12/1/17 - Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri- 7+/8-/10

I have been debating inside myself whether the spasmodic tonal shifts and less than smooth laugh out loud/searing despondency do-si-do further endeared this gem to me or slowly bleed its gusto. I am not confident to plant my flag on either shore, but I can say that I did enjoy it greatly and fully felt its depths, thus it did its job upon me. Three Billboards may not have been the overtly snarky dark romp that the trailers or even the previous dispiriting dramedies In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths may have hinted at, but the writing, execution, and heart still made for a winning hand.

This film, despite its biting laughs, is so very dark and depressing. Acerbic wit swings on the hip of gruesome relationships, caustic dialogue, and somewhat oppressive violence. The shifts in disposition were a tad jarring at times, providing a harder switch than In Bruges. This is a heavy and grinding film, but not without hope, humor, or redemption, touchstones of all of McDonagh’s works.

Reservations may be had beyond its bitter social jibes and darkly astringent pervasive discomfort. Is it rife with difficult language and what might be considered unnecessary racist/sexists/homophobic material? Yes. But I would disagree and feel that each slur and dark mark is  necessary to immerse us in this "horrible" place and expose us to the fact that there is almost no-one “pure” to identify with. All of these people, pro and antagonist,  are shitty, but it is the search for those glimmers of shining silver within the murky grey of anti-progressive unsavoriness. The views lay out the dance floor full of dirty players and the grimy flower bed to grow hope and understanding from. It may be too much for some, and even a bit light for what it needs to do, but it is purposeful and valuable.

There are some truly honorific performances on display. McDormand is spectacular. It is brash, full frontal, and impressively human showing. I expect awards recognition. Rockwell had a more straightforward purpose, but his was a personable and strong performance despite the vileness his persona is all about. He shines so brightly, as he usually does. Jones, Harrelson, and Hedges put in fine work, as did Jon Hawkes (Can this man get more work, please?! He brought shaking menace and tearful soul in only a handful of minutes of screen time). An outstanding cast this make the terrific words pop of that page and live fully on screen.

McDonagh always brings a unique flavor and an acute sardonic flair to each project. He has a singular voice that is full of emotion, laughs, and thrills that always plant my ass in that theater seat. I adore what he brings, and Three Billboards is another example of his fine work. He can dance a dark path, sometimes more pain than smiles, but the appreciation and attraction is undeniable. It may not be my favorite and still have some shortcomings, but this is still an exceptional project and a definite “should see”.