Derek DelGaudio's In & Of Itself

Derek DelGaudio's In & Of Itself is a 2020 film that elegantly intertwines the genres of documentary, drama and mystery. This profoundly immersive movie is a recording of DelGaudio's magnificent off-Broadway show, which was critically acclaimed and ran for over 500 performances before being stunningly converted into a film. Initially debuted at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, it was directed by veteran filmmaker Frank Oz, widely known for his work on The Dark Crystal and Little Shop of Horrors. The movie stars Derek DelGaudio as the film’s protagonist, alongside Hal Schulman and Jason England.

In & Of Itself draws its radiant power from DelGaudio's awe-inspiring sleight-of-hand illusions, keen conjuring abilities and deeply personal storytelling. He leads the audience on an unforgettable journey through the landscapes of identity, illusion, truth and introspective reflections. The movie is not merely about presenting a string of incredible magical tricks or illusions on the screen. Instead, it offers an exploration of the intricate connective threads between reality and illusion, identity and perception, while pushing boundaries on traditional definitions of a magic show.

Derek DelGaudio, renowned both as a magician and performance artist, relays six allegorical tales from his own life that curiously loop back into themselves. Each story explores a distinctive facet of human identity - from the experiences of a 'Roulettista’ to the social influences that shape us. They are ingeniously braided together, each profoundly extending beyond mere entertainment to delve into the deepest corners of human existence, offering genuinely thought-provoking moments for the viewers.

The film is skilfully edited, preserving and highlighting the energy and intimacy of the original stage performance. The illusionist’s work regarding the element of 'choice' is explored through unique and metaphorical ways, inviting viewers to question the roles they inhabit in life. DelGaudio carefully blurs the lines between performer and audience, adding a deeply emotional and introspective layer to his storytelling.

The cinematography in In & Of Itself is phenomenal. It captures DelGaudio's poignant stage presence, and the camerawork mirrors the introspective spirit of the performance. The sequences involving magic appear even more mesmerising due to stunning close-ups, effectively preserving the disbelief-suspending nature of a live magic show. The music composed by Mark Mothersbaugh subtly elevates the tension and emotional poignancy of the narrative.

Joining DelGaudio are Hal Schulman, who gracefully captures the audience’s attention with his delicate reactions, and Jason England, who provides intriguing backstage interviews that deepen our understanding of the performance artist's journey.

One of the most striking elements of In & Of Itself is that it is not solely about DelGaudio's story. Instead, it ennobles the intimate experiences of the entire audience, engaging them in a collective emotional journey and self-realization. As viewers of the film, we find ourselves not just observing, but participating in DelGaudio's exploration of identity. There is power and intensity in the emotional arcs, whimsy in the illusions, and thought provoking takeaways from the film’s profoundly layered narrative.

The combination of storytelling, bewitching illusions, dramatic performances, compelling visuals, and deep introspection makes In & Of Itself a movie that is often hard to categorise within traditional contexts. It is part magic show, part drama, part documentary, yet altogether something unique and exceptional.

In & Of Itself is a reminder of the porous lines between persona and person, the seen and the unseen, the real and the imagined. This isn't a movie you watch for the sole purpose of entertainment; it's a movie you experience and allow to touch you deeply, to make you question and make you wonder. Just like a perfectly executed magical trick, it leaves a lingering sense of wonder and astonishment, stirring the audience into a new understanding of both themselves and the world in which they live.

Director Frank Oz succeeds in converting DelGaudio's tour de force stage performance into a cinematic experience that maintains and enhances its original core. In & Of Itself is a work of art, a spectacle that experiments with and transcends the boundaries of traditional film and magic show forms. It is more than just a film - it is a unique, multi-layered narrative that revolves around human identity, pushing viewers to explore their perceptions of self and reality, guaranteeing it to be a memorable viewing experience.