Martin McDonagh is a British-Irish playwright, screenwriter and director. McDonagh began his play writing career in 2003 with the play pillow man. He wrote several plays and was nominated for four Tony Awards and five Laurence Olivier Awards, winning three of them. McDonagh broke through directing in 2008 with his first full-length film In Bruges before branching out and directing numerous dark comedies, including actors Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.
Best known for his dark comedy work, McDonagh has brought us several unique films. In its latest movie The Banshees of Inisherin, McDonagh reunites Farrell and Gleeson. With all the reviews of his latest work out now, looking back at all of McDonagh’s work can help us get a better idea of what to expect from his new film. Here’s every movie directed by Martin McDonagh, ranked.
4/4 Seven psychopaths
Seven psychopaths tells the story of screenwriter Marty (Farrell) who suffers from a severe case of writer’s block. When Marty’s friends Hans (Christopher Walken) and Billy (Sam Rockwell) kidnap the dog of brutal mobster Charlie (Woody Harrelson), Marty joins the ride to use these strange happenings for his screenplay. Seven psychopaths was highly acclaimed by critics at the time of its release, with special praise for the direction, cast performances and witty script. The film earned McDonagh several nominations for Best Director and earned him the People Choice Award at Midnight Madness at TIFF.
3/4 In Bruges
With Farrell and Gleeson as hitmen Ray and Ken, In Bruges revolves around these men who retire to Belgium after a heated job to make ends meet. While the two hope to just bide their time in the city of Bruges, they discover much more than they could ever have imagined. The film was praised for performances by the cast and special attention was paid to McDonagh’s direction on the film. Farrell won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy for his performance. McDonagh earned himself the BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for the Academy Award in the same category.
2/4 Three Billboards, Outside Ebbing Missouri
Mildred Hayes (Frances MsDormand), mother of a rape and murder victim, seeks justice for her daughter. After seven months of inaction, Mildred takes it upon himself to provoke the police into action by putting up three road signs that question their competence. While the local police and townspeople are troubled by Mildred’s actions, she won’t let anything stop her from getting justice. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a unique film that is widely acclaimed, its value is only supported by its countless accolades. McDonagh earned a few nominations for his direction and screenplay and won the Golden Globe for Best Screenplay.
1/4 The Banshees of Inisherin
Starring In Bruges duo Farrell and Gleeson, The Banshees on Inisherin is set on a remote Irish island where Colm breaks his lifelong friendship with Padraic. Determined to restore their friendship to its former glory, Padraic goes to great lengths to repair the damage, but Colm’s ultimatum has shocking consequences. The film will be released on October 21, 2022 and has already received a nomination for the Golden Lion for Best Picture. With a stunning 100% approval rating Rotten tomatoescritics and audiences have high hopes for McDonagh’s latest film The Banshees of Inisherin.