And that is supposed to be some astrological proof that you are funny? Zeppo? Almost as bad as Gummo. 
Canadian.
In terms of background, training and experience, Penn is really a juggler, fire-eater and street performer, rather than a magician as such. It’s certainly true that he could entertain you for hours as a solo artist (and he did entertain crowds on his own before P&T became a reality), but he would probably do it by juggling with broken bottles and fire-eating rather than performing magic tricks per se. Without any disrespect at all towards Penn, it’s fair to say that Teller has the greater knowledge of magic as a performing art, and has more of the skills you’d expect a magician to have. He also enjoys a very strong reputation within the magic world for his inventiveness and creativity. Penn is a swift study, though, and quickly learns whatever magic he needs to know for each routine or ‘bit’ in the show.
I agree that to see the working relationship as ‘magician and assistant’ isn’t quite right, and doesn’t really fit. The way I see it, Teller is what his name suggests, a teller of stories. Penn is the barker, the pitch-man, the supreme front man for all conditions, who sells those stories and sells the act. He’s loud with a fantastic and media-friendly presence with a perfect line in slick patter, so Teller doesn’t need to be. And he’s working with a guy who regularly dreams up incredible, amazing and impressive new routines, so he doesn’t have to.
And finally, they’re both musicians. Penn is a very capable jazz bass player who can sit in with any band and not embarass himself. Teller can play the piano to a capable standard, albeit he’s very modest about it.
wow Teller really does have a nice speaking voice. And he moves his hands so beautifully in that youtube clip. I bet he would be fascinating to sit down to dinner and a chat with.
- Rent it for cheap.
- Do not buy this movie.
- By all that you hold sacred, turn off the video player when Penn and Teller first get shot at. Up to that point it’s a funny, enjoyable movie that is nothing at all like a bad sixties flick made by people too high to hold a camera.
You can hear Teller speak from the links upthread. Watching the rest of Penn and Teller Get Killed is NOT worth it.
It’s a legitimate three item list, so I don’t have to say “Hi, Opal!”. Oh, I just did! 