* CrossesTheLineTwice: Typical of the duo's humor style.
* DesignatedLoveInterest: Carlotta is supposed to be Penn's girlfriend. She comes across as if she's just hanging out with him and Teller.
* NightmareFuel:
** The sequence where Teller makes it appear as though he slits Penn's throat on live television definitely sets the mood for the film. Also counts as LightmareFuel to a degree.
** The Fan is also pretty damn creepy given his StalkerShrine and how he forces Teller into his attempted reenactment of the duo's opening act. [[spoiler:Until he's revealed to just be an actor hired by Penn.]]
** [[spoiler:The moment when you realize Teller has actually killed Penn. With his breakdown, LaughingMad fit, and suicide.]]
* RetroactiveRecognition: Creator/RegECathey (of ''Series/TheWire'' and ''Series/HouseOfCardsUS'') as the Fan's friend who he invited to the wrap party.
* {{Squick}}: There is a lot of fake bloodshed in the film, so it's naturally gonna happen.
* {{Tearjerker}}: Teller's breakdown [[spoiler:and suicide after he unintentionally kills Penn]]
* ValuesDissonance: During the metal detector sequence, Penn casually pulls out a pocket knife and no one blinks an eye. Post [=9/11=], bringing a knife to an airport is considered a huge deal and any found at a security checkpoint must be disposed of if the owner wants to proceed to the boarding area.
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