I usually skip movies that are as well known as Seven Psychopaths but since this black comedy is directed by Martin McDonagh, I have to at least mention it. It sounds odd that he directed just three movies, but it’s nonetheless true. He made his debut with one of my favorite movies of all time In Bruges, continued with this one releasing Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri some five years later. One hell of a resume, you’ll agree. His next movie is currently in pre-production and could possibly be released in 2023.
Seven Psychopaths is not only a black comedy but also a crime movie with a phenomenal cast. I won’t waste words talking about just how good it was. Let’s just say that it actually saved the movie for me. At the time it was released, I found it too pretentious and clunky. And I still feel relatively the same. However, I was able to enjoy it fully now and without the prejudice. After all, this is a good movie. The cinematography is stellar and there are so many great and memorable shots. Not to mention all the unbridled bouts of violence…
This is that quirky movie that people who want to define themselves with specific movie choices are likely to recommend. And this is coming from a guy who did the same thing with In Bruges as it fit my personality much better than this one. That’s all good people, let’s not get bogged down in specifics. If you like any movie and feel the need to tell other people about it, there’s nothing wrong with it. Hell, that’s what Subversive Rabbit is all about.
But I digress. As I already mentioned, Seven Psychopaths is an odd and quirky comedy with an uneven pacing and surreal atmosphere. It features a lot of ideas and concepts loosely connected by a screenwriter trying to write a script. These are powerful, juicy, and pulpy ideas reminiscent of some of Tarantino’s later movies. Perhaps Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood is the best comparison although that’s a much tighter movie.
Finally, this clunkiness and flawed pacing is the thing that makes Psychopaths such an endearing and fun experience. Especially when you add to the performances of an all-star cast working with a funny and engaging script. The dialogue was snappy and well-written and the same goes for the characters. The problem was the main story and its lack of general direction. So be prepared for it and willing to go wherever it takes you.
We also have to resist the temptation of so many cool characters and their story arch’s going nowhere or in an odd direction. As you’re watching them you will be writing all the possible cool developments and endings in your head. Just be prepared that most of them will not come to fruition.
If you’re looking for movies similar to Seven Psychopaths, you can check out most of the Coen brothers and Tarantino filmography. As far as specific movies are concerned, check out The Guard, Calvary, The Lobster, and Very Bad Things. Enjoy.
Director: Martin McDonagh
Writer: Martin McDonagh
Cast: Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson, Kevin Corrigan, Zeljko Ivanek, Tom Waits, Olga Kurylenko
Fun Facts: Tom Waits, an animal lover, agreed to the role without reading the script upon hearing he would be surrounded by rabbits.
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IMDb Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1931533/
