"Seven Psychopaths" is a movie about writing a movie, with a few mini-movies featured within. The whole thing is self-referential; the screenwriter wants to create a movie that isn't the typical ridiculously violent, bloody, shoot-em-up Hollywood flick, all while his real life is turning more ridiculous, violent and bloody. The real world influences the story, while the story starts to play out in the real world.

Colin Farrell plays Martin, the screenwriter. His best friend Bobby (Sam Rockwell) is trying to help him with his work, while making cash on the side by stealing dogs with Hans (Christopher Walken) and returning them for the reward money. The big problem arises when they steal the dog of Charlie (Woody Harrelson), a sadistic gangster with a soft spot for his pup.

The psychopaths in the in-movie movie range from pure fantasy, to ones influenced by true stories, to the characters that have nothing to do with the script. It may sound confusing, but it's easier to watch than to describe.

The thing I love most about this movie is how each actor just dove completely into their character. A lot of people like to bash Farrell, and I'm not saying I've seen every movie he's done, but when I watch him, I enjoy him. Sam Rockwell is great at showing a manic side, Woody Harrelson perfectly balances menace and puppy-love, and Walken is well, Walken.

I love movies that delve into the process of making movies. The meta style always intrigues me. The influences on director Martin McDonagh are all over the place; I was reminded of Scream (blaming violent behavior on pop culture) and Boondock Saints (killing in the name of a greater good) combined with some Tarantino-esque dialogue, cranked up to Guy Ritchie speeds. It's bloody and violent, all balanced by humor, both light and dark.

I've said many times that I'm easily influenced by movies...music movies make me want to go start a band, sports movies make me want to begin training, heist movies make me believe I could successfully rob a bank...and this movie made me think of how many psychopaths we pass on a daily basis, and how a vengeful, righteous killing spree could be fun.

 

 

On the [Celluloid Hero] scale, "Seven Psychopaths" gets a 9 out of 10.

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