Seven Psychopaths

“Seven Psychopaths” follows a writer named Martin who is working on a screenplay called “Seven Psychopaths.”

Martin (Farrell) has writer’s block and flirts with depression and alcoholism. Although Martin has only come up with one of the seven psychopaths at the beginning of the film, this is not a film about writer’s block.

Rather, “Seven Psychopaths” is an uproariously funny, superbly written parody of the violent crime genre its title invokes and an exploration of that genre’s potential.

Martin’s friend Billy, played excellently by Rockwell, envisions the film’s script ending in a flashy Hollywood shootout, but Martin has become disenchanted with wanton violence. Instead, he wants the psychopaths to drive out into the desert and just talk. Happily, both men get their wish.

This is made possible by director/writer Martin McDonagh’s signature combination of fascinating characters, surprising plot turns and thought-provoking dialogue.

Like McDonagh’s masterful debut, 2008’s “In Bruges,” “Seven Psychopaths” ponders its own violence. The result is a film that is at once absurdly entertaining, scathingly satirical and deeply charming.

By Corin Chellberg