I started binging horror movies on the Tubi app during last Halloween. I came across this movie and almost wrote it off as another "puppet" movie. But then I saw it starred Anthony Hopkins - one of my all time favorite actors. Since then, I have been preaching this movie to anyone who'd listen. I cannot stress how much this movie struck me. It is eerie, it is uncomfortable, it is dark, it is psychological. It's hands down Anthony's best performance and I wish more people today would talk about it.
Burgess Meredith's character, with that soft, wise voice. Calmly testing his friend, who he now knows is very ill. Resigned, knowing full well that Corky, as he says, "ain't in control." Watching him crumble before his eyes, as each second passes, each time he asks "how long?" Everything he says, "I don't mean it to be. That would be sad. I didn't think you could . . . " Broken hearted. "I'm your one chance." Brilliant.
- The t h e s p i a n a t i c (( made - up word )) P R O F E S S I O N A L I S M - in this scene . . . Brilliant ! ! ! - " " Always been amazed at this scene . " " - A M E N . -
- " " This is Very C R U E L of you - - dya ' K N O W That ? ? ? " " - Then thru an I R O N I C // Tortured laugh . . . " " I Don ' t Know If I ' l l - Ever Be Able To Forgive You . " " - Beautifully scripted . Beautifully Realized by Anthony Hopkins and Burgess Meredith . Sooooo P A I N F U L . Sooooo Beautiful . - -
- The carefully scripted words // very - well orated . The timing . The spacing . It all . . . kinda . . . reminds me of the " " new " " - Oppenheimer trailer (( kinda )) . - ruclips.net/video/bK6ldnjE3Y0/видео.html - -
Their acting gets better with each viewing. It was criminal negligence that Anthony Hopkins was overlooked by members of the Academy. The role required a special gift, an on-the-edge-of-madness quality, and Hopkins had it in spades.
Totally agree. I always thought Anthony Hopkins deserved an Oscar nomination for Magic. Hopkins is utterly brilliant as a man deep in the mire of madness but trying desperately to keep the veneer of sanity on shoe. How Hopkins responds to what is essentially a piece of wood as though it was a living breathing man is incredible and utterly believable.
This is a fabulous movie...saw it in the theater when I was 14 and it totally freaked me out at the time. Watching it again many years later as an adult, you realize what a masterful performance Mr Hopkins gave to the film. As has been said in the comments, Mr Hopkins should of at least got a nomination for this. But Hollywood (To the best of my knowledge) didn't give scary movies nominations in those days. I think that changed with "Silence of the lambs" which of course is another masterful job by Sir Anthony.
I watched this again recently and found myself close to tears at this scene. It's heartbreaking the look of defeat on his face when he realizes he can't make it the full five minutes.
After he picks up Fatz and does the "it's Fatz!" jabbering, you can see the devestated look on Ben's face too. The sad thing about this scene is that Ben was his only hope, but he killed him and was left to go more insane and kill again.
@Arse Robinson - Pointing out a T R U T H can get you - K I L L E D . . . . . . by . . . the one individual that ' ya may be wanting to help . S a d . -
If you think about it, the movie could be an allegory for drug addiction. This scene is like a guy who couldn’t handle not getting his fix for five minutes.
"Are we there yet?" This scene is great. It's a shame that Hopkins was a famous actor in the 90's and I never heard of this film. Look amazing from this scene alone. I'm gonna watch it on Tubi first chance I get tomorrow.
You have to love Attenborough's direction. When Corky is coming up on the halfway point, the camera pans so that he and Fats are both in profile. The camera continues to move until Fats' face completely eclipses Corky, and immediately afterward Corky admits that he can't make it. Wonderful visual representation of Corky's identity slipping away and being taken over by Fats.
Man Richard Attenborough is really good at directing patient quiet and tense scenes like this. And the actors get exceptional performances of him as a director. If you watch a bridge to far that came out w year earlier. That movie also has really good and super well acted scenes like this.
I thought so too. It was really subtle yet at the same time symbolic that while we see Hopkins at first, the dummy slowly sneaks up on his profile until it completely overtakes his image, almost as if he's the one in control now.
For me, the scariest part is how we know Corky's dangerous, but Greene is so overconfident walking away from him. He's a "tough businessman," and he naively thinks that translates to a brutal situation where civilized rules go out the window. The way he digs his own grave is way more unsettling than if he ran away scared.
‘Make Fats shut up for five minutes’ Burgess merediths character is super wise and you kinda get the impression he’s seen this before,he knows exactly how to test him. .......and he knows he stands little chance of passing that test.
Just like Norman Bates, you really feel for Corky and at the same time realise how dangerous he is. It's a hard film to watch, not so much because of it being scary or disturbing, but being tragic with a character who is his own victim.
Very true. And you can see how torn Ben is in this scene; he sees Corky is disturbed, but still has his best interests at heart, wanting to get him help.
I love that at 4:49 you can see it in his face that he immediately knows he can't do it. And the look of utter capitulation and relief when he finally gives up, grabs Fats, and starts in with the routine.
What's more amazing is that people like you think "not many people" have seen this film, which MANY MILLIONS of people have seen, remember, and still refer to, simply because it's unfamiliar to you and other people your age who don't know any films from before Their Own Time.
I’m long overdue for a rewatch of this. It was filmed at my high school and surrounding area. Our little town welcomed Anthony Hopkins, Burgess Meredith, Ann-Margret, Sir Richard Attenborough , producer Joe Levine and their crew for a few weeks in late 1977.
I love Fats outburst after Gangreene says “Quit with the games!” And Fats firing back with “Quit with the yelling!” Then going on a rant about Gangreene with his fed up voice. It’s unsettling considering Corky tries to keep Fats quiet proving that Fats is separate from Corky.
Actually, there are a lot of us who've heard of it! This film was quite popular when it was released. I was in high school at the time and it was the first time I'd ever seen Anthony Hopkins. I also remember the long line of people that snaked around the block when it played at the Carlisle (PA) Theatre on a Saturday night. They held the movie over for a second week, which was a pretty big deal in those days. BLAZING performance by Hopkins, one of the best I've ever seen!
I remember as a kid this movie sat in our VHS collection for years, but we never watched it. I viewed it a few times throughout my teenage years finding it mildly amusing but somewhat unmemorable. A few years ago I watched it as an adult and was blown away by how brilliant it was.
I was 15 when this movie came out. Couldn't wait to see it. Lived in a small one movie hick town in Western PA. So worth the wait. Agreed with a fellow subscriber . . . Anthony Hopkins and Burgess Meredith were brilliant and should have won Academy Awards. To anyone reading this that hasn't watched the full movie, watch it. Sit back, relax and prepare to be disturbed by the story. Enjoy! Oh, and Happy Halloween.
Saw this the other day and was impressed on how quick Hopkins can go from peaceful and pensive to enraged and frightening within a split second. I wonder if he learned how to do that at RADA or is it just natural ability.
I fell in love with Anthony Hopkins’ acting method after Silence of The Lambs, but this performance makes me remember how he is such a brilliant actor. Interestingly, my favorite actor of all time is Gene Wilder. When he was interviewed on Larry King, he was asked “are there any movie roles you regret not getting?”. He replied that he never really regretted not getting a role, but *this* role is the one he was considered for, and wanted, but didn’t get, and he was extremely disappointed. I love Anthony Hopkins, but I think Gene would have been extremely interesting in this role.
Robert Deniro was reportedly also considered for the role. That would have been interesting. Apparently Nicholson was offered it but turned it down. I think that was probably for the best. I think he might have had the impulse to go over-the-top with the character.
@@rup54 The Movie was going to be a Hit by Sheer Content and Magnetism....didn't HAVE to include TWO Gruesome Murder Scenes. There's entirely TOO MUCH KILLING in MOVIES nowadays!
Such amazing acting from all three guys....haha...Magic makes for mesmerizing watching. This film made a huge impact upon me as a young man....it is crazy stuff but just awesome viewing. The bit where Corky tries to tear his own face off was just Anthony Hopkins improvising apparently. Just amazing acting....
Wow great point!! I’m sad to admit I have some kind of light addiction to my celley. 5 minutes though? No problem. So easy it’s laughable..😓...easy peasey....so umm how many minutes so far? 😬
@@ricardocantoral7672 yep Anthony Hopkins would of been 38 & for Burgesses Meredith 68 both good actors for this movie can't think of anyone else to master it
"Kid, I have lived through Tallulah Bankhead and the death of vaud-a-ville. I don't scare easy." My fave scene too. I love the movie except for that final bit with Ann Margret. I wish it had ended with the final wide shot of the cabin.
When our family 1st got a VCR there were no video stores yet...and no online anything of course. Highland Appliance(where we bought it)had around 150-200 videos to rent. So we saw what they had. Some great ones: Rear Window, The Bad Seed, and this gem, Magic. Such wonderful memories watching those movies with my family.
I love this scene the most in the movie and also when Fats was listening to Corky and Peg made love. You can like sense the anger and disappointment inside of Fats. I also love the scene at 9:21 "DON'T!! ever raise a hand to me again!" You can just hear the emotion in Gangreen's voice.
Hey Pants Halo...I'm right there with you about this scene. It truly is one of the best scenes I've ever seen in a film. Everybody in it deserved an Award, including Fats! It's hard to believe people these days havent heard of it. I can remember like yesterday, 1978, I was a little boy, absolutely terrified by this commercial. As far as intensity goes, if you like this, search here on RUclips for the "is it safe" scene in "The Marathon Man" with Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier. You won't want to go back to the dentist! You got a new subscriber, m'man.
I like to think Anthony's childhood served him well for roles like this (or many of his roles actually, that he's played). He has said he had a messed up childhood and often felt "off".
Hopkins is great, but Burgess Meredith blew me away in this scene. He communicates so many different emotions with just a few moments of facial expressions. You can really feel his horror and sadness at what he is witnessing.
I wonder how many ventriloquist went insane and developed a split personality. Also do you think Anthony Hopkins would be a good choice for a future Batman movie were he plays Arnold Wesker aka The Ventriloquist?
XXLSSBBW Well There's AnOther Ventriloquist ThaT AlSo Went InSane As Well 2 Jerry Etherson Who's Played By The Actor Cliff Robertson From The 1962 Twilight Zone Episode The Dummy And He's Got A Ventriloquist Dummy Called Willy And He Would AlWays Think ThaT He's Alive But His Friend And Agent Frank Doesn't Believe Him At All When He Ends Up Telling Him
I’ll assure you it’s not as many as the movies claim, it’s an unfortunate stereotype and most ventriloquists are absolutely fine or at least don’t deserve to have mental illness lead to people seeing them as dangerous - like any person. I do love movies like this though
@@radarlove6283 You probably know this. the other actor in this, the guy who says makes Fats shut-up for 5 minutes, played Penguin in the Adam West Batman series.
The viewer can easily think that Corky is imaging Fats moving on his own, that would make it more mysterious, showing Fats not moving an inch while "speaking" makes it pretty obvious that Corky is simply mad.
"I'm your one chance" proved to be so true by the end of the film. If Ben had been able to get Corky psychiatric help here, it wouldn't have escalated to murder, becoming hopelessly insane and him eventually committing suicide. At this point, he hadn't killed anyone and probably would have only had to spend a short while, maybe couple of years at most, in a hospital until he responded to treatment. By killing Ben he spiralled much further out of control, killed again and ended up having to make the choice of either killing Peggy or himself, as Fats became the dominant personality. Ben was his last hope.
I forced myself to watch horror films that I haven't seen before this Halloween season. I always revert to the same ones so I picked this on a whim and it was amazing! It was pretty chilling. Hopkins and Meredith were amazing in it
I read the book first, then saw the movie when it originally aired in theaters. Both scared me. I never forgot the movie and recently rewatched it. This scene, in particular, is a triumph of AH's talent. A real psychological horror, beautifully done, without "gore porn".
A tiny detail that really makes this scene is at 4:54, when just after Ben makes his challenge, Fats looks at Corky, almost a little glimpse where he's thinking "Hmm, this is going to be interesting.".
Absolutely! When Hopkins starts enquiring about the time you know he isn't going to make it.. Who would have known how big Anthony Hopkins was going to become starting with this film. What a career he has had!
I was 8 yrs old when this came out. The commercials were of the Dummy talking. I would run out of the room. If I couldn't I would close my eyes and plug my ears.
"No one's ever heard of?" Are you kidding? This movie has been referenced countless times and is considered a suspense classic. Decades before Hannibal our pal Hopkins was creeping out movie-goers in "Magic."
Filip Önell get up you sun of a bit cos mickey loves ya. thats why he kept getting back up after being hit with the wooden doll, marciano's cuff link kept saying "get up you son of a bitch"
I love that Fats sees the Postman first and screams then Corky turns around. There's another part where Corky puts Fats down and the eyes continue moving (which I think was an error left in). It suggests the supernatural somewhat, but this isn't really a supernatural movie. I saw this in the theater as a kid in 1978. It has the distinction of being the first R rated movie I ever saw. A forgotten horror/thriller, but I never forgot it. Never brought up even on underrated horror lists. I constantly recommend it. Another good forgotten horror is The Other 1972. Both Magic and The Other were scored by the great Jerry Goldsmith. I think the music score is what elevates these films to a different level.
@@RobMacKendrick Hardly, he has played different characters. The book worm from the Twilight Zone, The Penguin, Rocky's trainer, all three are totally different characters.
once the commercial of the movie makes me creeped out while I was watching it but hide myself when that Robert the doll wannabe stole the show just to make me scared for eight year old girl. memories just plain memories.
Highlight of the film for me is this entire sequence. Masterful acting and directing and editing. Hopkins and Meredith just kill it. This film was strangely neglected critically and commercially when it came out, but it stands the test of time very well, in my opinion. Just the way Hopkins roars, "Bullshit! I'll take the stupid exam!" is worth the price of admission.
The way Burgess Meredith says "Make Fats shut up for five minutes....". and the immediate reactions by Hopkins and the puppet. Great part of the movie.
Even more sad is Ben's reply "I don't mean it to be." You can tell he wants to help Corky in any way, even if Corky doesn't fully understand it. He's sees Corky is disturbed and tormented, but he still feels like Corky is a son to him, and thus this is his way of trying to get Corky to see how unbalanced he is, and it's hurting him as well (you can tell by the emotion in his voice when he says it).
I love the silent tension in this scene. Too many movies are afraid of silence.
You're so right. Too often today they think they have to fill every minute with noise.
Meredith is absolutely brilliant in it. Until he's asked to shout, but that only happens a time or two.
Well, that's sort of the point. Corky is also afraid of silence.
"How long has it been?" 30 seconds. 😆
But there's crickets in this movie... sounds like a certain director was afraid of silence after all. This movie is not the example I would use.
I started binging horror movies on the Tubi app during last Halloween. I came across this movie and almost wrote it off as another "puppet" movie. But then I saw it starred Anthony Hopkins - one of my all time favorite actors.
Since then, I have been preaching this movie to anyone who'd listen. I cannot stress how much this movie struck me. It is eerie, it is uncomfortable, it is dark, it is psychological. It's hands down Anthony's best performance and I wish more people today would talk about it.
I recommend the book which goes into details about Corky's childhood.
I randomly picked it on Tubi yesterday.. fantastic film. I'm gonna watch it again soon
I was watching “The Changeling” on Tubi & this played automatically afterwards… I’m so glad I watched it 💯🎬🍿👏🏾
He should have won the oscar for this performance.
@@jim5746 This movie deserves to be seen more by mainstream audiences. It is insanely good but never talked about
Burgess Meredith's character, with that soft, wise voice. Calmly testing his friend, who he now knows is very ill. Resigned, knowing full well that Corky, as he says, "ain't in control."
Watching him crumble before his eyes, as each second passes, each time he asks "how long?"
Everything he says, "I don't mean it to be. That would be sad. I didn't think you could . . . " Broken hearted.
"I'm your one chance." Brilliant.
Hopkins giving an absolute masterclass in acting here. Always been amazed at this scene.
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The t h e s p i a n a t i c (( made - up
word )) P R O F E S S I O N A L I S M
- in this scene . . . Brilliant ! ! !
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" " Always been amazed at this scene . " "
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A M E N .
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" " This is Very C R U E L of
you - - dya ' K N O W That ? ? ? " "
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Then thru an I R O N I C // Tortured
laugh . . . " " I Don ' t Know If I ' l l
- Ever Be Able To Forgive You . " "
-
Beautifully scripted . Beautifully Realized
by Anthony Hopkins and Burgess Meredith .
Sooooo P A I N F U L . Sooooo Beautiful .
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The carefully scripted words // very - well
orated . The timing . The spacing . It all
. . . kinda . . . reminds me of the " " new " "
- Oppenheimer trailer (( kinda )) .
-
ruclips.net/video/bK6ldnjE3Y0/видео.html
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I agree 100 per cent. Anthony Hopkins' talent is stunning.
@@jubalcalif9100
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Honestly think Tony Hopkins should have got an oscar for this role, or at least a nomination Same for Meredith.
Their acting gets better with each viewing. It was criminal negligence that Anthony Hopkins was overlooked by members of the Academy. The role required a special gift, an on-the-edge-of-madness quality, and Hopkins had it in spades.
This role was how Anthony Hopkins the part of Hannibal Lector.
i agree. He was absolutely perfect in a demanding and difficult role, and should have gotten the Oscar.
Sam Reeves he makes it look easy.
Totally agree. I always thought Anthony Hopkins deserved an Oscar nomination for Magic. Hopkins is utterly brilliant as a man deep in the mire of madness but trying desperately to keep the veneer of sanity on shoe. How Hopkins responds to what is essentially a piece of wood as though it was a living breathing man is incredible and utterly believable.
This is a fabulous movie...saw it in the theater when I was 14 and it totally freaked me out at the time. Watching it again many years later as an adult, you realize what a masterful performance Mr Hopkins gave to the film. As has been said in the comments, Mr Hopkins should of at least got a nomination for this. But Hollywood (To the best of my knowledge) didn't give scary movies nominations in those days. I think that changed with "Silence of the lambs" which of course is another masterful job by Sir Anthony.
I watched this again recently and found myself close to tears at this scene. It's heartbreaking the look of defeat on his face when he realizes he can't make it the full five minutes.
After he picks up Fatz and does the "it's Fatz!" jabbering, you can see the devestated look on Ben's face too. The sad thing about this scene is that Ben was his only hope, but he killed him and was left to go more insane and kill again.
@Arse Robinson
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Pointing out a T R U T H can get you
- K I L L E D . . .
. . . by . . . the one
individual that ' ya may
be wanting to help . S a d .
-
If you think about it, the movie could be an allegory for drug addiction. This scene is like a guy who couldn’t handle not getting his fix for five minutes.
There are moments when you think Corky might make it. But at 7:00, when he says, "How long . . . now?", you know he's doomed. Great acting.
"Are we there yet?"
This scene is great.
It's a shame that Hopkins was a famous actor in the 90's and I never heard of this film.
Look amazing from this scene alone.
I'm gonna watch it on Tubi first chance I get tomorrow.
You have to love Attenborough's direction. When Corky is coming up on the halfway point, the camera pans so that he and Fats are both in profile. The camera continues to move until Fats' face completely eclipses Corky, and immediately afterward Corky admits that he can't make it. Wonderful visual representation of Corky's identity slipping away and being taken over by Fats.
John Hagan yes that shot spoke volumes
So glad you pointed that out! I never noticed
Fats was an exaggerated/characature mold of Anthony Hopkins' face.
That's good cinematography.
Man Richard Attenborough is really good at directing patient quiet and tense scenes like this. And the actors get exceptional performances of him as a director. If you watch a bridge to far that came out w year earlier. That movie also has really good and super well acted scenes like this.
8:21 Now THAT is a beautiful shot. Says so much without saying anything at all.
I thought so too. It was really subtle yet at the same time symbolic that while we see Hopkins at first, the dummy slowly sneaks up on his profile until it completely overtakes his image, almost as if he's the one in control now.
Wonderful cinematography...
Fats is waiting to speak!
When Fats' and Corky's voices meld together at 1:52, it is an absolutely CHILLING moment....!!
You commented here 9 years ago welcome back sir lol
@@crispychris18 😃
For me, the scariest part is how we know Corky's dangerous, but Greene is so overconfident walking away from him. He's a "tough businessman," and he naively thinks that translates to a brutal situation where civilized rules go out the window. The way he digs his own grave is way more unsettling than if he ran away scared.
‘Make Fats shut up for five minutes’
Burgess merediths character is super wise and you kinda get the impression he’s seen this before,he knows exactly how to test him.
.......and he knows he stands little chance of passing that test.
beautiful and very real scene dealing with mental illness....heartbreaking
A disturbingly brilliant scene. You ever notice that it's Fats who sees 'Gangrene' first, not Corky? I always dug that...
I noticed the same thing. Good spot.
🤤😲😨
That was the kicker of that scene...that his extension saw Meredith and not him. GREAT MOVIE
Great catch about Fats noticing him first.
That’s the part that disturbed me
Just like Norman Bates, you really feel for Corky and at the same time realise how dangerous he is. It's a hard film to watch, not so much because of it being scary or disturbing, but being tragic with a character who is his own victim.
Numinous20111 fatz is such a convincing second personality that it's almost as if fatz is another person.
I love this movie but it is very disturbing, for sure.
Very true. And you can see how torn Ben is in this scene; he sees Corky is disturbed, but still has his best interests at heart, wanting to get him help.
I think a second personality is another person.🙂
Mick telling Hannibal Lector he is nuts is funny when you think about it.😅
I love that at 4:49 you can see it in his face that he immediately knows he can't do it. And the look of utter capitulation and relief when he finally gives up, grabs Fats, and starts in with the routine.
This scene reminds me of the time that I asked my teenaged niece to see how long she could go without checking her cell phone
And I can't stop talking to myself for five minutes either. This movie is profound.
Its amazing that not many people have seen this brilliant movie.
Gary Krutsinger You're AbSolutely Right About ThaT And I've Never Seen This Movie At All BeFore Etc
Gary Krutsinger And My Brother Hasn't Seen It Either
Gary Krutsinger And My Mother Hasn't Seen It Either
What's more amazing is that people like you think "not many people" have seen this film, which MANY MILLIONS of people have seen, remember, and still refer to, simply because it's unfamiliar to you and other people your age who don't know any films from before Their Own Time.
Fabulous performances by Hopkins and Meredith . Really scary movie .
One classic movie nobody ever talks about. Everything Burgess Meredith is in is a great movie. Anthony Hopkins is one of a kind.
There should have been some Oscars for this movie -- a classic!
Maybe Oscar-Meyer
I’m long overdue for a rewatch of this. It was filmed at my high school and surrounding area. Our little town welcomed Anthony Hopkins, Burgess Meredith, Ann-Margret, Sir Richard Attenborough , producer Joe Levine and their crew for a few weeks in late 1977.
"Girls.. are for down the line kid.. Women weaken legs!" Haven't seen this film since I was little. Really underrated.
I love Fats outburst after Gangreene says “Quit with the games!” And Fats firing back with “Quit with the yelling!” Then going on a rant about Gangreene with his fed up voice. It’s unsettling considering Corky tries to keep Fats quiet proving that Fats is separate from Corky.
Actually, there are a lot of us who've heard of it!
This film was quite popular when it was released. I was in high school at the time and it was the first time I'd ever seen Anthony Hopkins. I also remember the long line of people that snaked around the block when it played at the Carlisle (PA) Theatre on a Saturday night. They held the movie over for a second week, which was a pretty big deal in those days.
BLAZING performance by Hopkins, one of the best I've ever seen!
I remember as a kid this movie sat in our VHS collection for years, but we never watched it. I viewed it a few times throughout my teenage years finding it mildly amusing but somewhat unmemorable. A few years ago I watched it as an adult and was blown away by how brilliant it was.
QB-7 was another great movie with Anthony Hopkins.
The premise was used in several other things afterward, too.
Born and raised in Carlisle. No idea how I found this video. Let alone a comment about my hometown lol
@@PRENTILC It's a small world after all, eh? LOL
Masterclass acting, skill, and execution.
I was 15 when this movie came out. Couldn't wait to see it. Lived in a small one movie hick town in Western PA. So worth the wait. Agreed with a fellow subscriber . . . Anthony Hopkins and Burgess Meredith were brilliant and should have won Academy Awards. To anyone reading this that hasn't watched the full movie, watch it. Sit back, relax and prepare to be disturbed by the story. Enjoy! Oh, and Happy Halloween.
The previews on TV freaked me out as a kid..read the book shortly after.
Saw this the other day and was impressed on how quick Hopkins can go from peaceful and pensive to enraged and frightening within a split second. I wonder if he learned how to do that at RADA or is it just natural ability.
One of the best cinematic scenes ever!
I fell in love with Anthony Hopkins’ acting method after Silence of The Lambs, but this performance makes me remember how he is such a brilliant actor.
Interestingly, my favorite actor of all time is Gene Wilder. When he was interviewed on Larry King, he was asked “are there any movie roles you regret not getting?”. He replied that he never really regretted not getting a role, but *this* role is the one he was considered for, and wanted, but didn’t get, and he was extremely disappointed. I love Anthony Hopkins, but I think Gene would have been extremely interesting in this role.
Robert Deniro was reportedly also considered for the role. That would have been interesting.
Apparently Nicholson was offered it but turned it down. I think that was probably for the best. I think he might have had the impulse to go over-the-top with the character.
Anthony H. was the correct choice. He has an element of fragility. He can be refined, delicate, and violent. It is a British thing.
@@rup54 oh, without a doubt Hopkins was the correct choice. He’s one of my favorites.
@@rup54 The Movie was going to be a Hit by Sheer Content and Magnetism....didn't HAVE to include TWO Gruesome Murder Scenes. There's entirely TOO MUCH KILLING in MOVIES nowadays!
Oh, wow. Gene Wilder would have brought his mania to the part, but his quiet moments would have probably been so terrifying.
Such amazing acting from all three guys....haha...Magic makes for mesmerizing watching. This film made a huge impact upon me as a young man....it is crazy stuff but just awesome viewing. The bit where Corky tries to tear his own face off was just Anthony Hopkins improvising apparently. Just amazing acting....
No doubt, amazing acting from both.
Nowadays ask someone to mute their phone or not send a text message for 5 minutes and you'll get the same reaction.
Alejandro Sosa
That is an interesting subtext that this movie might be pointing out regarding obsessive compulsive behaviour.
Alejandro Sosa if it weren't so sad it would be laughable
When were you spying on me?
r/phonesarebad
Wow great point!! I’m sad to admit I have some kind of light addiction to my celley. 5 minutes though? No problem. So easy it’s laughable..😓...easy peasey....so umm how many minutes so far? 😬
I go around every day with Fats' voice in my head saying either, "Tried...TRIED?? YOU FAILED!!" or, "I WANT ATTA HERE!!"
For me it's, U KNOW WHAT I THINK? WE'RE GONNA BE A STAA_AR!
My favorite scene in this incredible movie. And I just love how Ben (Burgess Meredith) calls Corky (Anthony Hopkins) a "kid".
There is a significant age gap between the two. Ben is old enough to be Corky's father.
@@ricardocantoral7672 yep Anthony Hopkins would of been 38 & for Burgesses Meredith 68 both good actors for this movie can't think of anyone else to master it
Burgess Meredith. What a voice!
"Kid, I have lived through Tallulah Bankhead and the death of vaud-a-ville. I don't scare easy."
My fave scene too. I love the movie except for that final bit with Ann Margret. I wish it had ended with the final wide shot of the cabin.
This scene is a snippet of 2 geniuses at their peaks.
When our family 1st got a VCR there were no video stores yet...and no online anything of course. Highland Appliance(where we bought it)had around 150-200 videos to rent. So we saw what they had. Some great ones: Rear Window, The Bad Seed, and this gem, Magic. Such wonderful memories watching those movies with my family.
I love this scene the most in the movie and also when Fats was listening to Corky and Peg made love. You can like sense the anger and disappointment inside of Fats. I also love the scene at 9:21 "DON'T!! ever raise a hand to me again!" You can just hear the emotion in Gangreen's voice.
Two great actors. One great scene. You don't see this any more.
Magic is an awesome movie. Very simple concept but scary because it deals with a crazy man.
phoenelai the acting really makes this film i think
Hopkins' Oscar for Lambs paid the debt owed to him when he wasn't even nominated for this performance.
Burgess always delivered. Always.
Thats why he's the Postman!
Always
Aaaah Anthony Hopkins was CUTE AF
Hey Pants Halo...I'm right there with you about this scene. It truly is one of the best scenes I've ever seen in a film. Everybody in it deserved an Award, including Fats! It's hard to believe people these days havent heard of it. I can remember like yesterday, 1978, I was a little boy, absolutely terrified by this commercial.
As far as intensity goes, if you like this, search here on RUclips for the "is it safe" scene in "The Marathon Man" with Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier. You won't want to go back to the dentist!
You got a new subscriber, m'man.
I like to think Anthony's childhood served him well for roles like this (or many of his roles actually, that he's played). He has said he had a messed up childhood and often felt "off".
That old school 'New Yawkese' accent on the dummy is classic.
I love that literally a whole minute passes and when he asks "how long so far?" And he says only 30 seconds had passed.
Hopkins is great, but Burgess Meredith blew me away in this scene. He communicates so many different emotions with just a few moments of facial expressions. You can really feel his horror and sadness at what he is witnessing.
One of the very rare instances where a person ( Meredith) realises he`s
witnessing insanity but can`t quite acknowledge it.
This scene alone should have had 2 nominations for these two icons some of americas & englands best just doing master work here !!!
One of the greatest films of all time
He's right, the postman's right...your crazy.
"A pro never forgets his good lines, kid."
I wonder how many ventriloquist went insane and developed a split personality.
Also do you think Anthony Hopkins would be a good choice for a future Batman movie were he plays Arnold Wesker aka The Ventriloquist?
XXLSSBBW Well There's AnOther Ventriloquist ThaT AlSo Went InSane As Well 2 Jerry Etherson Who's Played By The Actor Cliff Robertson From The 1962 Twilight Zone Episode The Dummy And He's Got A Ventriloquist Dummy Called Willy And He Would AlWays Think ThaT He's Alive But His Friend And Agent Frank Doesn't Believe Him At All When He Ends Up Telling Him
I’ll assure you it’s not as many as the movies claim, it’s an unfortunate stereotype and most ventriloquists are absolutely fine or at least don’t deserve to have mental illness lead to people seeing them as dangerous - like any person. I do love movies like this though
Anthony Hopkins to play a Batman villian. OMG, That would be... Awesome!
RADARLOVE Deacon Blackfire would be a good current role for him! I’m the past, maybe Arnold/Scarface.
@@radarlove6283 You probably know this. the other actor in this, the guy who says makes Fats shut-up for 5 minutes, played Penguin in the Adam West Batman series.
What a great movie. I saw it when it came out ..
Incredible performances.
The viewer can easily think that Corky is imaging Fats moving on his own, that would make it more mysterious, showing Fats not moving an inch while "speaking" makes it pretty obvious that Corky is simply mad.
He does move
LOVE Anthony Hopkins in this! Where can I get a full copy of this movie? This scene is heartbreaking.
I've seen it on HBO
Tubi free with ads
I've always loved this movie!
"You're not lettin' him outta here, he's the villain don't forget that" !
"I'm your one chance" proved to be so true by the end of the film. If Ben had been able to get Corky psychiatric help here, it wouldn't have escalated to murder, becoming hopelessly insane and him eventually committing suicide. At this point, he hadn't killed anyone and probably would have only had to spend a short while, maybe couple of years at most, in a hospital until he responded to treatment. By killing Ben he spiralled much further out of control, killed again and ended up having to make the choice of either killing Peggy or himself, as Fats became the dominant personality. Ben was his last hope.
You know what a spoiler warning is?
@@sodapopbroskylmaoo
Oh my goodness, Anthony Hopkins was so good in this movie!!!
great scene; Hopkins is great here.
Ben Greene is played by Burgess Meredith he played the Penguin in the Adam West Batman show
That's right! And that's not his only good performance by any means!
I forced myself to watch horror films that I haven't seen before this Halloween season. I always revert to the same ones so I picked this on a whim and it was amazing! It was pretty chilling. Hopkins and Meredith were amazing in it
I read the book first, then saw the movie when it originally aired in theaters. Both scared me. I never forgot the movie and recently rewatched it. This scene, in particular, is a triumph of AH's talent. A real psychological horror, beautifully done, without "gore porn".
Love the silence of this scene. The tension building with minimal talking, the crickets chirping. Good shit.
this movie scared the HELL out of me when I was a kid......CLASSIC PURE HORROR!!!! lol.....NOW...Just @#$#@& UP and funny...still creepy but funny!
Love when all three of them are yelling at each other and Hopkins tells Fats to "Shut up!"
A tiny detail that really makes this scene is at 4:54, when just after Ben makes his challenge, Fats looks at Corky, almost a little glimpse where he's thinking "Hmm, this is going to be interesting.".
This IS a great scene from the movie. :)
Absolutely! When Hopkins starts enquiring about the time you know he isn't going to make it.. Who would have known how big Anthony Hopkins was going to become starting with this film. What a career he has had!
Meradith Bergus sooooo good.
I was 8 yrs old when this came out. The commercials were of the Dummy talking. I would run out of the room. If I couldn't I would close my eyes and plug my ears.
Me too!😁
ex
lmao!!! same exact here!
Anthony Hopkins is an amazing actor.. scary scene, Fats is a SCARY doll.
What's truly astounding is that Hopkins is actually doing the voice of Fats. Fat's voice isn't an overdub, Hopkins learned ventriloquism.
just brilliant, the acting, screenplay, everything, even the expression on the puppets face, I can't say enough about it
"No one's ever heard of?" Are you kidding? This movie has been referenced countless times and is considered a suspense classic. Decades before Hannibal our pal Hopkins was creeping out movie-goers in "Magic."
Never heard of it
Wally Wingert Hate to break it you. But it probably WAS referenced a lot...back in the days.
@@Dangermoose-rv6bb That reflects on you, not the film.
@@mmmmmvodka Hate to break it to YOU; if you disagree with Wally Wingert about something cinematic or pop cultural, you're the one who's wrong.
@@Scipio488 Epic bantz
Kid, I've trained Rocky!
Filip Önell get up you sun of a bit cos mickey loves ya. thats why he kept getting back up after being hit with the wooden doll, marciano's cuff link kept saying "get up you son of a bitch"
Filip Önell That was shortly after played in this i believe.
Rocky is down the road kid.
great movie classic
I love that Fats sees the Postman first and screams then Corky turns around. There's another part where Corky puts Fats down and the eyes continue moving (which I think was an error left in). It suggests the supernatural somewhat, but this isn't really a supernatural movie. I saw this in the theater as a kid in 1978. It has the distinction of being the first R rated movie I ever saw.
A forgotten horror/thriller, but I never forgot it. Never brought up even on underrated horror lists. I constantly recommend it. Another good forgotten horror is The Other 1972. Both Magic and The Other were scored by the great Jerry Goldsmith. I think the music score is what elevates these films to a different level.
Burgess Meredith. He was in everything, and he made everything good.
One of those great character actors who could do pull off any role.
@@ricardocantoral7672 He always seemed to play the same character, but it just fit everywhere.
@@RobMacKendrick Hardly, he has played different characters. The book worm from the Twilight Zone, The Penguin, Rocky's trainer, all three are totally different characters.
One of my favorite movies. Saw it with my girlfriend in high school at the theater on release.
Such a terrific movie. Great script, great performances, and just deliciously creepy. I adore this film and feel it is grossly underappreciated.
Cracks me up every time Burgess Meredith calls 52 year-old Hopkins "Kid."
Can't ever go wrong with "Burgis Meredith".
His name's a bit difficult to spell 🙁
This is Jeff Dunham’s inspiration for becoming a ventriloquist, I believe. I had no idea this was an Anthony Hopkins film.
once the commercial of the movie makes me creeped out while I was watching it but hide myself when that Robert the doll wannabe stole the show just to make me scared for eight year old girl. memories just plain memories.
Highlight of the film for me is this entire sequence. Masterful acting and directing and editing. Hopkins and Meredith just kill it. This film was strangely neglected critically and commercially when it came out, but it stands the test of time very well, in my opinion. Just the way Hopkins roars, "Bullshit! I'll take the stupid exam!" is worth the price of admission.
Is it just me or does the puppet become more detailed as the film goes along?
What a launching pad for Hopkins carrere.
Hardly. He d been in movies for a decade and the theatre for over two decades by now.
The most intense scene in the
entire film. "Fats" just can't keep
his mouth shut.. :(
The way Burgess Meredith says "Make Fats shut up for five minutes....". and the immediate reactions by Hopkins and the puppet. Great part of the movie.
I remember seeing this powerful movie as a teenager and it's still just as powerful today!
The trailer for this movie was scary enough on its own.
Best scene of the entire movie ! 🍿
Anthony Hopkins... stop being so realistic as your characters it's freaky!!!
Part of being an actor. :) a good one!
This is very cruel of you...you know that?
Can't help but feel sorry for the raving lunatic.
It's a hard scene to watch, for sure.
Even more sad is Ben's reply "I don't mean it to be." You can tell he wants to help Corky in any way, even if Corky doesn't fully understand it. He's sees Corky is disturbed and tormented, but he still feels like Corky is a son to him, and thus this is his way of trying to get Corky to see how unbalanced he is, and it's hurting him as well (you can tell by the emotion in his voice when he says it).
Its really hard to break an addiction