Play Dead, a live recording of the off-Broadway show starring Todd Robbins and co-created by Teller is premiering tonight at the Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal.
He spoke with the Montreal Gazette about how the two principal creatives had to find a middle ground between comedy and terror.
“Todd is a hilariously funny guy,” Teller said. “When given a choice to go for the joke or not, Todd would go for the joke. But I would say, ‘You’ve got to stay serious for a moment. You can’t always pause for a laugh. You have to let the audience get into deep, dark feelings. Having that conflict is extra valuable. Mind you, Todd loves scaring the s–t out of people.”
If you happen to be in Montreal, head on down to Concordia’s J.A. de Sève Cinema, 1400 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. for the 9:45 screening. Teller will be in attendance.