Seven Psychopaths
Directed by Martin McDonagh
Starring Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell
Snappy dialogue and ruthless violence abound in Martin McDonaghs black comedy Seven Psychopaths. Marty (Colin Farrell) is a struggling writer trying desperately to finish a screenplay (which incidentally bears the same name as this movies title), while his good friend Billy (Sam Rockwell) does his best to help his pals case of writers block.The only problem is Billy and partner Hans (Christopher Walken) are dog thieves who have just stolen gangster Charlie Costellos (Woody Harrelson) beloved Shih Tzu. Marty soon becomes entwined in the messy affair which promises the inspiration he needs, as long as he lives to tell about it.
The shining light of the flick is the razor-sharp script, penned by McDonagh who also worked with Farrell on In Bruges.The strengths of the words in the film are backed impressively by an outstanding cast. The major players throw their weight around in fine fashion, never overshadowing one another, in a delicate balance of timing and charisma.Farrell is at his anxious best, Rockwell manages to be even creepier than in previous films, Harrelson exudes sheer malevolence with a dash of heart and Walken is a breath of fresh air as the veteran makes deadpan look effortless.
The graphic violence in the movie is sure to turn some off but it serves the story and never becomes gratuitous.Seven Psychopaths suffers from some uneven pacing and not all the jokes hit the mark but it pops with an exuberance of wit that keeps the structure intact.
