The Allure of the Almost-Real You see it in every slick heist film. The briefcase snaps open, not with a thud, but with a whisper of promise. Inside, bundled and banded, lies a fortune. It’s a powerful image—one of ambition, illusion, and meticulous craft. For filmmakers, artists, escape room designers, and pranksters, that image isn’t just fantasy; it’s a prop need. But...