Derren Brown Apocalypse: Is It Real? | Physicsforums

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the authenticity of Derren Brown's show "Apocalypse," with participants expressing skepticism about whether the subject, Steven, is an actor or a real participant. Many believe the elaborate setup would be unethical if real, citing concerns over psychological impact and legal ramifications. The consensus leans towards the notion that the performance is staged, as the complexities involved in executing such a stunt would be impractical and risky. Participants also highlight the psychological safeguards Brown claims to implement for participants, questioning their validity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of psychological manipulation techniques in performance art
  • Familiarity with Derren Brown's body of work and methodologies
  • Knowledge of ethical considerations in psychological experiments
  • Awareness of audience perception in entertainment contexts
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  • Research Derren Brown's psychological techniques in "Apocalypse"
  • Explore ethical guidelines for psychological experiments in entertainment
  • Investigate audience reactions to psychological thrillers and their implications
  • Learn about the legal ramifications of psychological manipulation in media
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This discussion is beneficial for psychologists, performance artists, ethicists, and anyone interested in the intersection of entertainment and psychological manipulation.

jetwaterluffy
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A lot of people are saying it was faked and the patient is actually an actor (regardless of what derren said in that YouTube video). What does physicsforums think?
 
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What are you talking about?
 
Holy cow, I hope that's an actor and not a real person they subjected to this. Not to say that actors aren't people, but you know what I mean.
 
I have to assume it's fake (he's an actor). If it's not fake, then the amount of work that would go into it would be ridiculous, and there would be a lot of things that could go wrong and ruin the whole thing. Plus the possible legal troubles. And from the wikipedia page "Brown claimed that to keep Steven safe during Apocalypse and in the aftermath (ensuring he doesn't suffer nightmares or posttraumatic stress disorder), there will be a subtle hint embedded deep in Steven's mind that will stop him ending up in mortal fear of such an event and reassuring him", which sounds like so much BS it's not even funny.

So why go through all that when just having him be an actor would be a million times easier? I'm convinced they wouldn't.
 
I really enjoy most of Derren Brown's stuff, but these super-elaborate stunts are among his least interesting, in my opinion.

I think the guy was psychologically protected by the fact Brown solicits people for his stunts and they know and have agreed to participate in something, though they know not exactly what. I can't believe in all cases the participants don't soon realize, "Oh, this must be the Derren Brown thing playing out!"
 
Jerry Brown is even more amazing.
 
zoobyshoe said:
I can't believe in all cases the participants don't soon realize, "Oh, this must be the Derren Brown thing playing out!"

You never go broke underestimating the intelligence of the public.
 
Galteeth said:
You never go broke underestimating the intelligence of the public.

Watch any prank patrol episode.
They are kids to be fair, but still...
 

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