Penn and Teller Get Killed (1989)

1989 • 89 minutes

About this movie

The "bad boys of magic" go over the edge in this mind-blowing, role-switching comedy murder mystery set in the dizzying world of Altlantic City casinos. In a TV interview, Penn mentions his idea of a fun practical joke: "I wish someone were trying to kill me. It would give focus to my life, excitement. I'd be like James Bond." Twenty-million people hear him. One decides to deliver a punchline he'll never forget. Made by people who thought Psycho was a comedy, Penn & Teller Get Killed (they also wrote the piece) features Caitlin Clarke as the femme fatale and David Patrick Kelly as the Edgar Allan Poe-esque nutcase with a new mission. Arthur Penn, known for hip masterpieces like Bonnie and Clyde, Alice's Restaurant and Little Big Man, directs with roller-coaster pacing and subversive intelligence.

Ratings and reviews

I could almost see this being a documentary/reality show of Penn and Teller's lifestyle. It might be, with a few slight modifications, such as the last 10-20 minutes.

I own the movie, again sadly not here but I do own it. It is so underrated. Underappreciated. Just Under a lot, because this really was a good movie for its time. And I love it every time I watch it.

Not worth renting. $4 to rent, and $5 to rent?