Penn & Teller Get Killed is a 1989 black comedy film directed by Arthur Penn, starring the magicians Penn & Teller, who play themselves in a satirical account of what the audience would perhaps imagine them doing in their daily lives. Most of the action involves Penn and Teller playing practical jokes on each other and Penn's girlfriend, Carlotta (Caitlin Clarke). The final joke, as the title implies, has serious consequences for all three. It was the last theatrical film directed by Arthur Penn, and received mostly negative reviews from critics.

Plot

Penn and Teller appear on a television show where Penn jokingly comments that he wishes someone were trying to kill him. In a voice-over, Penn explains this is the definitive end of it all.

Cast

  • Penn Jillette as himself
  • Teller as himself
  • Caitlin Clarke as Carlotta
  • Celia McGuire as Officer McNamara
  • David Patrick Kelly as The Fan
  • Leonardo Cimino as Ernesto
  • Bill Randolph as Floor Director
  • Jon Cryer as Frat Boy
  • Christopher Durang as Jesus Freak
  • Tom Sizemore as Mugger
  • James Randi as Rope Holder

Reception

Quentin Tarantino has said that this film exemplifies the poor quality of directors' final movies.

References

  • Sight & Sound review