Seven Psychopaths

Minor spoiler alert!

Seven Psychopaths is the new film by In Bruge writer/director, Martin McDonagh.
Much has been said of how Psychopaths echoes early Tarantino and the films that followed (Two Days in the Valley and Things to do in Denver When You're Dead, to name a few). These films and more played against audience expectation, mixing thriller with comedy to pitch-black effect.

In Bruge felt different upon release. Ten years had passed since the popularity of these films had peaked. Directors such as Tarantino and Guy Ritchie had moved on from gangsters and overly familiar locales, leaving a new spin on the genre to emerge. The Gothic environment of Bruge and the peculiarity of the city perfectly complimented the off-beat story.
McDonaghs brother John Michael, followed suit with a tale from Ireland entitled, The Guard (arguably better than In Bruge). Key to the success of both films were the locations they were set in. The peculiar customs and inaudible dialects of the inhabitants were essential ingredients for comedy to ensue.

With Seven Psychopaths McDonagh has chosen to set his story in Los Angeles - which feels comparatively over-familiar. Despite some snappy dialogue and memorable performances by the eclectic cast, Psychopaths feels dated - as if a relic from the early nineties. To compound this, many of the stronger moments appeared in the trailer (a frustrating trend that doesn't appear to be disappearing any time soon - quick answer of course is to avoid trailers at all costs)!

Seven Psychopaths is a movie about movies. The film follows screenwriter Marty (Colin Farrell) on his quest to finally complete a long gestating screenplay. The larger than life characters he meets along the way inform his new opus. Before long art is imitating life and life is imitating art.

At one point in the film Marty hits upon an idea for his characters to discuss and reflect upon proceedings in the desert. This is met with boredom and disdain by his companions.
The film follows suit - and we get a good long moment of reflection by the principle characters (in the desert). Unlike the similarly playful Adaptation (Spike Jonze), Psychopaths feels laboured as it switches tone. The afore-mentioned segment does indeed feel boring, but perhaps not as is it should?

The performances certainly save what's lacking in the execution of this tale. Each actor is given their moment to shine - with Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell the stand-outs!

As entertaining as Psychopaths is, it doesn't quite deliver on the tease of the first act.
The brothers McDonagh represent a relatively new voice in cinema and Seven Psychopaths has certainly not gone unheard. Here's hoping the conversation's more stimulating next time!

3/5


Poster image courtesy: http://www.imdb.com