SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS.

I love In Bruges. It's one of my favorite movies. And I knew this was a totally different type of film going into it (more straight-up comedy), but it was still one of my most anticipated films of the year. In fact, I'm not sure my anticipation for it could have been any higher. I was just begging to be let down, huh? The film follows Marty (Colin Farrell), a guy trying to write a screenplay for a film called Seven Psychopaths. Unfortunately, he has writer's block and no ideas to go on. That is until his best friend, Billy (Sam Rockwell), starts helping him along a bit. Unfortunately, Billy also runs a dog kidnapping business with Hans (Christopher Walken), and they kidnap a dog belonging to an actual psychopath named Charlie (Woody Harrelson), who starts coming after them. And... well, really, the film is incredibly hard to plot out. There's so much going on--I already kept out so much information, so I'll leave it at that.

So as I was saying, I was just begging to be let down. Thank God I wasn't. This movie is like something I've been waiting for my whole life and didn't know it. The meta scale of this movie is off the charts. Tom Clift once explained to me that the movie is ridiculous in how meta it is, but the characters are completely oblivious to that fact. It's a confusing statement... but it's totally true. And it makes sense in the film. (Don't worry, though... it's not complicated meta like a Kaufman flick. It's all pretty straight forward.) In other words, the writing in this film is fantastic. I mean, I saw every twist coming pretty early on (including one that's only implied), but it's so entertaining you just don't care.

But what really helps drive the writing home is the actors. They all own their roles, from Colin Farrell (who I think should only work with Martin McDonagh from now on) to Walken to... everyone. But let's be honest. It's Sam Rockwell that steals this movie. He's off the walls good in this--so funny and quirky and you never know what's gonna happen next with him. Also, if you love seeing little character actors show up (like one Mr. Dylan Fields), I think you'll love the shit out of this movie for that alone.

Gushing reviews are always the most boring to read, so I'll stop it here. See this movie, especially if you're a fan of meta. The dialogue is sharp. The acting is great. The directing is great. The film is really funny, but it also takes time to build characters, be dramatic and serious and even emotional when need be. You might see some things coming, but I promise there will be other things you won't expect. It's a silly, insane film, but it also has a heart. And I can't wait to see it again.

Royale With Cheese