Hatchet reporter Emily Holland shares her latest movie experience.

“Seven Psychopaths” (2012)

In a tale of crime, gore and one adored Shih Tzu, director Martin McDonagh finds dark comedic gold.

This crime-comedy fusion chronicles the story of Marty (Colin Farrell), an alcoholic screenwriter struggling to produce his next script, aptly titled “Seven Psychopaths.” Noticing Marty’s inability to find inspiration, his best friend Billy (Sam Rockwell), an unemployed actor and professional dognapper, attempts to give Marty something to write about. This, however, results in the snatching of a Shih Tzu belonging to a notorious crime boss, Charlie (Woody Harrelson). Marty gets intertwined with Billy and his troubled dognapping partner, Hans (Christopher Walken), as they run from the gangsters. Along the way, he discovers hidden pasts and maniacal qualities in the people he has come to know as “friends.”

The film takes on a Pulp Fiction-like quality as each of the psychopath’s stories intertwine and connect through car chases, shootouts and the occasional murder. Even the movie’s comedic elements, brilliantly carried by Harrelson and Rockwell, seem to be directly inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s distinguished style.

McDonagh perfectly balances the violence of the film with characters who exhibit peaceful tendencies, such as Marty and Hans, which broadens the movie’s fan base beyond gore enthusiasts fond of the film’s blood-spraying murders.

“Seven Psychopaths” extends beyond what is portrayed in the trailers – it is pleasantly unpredictable and complex. Audiences can appreciate the script’s genius and the stellar performances from Walken, Rockwell, Farrell and Harrelson. The minor supporting characters in the film are equally entertaining, each establishing a complex story in a matter of minutes.

Led by an all-star cast, “Seven Psychopaths” crosses genre barriers and becomes a clever comedy as well as a gory crime film, exceeding expectations and surprising moviegoers with its fast-paced action and expertly constructed script. The movie is a must-see for any action-comedy lover or those movie enthusiasts interested in being pushed outside their comfort zone.

Genre: Comedy
Director: Martin McDonagh
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken
Release Date: Oct. 12