Martin McDonagh’s gut-bustingly funny directorial debut, 'In Bruges', inspired both an enormous cult following and admiration from Hollywood. Inevitably this buzz would attract greater visibility and star power to his next comedic venture. 'Seven Psychopaths' is the end product - displaying huge ambition and style in its sprawling plot, arguably at the expense of some comedic fibre that made 'In Bruges' tight with hilarity.
The story follows filmmaker Marty (Colin Farrell), who is suffering from a bout of writer’s block for his next flick - 'Seven Psychopaths'. Coincidentally, he finds himself at the centre of a group of oddball friends and acquaintances who may well fit the profiles of his unwritten loonies.
The satire is clever to an extent – sharply mocking action film stereotypes, double standards on the glorification of violence, general misunderstanding of mental illnesses, and a host of clever pop culture references. Unfortunately, McDonagh’s dialogue occasionally slips into slapstick riffs that are less satire and more tiresome parody.
Nevertheless, this all-star cast provides the skittish comedic performances that carry the film, even during of the plot’s descent into farcial mania. Noteworthy roles are built for Woody Harrelson as an ultraviolent gangster looking to find his missing Shih Tzu, and a show-stealing character for the immortal Christopher Walken as a cravat-wearing modern day swindler. In fact, you won’t leave this film without wanting to see more Walken-edged humour and psychopathic behaviour.
'Seven Psychopaths' will slot neatly in the collection alongside 'In Bruges', but for most this is a rental to entertain boyish comedic urges for 'Pulp Fiction'-tinged violence and McDonagh’s brand of dark wit.
★★★½
(7/10)
(7/10)
DVD EXTRAS:
- Gag reel
- Deleted scenes
- Featurettes: 'Martin McDonagh's Seven Psychopaths', 'Colin Farrell Is Marty', 'Woody Harrelson Is Charlie', 'Crazy Locations', 'Layers'
- 'Seven Psychocats' trailer
Read our review of the theatrical release of 'Seven Psychopaths' here. The film is available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.
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