Jamie Lee Curtis's 'A Fish Called Wanda': The Comedy So Funny It Was (Literally) Killer
Key Insights
A Fatal Laugh: In a bizarre incident, a 56-year-old Danish audiologist, Dr. Ole Bentzen, reportedly laughed himself to death while watching the film in 1989. John Cleese confirmed the story, calling it the "ultimate compliment," albeit one they decided against using in publicity due to poor taste.
Why this matters: This extreme reaction underscores the film's potent comedic impact and unique legacy.
Written for Curtis: Monty Python alumnus John Cleese, who also wrote the screenplay, specifically penned the role of Wanda Gershwitz for Jamie Lee Curtis after being impressed by her performance in *Trading Places* (1983).
Why this matters: It highlights Curtis's recognized comedic talent early in her career, even before her later award-winning roles.
Kline's Oscar Win: Kevin Kline won his first and only Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the hilariously inept Otto West.
Why this matters: Academy Awards for purely comedic performances are relatively rare, signifying the strength and memorability of Kline's contribution.
Bridging Humour Gaps: The film successfully blended dry British wit and absurdist humor with American slapstick sensibilities, appealing to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.
Why this matters: Crafting comedy that translates well internationally is challenging; *A Fish Called Wanda*'s success demonstrates skillful writing and performance synergy.
In-Depth Analysis
*A Fish Called Wanda* masterfully combined elements of a heist film with outrageous comedy. Directed by Charles Crichton (with Cleese co-directing), the plot revolves around a gang of diamond thieves who double-cross each other, leading to a cascade of comedic chaos.
The infamous death-by-laughter incident is perhaps the most startling testament to the film's effectiveness. While sources differ on the exact scene, Cleese suggested the cumulative effect of the film's relentless humor led to Dr. Bentzen's fatal heart reaction, ironically mirroring the Monty Python sketch "The Funniest Joke in the World."
Jamie Lee Curtis, as the titular Wanda, delivered a performance that Cleese sought out specifically. Despite her initial disbelief, Curtis embraced the role, showcasing a comedic timing and grounded reality that balanced the absurdity, particularly in her interactions with Cleese's stiff-upper-lip character, Archie Leach. This early role foreshadowed the comedic depth she'd later display in films like *Everything Everywhere All at Once*, for which she won an Academy Award.
Kevin Kline's Oscar-winning turn as Otto, a pseudo-intellectual Nietzsche-reading buffoon who loathes being called stupid (despite ample evidence he is), remains iconic. Cleese based the character on the idea of someone "not smart enough to realize how stupid he was," and Kline fully embodied this concept.
The film's ability to navigate different comedic tastes—from Michael Palin's slapstick attempts to dispatch a key witness to Cleese's quintessentially British awkwardness—contributed significantly to its enduring appeal and critical acclaim (96% on Rotten Tomatoes).
Jamie Lee Curtis continues to embrace comedic roles, further evidenced by her return alongside Lindsay Lohan for the upcoming sequel *Freakier Friday*, slated for release in 2025. This new film promises a "four-way body swap," adding a multigenerational twist to the original *Freaky Friday* concept.
FAQs
Q: Did someone really die from laughing while watching *A Fish Called Wanda*?
A: Yes, according to reports and confirmed by John Cleese, a Danish man named Dr. Ole Bentzen suffered a fatal heart attack, reportedly brought on by intense laughter during a screening in 1989.
Q: Did Jamie Lee Curtis win an Oscar for *A Fish Called Wanda*?
A: No, Jamie Lee Curtis did not receive an Oscar nomination for this role. However, her co-star Kevin Kline won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Otto. Curtis won her Best Supporting Actress Oscar decades later for *Everything Everywhere All at Once*.
Q: What other comedies has the cast done together?
A: The main cast (Cleese, Curtis, Kline, Palin) reunited for the 1997 film *Fierce Creatures*. While not a direct sequel, it's often seen as a spiritual successor, though it didn't achieve the same level of critical or commercial success as *A Fish Called Wanda*.
Key Takeaways
*A Fish Called Wanda* demonstrates how sharp writing and perfectly cast performances can create comedy with a legendary (and even dangerous!) impact.
The film highlights Jamie Lee Curtis's early comedic prowess, a talent she continues to utilize, as seen in the upcoming *Freakier Friday*.
Classic films often have surprising and sometimes bizarre backstories that add to their mystique.
Discussion
*A Fish Called Wanda* remains a beloved comedy classic nearly four decades later. What's your favorite moment from the film, or which character do you find the funniest? Let us know your thoughts!
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Sources & References
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