Directed and written by: Martin McDonagh
A screenwriter struggling with his new movie, Seven Psychopaths, gets into a whole lot of trouble when his friend kidnaps a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu.
This movie has so many strengths it seems unreal. The writing (meaning all three: the story, the characters and the dialogue), the cast, the music... Everything in this film seems to be excellent. This film is such a pleasure to watch each time.
Firstly, that beginning. The dialogue is amazing, and it's extremely catching. The dialogue chosen has its risks: it might alienate the audience, but that doesn't happen. The audience watches with anticipation. The only "bad" thing about the beginning is these two fellows are never heard from again, so it might be deceiving the audience, but still, it's a very cool start for a film. The dialogue has some amazing qualities, some of which are tiny and basically have no meaning, but they still make the dialogue stand out. One of those little details is how whenever Sam Rockwell's character Billy repeats something he or someone else says he says it exactly the same. Yeah, that detail is tiny, but the thing is, if you have to repeat yourself, you don't always say it exactly the same, you change a few words and leave out those you don't need. I'm not so sure why but this fascinates me every time I see this film.
The characters of this film are a strength, because every single character is interesting in their way: not just the main characters and the, what, antagonists: even those who aren't real and are actually just in Marty's movie. I want to know more about everyone, but the beautiful thing about this movie is I don't get to know anymore. I don't need that information, and all of that which isn't told is left for our imaginations. Any kind of sequel or prequel would kind of ruin that. And what makes the characters even better is that the cast is so perfect. Everyone is absolutely perfect for their roles, and no one could do that role any better. Rockwell shines as Billy, being a somewhat quirky geek with a killer intent. Farrell is absolutely perfect as Marty, and no one could do the "scary" gangster with a precious Shih Tzu better than Woody Harrelson!
Also one of the best things about this film is how Marty is writing the film at the same time. We don't get to see Marty's film, we have no idea what kind of movie that ends up to be, apart from those few scenes given us, like the serial killer killings and the Vietnamese priest. Is the movie in this movie exactly the same? Is the film we just saw the film Marty made, or was it different? Also all the little notes on making films were amazing. I've glanced at the script of this film, and my favourite part might be when Billy reads his scene out loud and we can see that scene. In the script it was even better, considering the stuff Billy said was said twice. Also it never ceases to amaze me how when Marty says the movie's going to be violent revenge flick, but then all of a sudden it becomes just people talking, and that's what actually happens in the movie - until the final shoot down which Billy is so excited about.
The most touching scene in this film that isn't actually that touching is when Hans comes up with what happens to the Vietnamese guy. It's incredible touching while it's completely separated from everything else. It's not real, not even in the sense Marty and Billy are real, that scene just is there. It's astonishing.
This movie is definitely in my top 5 favourite films, alongside there with treasures such as Kill Bill, Fight Club and Pulp Fiction. Seven Psychopaths is a simple story, but it has several layers, it has "real life" and film. Everything about this film just seems to click. I wouldn't call it perfect - is any movie actually perfect? - but it is excellent, and if you haven't seen this one already, do yourself a favour and watch it! If you have seen it, however, watch it again, especially if it has been a while.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
10 / 10
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