Magician

2015, 7 minutes

At the height of their careers, two stage magicians struggle with dementia as it slowly unravels the world they created together.

At the height of their careers, two stage magicians struggle with dementia as it slowly unravels the world they created together. The Magician follows successful stage magicians, Teddy and Marian, as they rehearse an underwater straitjacket escape alongside their nightly stage performances to thousands. Slowly but surely, dementia begins to show in Teddy, no matter how resourcefully he manages to hide it. First it's just a word on stage, but soon enough he is underwater in a straitjacket and unable to remember how to escape. Unable to hide the progressing dementia, he finally admits his condition to Marian before voicing his desire to not live through to the end of the disease. Years pass and we find her caring for a well progressed Teddy. He can no longer wash or dress himself. He now lacks the cognitive ability to recognise not only Marian but also his own reflection. Now, most importantly, he also lacks the ability to determine the outcome of his life, leaving Marian with the hardship of deciding whether or not she can carry out the ultimate act of love.

---