Dealt

Greetings again from the darkness. One of the sub-genres of film documentaries involves profiling those folks who are doing extraordinary things in life. Sometimes these people are changing the world, sometimes they are sharing their talents, and other times they are overcoming challenges that most of us don't have. Richard Turner of San Antonio, Texas is one who checks all three boxes.

Mr. Turner is the world's best card mechanic … a magician, if you will – although he doesn't much like that word. Now you might be asking how a card trickster is changing the world, and it's a fair question. The answer becomes clear when we see him quietly bonding and sharing some card secrets with a young, similarly visually- impaired girl late in the film. That's correct, Mr. Turner is himself blind, and if you assume that a blind man cannot possibly execute highly complex and entertaining card tricks, you are encouraged to learn more about this remarkable man.

Mr. Turner is quick to recall what drew him to cards. He references the James Garner TV series "Maverick" as an inspiration, and soon decided that would make a pretty good way to earn a living. He has used his touch of hyper-activeness to relentlessly master his card skills, while also honing his stage presence. We hear others discuss his impact, and watch vintage clips of his TV appearances. "Blind" was a word he spurned for years, as he was driven to let his skills stand on their own against all others (skills that would be mind- blowing and world class even if he weren't blind). Turner's adamant refusal to admit his disability (no Braille, no cane, no dogs) was enabled by his dependence on his son, whose departure for college left a gaping hole in dad's life. We also meet Richard's sister Lori. She owns and runs her own construction company … and is also blind.

Director Luke Korem expertly provides the necessary background for us to understand how Turner has become the star he is. Rather than focus on the technical aspects of card "magic", he focuses on the man and his personal journey. It's fascinating how he delivers a personal profile of the family man – the flawed man – who has slowly, but surely come to accept his disability after a life of denial. So while we "ooh and ahh" and gape in amazement at his card skills, our hearts are touched by the relationships he has with his wife Kim, his son Asa (yes, Asa Spades Turner), and his self- reflective drive that allowed him to reach 5th degree black belt. Mr. Turner likely fine-tuned his card skills for nearly16 hours today … how was your day?

This was a great documentary. What is emphasized throughout the whole film is that there's no sympathy needed for Richard Turner. He is brilliant at what he does and is severely disciplined in anything he focused his mind on. There are some struggles in being blind, but Richard doesn't let that affect his life. Truly inspiring and mind blowing that will leave you speechless. I recommend this to anyone who needs motivating or drive.

He's a magician, but more accurately he's a card technician. And he's blind. And he'll spend half the documentary telling you that he doesn't want to be acknowledged as a blind magician, just a magician. But his blindness makes his skills all the more impressive! An intimate look inside a talented guy who defied odds and who also emotionally grows throughout the course of this documentary which spans a couple years. Very interesting and inspiring!

Ha! Man, go into this knowing nothing! This is a spoiler free review, just because this is the type of film you should go into without any knowledge if you can help it. Because you want to get the biggest bang for your buck. I fold!

Sometimes its best to preserve the mystery. For anyone captivated by Richard Turner's art, this may sour it somewhat. Turner comes off as narcissistic and self-centred and the show features many uncomfortable interactions between him and his family. It seems like his wife and son (who both seem lovely) have sacrificed an awful lot for him yet don't really get much appreciation for it.

As for the documentary itself, there is far too much focus on Turner's blindness than his incredible abilities. This is especially annoying given that he describes people's obsessions with his sight as something he hates.

I came away from this feeling like I don't really like this guy very much. The muted reaction of his peers at the award ceremony suggests I might not be alone. An interesting documentary but probably would have been better left unmade.