Derren Brown Apocalypse: Is It Real? | Physicsforums

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the authenticity of Derren Brown's "Apocalypse" show, with participants questioning whether the main subject is an actor or a real person subjected to the experience. The conversation touches on ethical considerations, psychological implications, and the feasibility of the stunt.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the main subject is likely an actor, citing the impracticality and potential legal issues of using a real person.
  • Others express concern about the ethical implications if the experience were real, questioning the psychological impact on the subject.
  • A participant mentions that the elaborate nature of the stunt raises doubts about its authenticity, suggesting that the effort required would be excessive if it were real.
  • There are comments on the public's perception and understanding of such stunts, with some arguing that participants might quickly realize they are part of a performance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the subject is an actor or a real person, and multiple competing views remain regarding the ethical and practical aspects of the show.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the psychological safety measures claimed by Derren Brown, with some viewing them skeptically. The discussion does not resolve the ethical considerations or the authenticity of the performance.

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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