No. It’s rubbish. What’s the point of it? Are we supposed to think that they are the woman’s arms? Even though we can clearly see the edges of her shouders and arms throughout?
Erm. I’m not sure that this is supposed to be an optical illusion or anything. It’s from the film Pena which is about contemporary dance (a good film if you like that kind of thing).
The trouble with it being posted here is that your correspondents all see it as a trick, to be guessed – like your Friday Puzzle and the optical illusions – hence comments about the initial screen shot ‘giving it away’.
Just goes to show that context is everything: if Darcey Bussell had posted this clip, the comments would have been very different.
Incidentally, I think it’s beautiful.
I agree with Alan Jewell, I think it’s a piece of art that doesn’t have to be “worked out”, and it’s absolutely lovely. Incidentally, I only spotted what was going on halfway through, but I think I would have liked it even if I’d known from the start.
It’s a nice act, and as well executed as possible I guess, but not an “illusion” (as Richard calls it in his tweet about this post). As pointed out many times, you can clearly see the edge of her shoulders, and you can clearly see his torso behind hers. I wasn’t surprised when the guy emerged from behind her, so as an illusion it is not impressive in the least and it has no place here.
I don’t think it’s meant to “fool” anyone. The first time I saw it I rather liked it simply as an odd performance bit.
Not sure where the negativity is coming from, you guys nkow it cool to just not like something right? That alone doesn’t make something “rubbish” or “shit”
If I’m not mistaken this is from a new film by Wim Wenders.
I liked it a lot. It was creepy looking and surprising. Upon 2nd viewing, it looked obvious but that’s the way the “element of surprise” works for magic, too.
Two things entered my mind when I was watching the video 1) Looks like a man dressed like a female and 2) Her arms looks funny. Didn’t notice the outline of her arms until it was pointed out to me via the comments.
My first thought that something was amiss but I couldn’t think of it immediately. I was surprised at my depth perception picking up on the arms being off in some way. Kind of cool…
I find this utterly beautiful and compelling. In addition to being gorgeous, thought-provoking choreography the facial acting done by the woman is flawless. It’s a change of pace from the type of thing Richard usually posts but a very welcome one.
Richard Wiseman 
No, not in the slightest. Unless boredom and disgust would qualify as impressive.
QF, that was the first video you’ve sent that doesn’t impress. I want my 57 seconds back.
The initial screen before you hit play gives the whole thing away and he’s a wee bit too much off at around 20 to 21 secs.
Apart from that it’s okay. I guess.
It doesn’t blow me away, but I quite like it.
Dam your a hard audience :). I liked it
“You’re”!
Me too!!
No. It’s rubbish. What’s the point of it? Are we supposed to think that they are the woman’s arms? Even though we can clearly see the edges of her shouders and arms throughout?
On top of that, I really dislike the guy. He looks like on of those blokes who have their brains in their biceps instead of their heads.
I thought he looked like a very fit dancer. Beyond that, I don’t know him well enough to have a really strong opinion of him personally.
Only if he picks me up and spins me around next! Me next!! Me Next!!
Thought it was faintly creepy – it looked odd and I wondered if the bloke was behind her.
Not really.
It was fun and expressive. And might even get us thinking a bit, after all that’s one of the things art does. So, yeah, I like it., why not.
I agree, the screen before you click play gives it all away. that means you look for her shoulders, etc, that you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise
Erm. I’m not sure that this is supposed to be an optical illusion or anything. It’s from the film Pena which is about contemporary dance (a good film if you like that kind of thing).
I like it 🙂
Interesting idea, but even without the initial screen it´s too easy to spot. Use at bigger bodybuilder next time, and zoom out a little.
yes it is a fun video
Clever idea, well executed. However, as others have said, it’s a shame the poster screen gives away the trick.
A weird advert for Special K
The trouble with it being posted here is that your correspondents all see it as a trick, to be guessed – like your Friday Puzzle and the optical illusions – hence comments about the initial screen shot ‘giving it away’.
Just goes to show that context is everything: if Darcey Bussell had posted this clip, the comments would have been very different.
Incidentally, I think it’s beautiful.
What does she hold in her hands in the first part ???
😉
Yeah, kinda good? Can’t be watched twice though…
God, does everyone have to moan so much? I thought it was quite entertaining
Initially I thought the arms were hers but ‘not hers’ so I was surprised by the simplicity of the set up.
I thought it was lovely
Spotted the ‘trick’ a couple of seconds before the reveal, but that didn’t make it any less enchanting.
I agree with Alan Jewell, I think it’s a piece of art that doesn’t have to be “worked out”, and it’s absolutely lovely. Incidentally, I only spotted what was going on halfway through, but I think I would have liked it even if I’d known from the start.
A nice piece of movement.
I am more fascinated by the response here actually – they are the most interesting puzzle…
“A piece of art”? Thats a joke right?
As an illusion, its shit, you can quite clearly see her arms.
It’s a nice act, and as well executed as possible I guess, but not an “illusion” (as Richard calls it in his tweet about this post). As pointed out many times, you can clearly see the edge of her shoulders, and you can clearly see his torso behind hers. I wasn’t surprised when the guy emerged from behind her, so as an illusion it is not impressive in the least and it has no place here.
I don’t think it’s meant to “fool” anyone. The first time I saw it I rather liked it simply as an odd performance bit.
Not sure where the negativity is coming from, you guys nkow it cool to just not like something right? That alone doesn’t make something “rubbish” or “shit”
If I’m not mistaken this is from a new film by Wim Wenders.
I liked it a lot. It was creepy looking and surprising. Upon 2nd viewing, it looked obvious but that’s the way the “element of surprise” works for magic, too.
Of course you are not supossed to think those are her arms.
It is a modern dance act, not a magic trick.
It’s dance theater, not a magic show. It’s not supposed to be an optical illusion beyond a one second “what the… oh, I see” effect.
That said, it didn’t impress the Oscar Academy, either, unfortunatly.
Two things entered my mind when I was watching the video 1) Looks like a man dressed like a female and 2) Her arms looks funny. Didn’t notice the outline of her arms until it was pointed out to me via the comments.
the beginning was obvious and not at all impressive, although the spin at the end was lovely to watch
it impressed me for about 2 seconds
It’s a well done and neat little video. As has been said, it’s not the standard illusion that we’re used to seeing Richard post, but it’s a fun video.
a bit
It’s like the cover of Bossypants by Tina Fey!
Seemed too obvious to me what was going on.
Pretty, but obvious.
I was waiting for something special to happen. It didn’t.
My first thought that something was amiss but I couldn’t think of it immediately. I was surprised at my depth perception picking up on the arms being off in some way. Kind of cool…
Left me indifferent. I noticed the shadows in her left shoulder were off and that gave the game away before they even started moving.
I thought somebody must have been standing beside her. Still, quite nicely done though..
I find this utterly beautiful and compelling. In addition to being gorgeous, thought-provoking choreography the facial acting done by the woman is flawless. It’s a change of pace from the type of thing Richard usually posts but a very welcome one.