Easily one of my favorite films of the year, Seven Psychopaths is also one of the weirdest and most creative the year has had to offer. Following the alcoholic exploits of Marty, an aspiring screenwriter (Colin Farrell) who suddenly becomes immersed in the world of crime and criminals while researching for a screenplay he’s writing called Seven Psychopaths by his friend, an actor-turned-dogthief (Billy Bickle, played to perfection by Sam Rockwell) who is partially responsible for the dog-napping of a Shih Tzu which belongs to dangerous criminal Charlie Costello (Woody Harrelson), resulting in a manhunt for the two, in addition to Billy’s dog-napping partner Hans (Christopher Walken).
From the opening, this film literally starts with a bang (two mob hit men are discussing the mechanics of shooting someone in the eyeball), and relents neither in quirkiness or soliciting your interest. The writer and director of the movie, Martin McDonagh, is no stranger to the silver screen, having started out as an award-winning playwright in the 1990s. His feature film debut In Bruges has earned both widespread acclaim and an almost cult-like following for mixing beauty, pitch-black comedy and violence in a piece of unforgettable drama. And while Seven Psychopaths is no different, it introduces an element of McDonagh previously only seen in his work on stage, which is his love for history. Events such as the My Lai Massacre or the presence of the Zodiac Killer, some of the ugliest events in America’s timeline, are presented in both a humorous and intriguing light that only serve to perpetuate the attention given to the film. To add to this deftly crafted screenplay, McDonagh has taken an all-star cast of veteran actors, ranging from the much-appreciated names above to some players who have been acting for years and never been truly respected, such as Woody Harrelson and Tom Waits (Both actors are top-notch in this film.).
My only real complaint with the film has nothing to do with the film itself, but is actually a problem I’ve had for years with the motion picture industry. The trailer for this film, much like the trailer for every other film made, is extremely misleading. It makes you think that film is going to be primarily about “X”, when the reality is that the film contains “X”, but is much deeper by including “Y” and “Z”. Having stated that, I’m eternally grateful that the film is not a remake, sequel or an adaption of anything else. It’s original to a fault, ridiculous to hilarity and pretty damned smart.
