Movie Breakdown: Seven Psychopaths

People are doing traditional-style reviews all over the web, so we decided to try something different.  In each “breakdown” we’ll take a look at what a film’s marketing led us to believe, how the movie actually played, and then what we learned from it all.  Read on!

The Impression:

Director Martin McDonagh keeps himself tied to Colin Farrell and follows up In Bruges with what appears to be another twisted comedy.

The Reality:

Seven Psychopaths is near the top of my list of films seen this year.  If there was ever a time to describe something as being cleverly crafted, it would be now.  The movie feels like it was thought up in some guy’s basement and then enhanced with a string of “what if” scenarios, and yet it plays like one of the smartest things I’ve seen in a long while.  I may never understand how Martin McDonagh was able to do this, and he probably wouldn’t tell me if I asked, so I’ll just go loving that he was able to even accomplish such a thing.

Aside from McDonagh, what makes Seven Psychopaths great is the cast.  Sam Rockwell, Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken, and Woody Harrelson are just fantastic every moment they’re on the screen.  I wanted them to continue on interacting with each other forever.  Also, Tom Waits is great in the small role that he has.  I’d probably be up for watching a movie based solely on his character.

The Lesson:

Martin McDonagh is on his way to being a highly sought-after filmmaker.