January 30, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • Page 19 ‘Seven Psychopaths’ features sparkling dialogue by Dennis Seuling “Seven Psychopaths” (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment) finds struggling alcoholic screenwriter Marty (Colin Farrell) working on a screenplay called “Seven Psychopaths,” but suffering from writer’s block. He makes ends meet by snatching the dogs of well-heeled owners with his pal Billy (Sam Rockwell). The pets are well looked after until their owners post a hefty reward and their accomplice, Hans (Christopher Walken), returns them and collects the rewards. One day, Billy grabs a shih tzu that belongs to a murderous gangster, Charlie (Woody Harrelson), and finds himself and his pals in deep trouble with some dangerous people. Director Martin McDonagh (“In Bruges”) has fashioned a very funny black comedy, as Marty uses the actions of his friends as inspiration for his script and viewers see his ideas play out. Walken and Rockwell are perfect as the odd couple of thieves, completely thrown when things get out of hand. Walken has made a career of playing eccentrics, and his performance here is a worthy addition to his roster of screen loonies. The problem with the film is its self-references, which are fun at first but eventually wear thin as the protagonists repeatedly comment on their own dramatic circumstances, a technique used far more effectively by Quentin Tarantino. On the plus side is some lively dialogue. It’s rare to hear such literate conversations in even serious dramas. Here, the words sparkle and the four stars do them justice with wonderfully quirky interpretations. Bonus features on the Blu-ray and DVD editions include character profiles, a gag reel, a making-of featurette, and a look at the locations used in the movie. Released in 1977, “That Obscure Object of Desire” (Lionsgate) was Luis Bunuel’s final film. Mathieu (Fernando Rey) follows Conchita (played by both Carole Bouquet and Angela Molina) everywhere, repeatedly attempting to win her sexual favors by buying her presents and giving her impoverished mother a healthy nest egg. Conchita repeatedly declares her independence. Bunuel examines both characters for their behaviors: Mathieu for his burning desire for Conchita, and Conchita for her masochistic actions. Mathieu regards love and sex moralistically, taking pride in the fact that he has rarely had sex with a woman he did not love. When he sees Conchita, his mind overflows with thoughts of her. Bunuel frames this tale of obsession with a train journey that Mathieu makes during which he speaks endlessly of Conchita to fellow passengers, a French official, Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, and Christopher Walken star in ‘Seven Psychopaths.’ a woman and her teenage daughter, and a dwarf psychologist. Maria Schneider (“Last Tango in Paris”) was originally cast as Conchita, but was replaced early in the shooting. Bunuel’s decision to cast two women in the same role visually underscores Conchita’s varying feelings toward Mathieu. Extras on the new Blu-ray edition include “Double Dames,” an interview with Carole Bouquet and Angela Molina; several interviews with key filmmakers; and “A Portrait of Luis Bunuel.” “This Land Is Mine” (Warner Archive) was shot by Jean Renoir in 1943. When Nazi troops seize his town, timid schoolmaster Albert Lory (Charles Laughton) submits to his new masters, although he cannot help but be inspired by the defiance of many of his fellow citizens. Then Albert is brought before a tribunal, falsely accused of murder. Standing alone against the power of the (continued on Crossword page)