Why a bank heist movie became the only film Bill Murray ever directed

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1990, Bill Murray co-directed and starred in Quick Change, a cult comedy about a clown who successfully robs a bank but finds the city of New York impossible to escape. Despite critical praise for its clever premise, the film was a commercial failure and remains Murray's sole directorial credit.

The film follows Grimm, a disillusioned New Yorker who orchestrates a daring bank robbery while dressed as a clown. Alongside his accomplices, Phyllis and Loomis, he manages to steal $1 million. However, the heist itself is the easiest part of their journey; the real challenge is navigating the chaotic, bureaucratic, and unpredictable urban landscape of New York City to reach the airport.

The production history of the film was as turbulent as its plot. Jonathan Demme was originally slated to direct, but he became unavailable, and Ron Howard turned down the project after concluding there was no character to root for. Ultimately, Murray and Howard Franklin took the helm themselves. The film was shot across various boroughs, including Queens, Brooklyn, and the South Bronx, capturing a version of the waterfront that has since been transformed beyond recognition.

Upon its release on July 13, 1990, the film struggled at the box office, grossing only $15.3 million against a $17 million budget. While it failed to find a massive audience initially, it earned positive reviews for its sharp humor and the performances of its cast, including Jason Robards as a weary police chief. Decades later, the film remains a subject of discussion, though recent revelations from Geena Davis’s 2022 memoir, Dying of Politeness, have cast a shadow over the production, detailing claims of sexual harassment and unprofessional behavior by Murray on set.

The film’s legacy is that of a smart, efficient comedy that never quite reached the heights of a classic. Critics have praised its ability to showcase Murray’s talent for playing jaded, cynical characters, yet some, like Roger Ebert, noted that the dual-director approach may have prevented it from becoming truly inspired. Despite its mixed reception and troubled production, it stands as a unique, singular entry in Murray’s long career.

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