Rent Seven Psychopaths (2012)

Seven Psychopaths review by Alyse Garner - Cinema Paradiso

A rather bizarre piece that begins under the guise of an average Hollywood action lead revenge drama Seven Psychopaths ends up as a surprisingly thoughtful piece with a contemplative edge that is likely to sail over the heads of many an audience member.

The story centres around alcoholic screen writer Marty whose current idea currently consists of nothing more than a title; “The Seven Psychopath’s”, and looks as though it may be little more than a collection of horrific stories of revenge fuelled murders enacted over the last twenty years. However when the psychopaths (all derived from news pieces or overheard bar talk) begin to cross Marty’s path he, and his friends Billy and Hans, find themselves enacting the final stages of any stereotypical action film, on the run from a dangerous gangster driven crazy following the kidnapping of his dog.

Through this rather confusing storyline however an interesting line of connectivity has been woven by film maker and screen writer Martin McDonagh, onto which a bizarre but rather charming comedy is strung; the story of a father who seeks revenge against the rapist who murdered his young daughter unwinds alongside the tale of a mysterious killer who leaves a playing card at the scene of every death, all the while Marty is attempting to turn his violent action drama into a story of depth and perception.

Though in all honesty the premise is rather stretched, as one gets the distinct impression McDonagh is in fact Marty and couldn’t think of a more concrete story for his seven psychopaths, the characters and performances, particularly those of Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell, make this a surprisingly enjoyable movie that leaves you feeling reflective but undeniably satisfied.