Frances McDormand & McDonagh's "Three Billboards..."
Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 11:28PM 
Chris here. Provocateur playwright/filmmaker Martin McDonagh has a new movie coming this year, and like some of his plays the title is a mouthful. Get ready for [deep breath] Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri, about a woman seeking justice for the local authorities' poor handling of her child's death.
What's most exciting about this round of McDonagh acidity is that the typically male-focused writer-director is giving us a female protagonist. And star Frances McDormand is quite a perfect fit to deliver his tricky balance of dry humor, tragedy, and bitter allegory. Her work looks to be a real showcase. Are you already picturing a bleep-heavy Oscar clip? She's surrounded by a solid ensemble which includes Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, and John Hawkes.
It's strange the film has no release date considering we have a full-length trailer, so maybe this one is Cannes bound before awards season? McDonagh won an Oscar for his short Six Shooter before bringing In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths to the screen. This looks like another step up with some gorgeous, brooding visuals and typically ferocious dialogue. Could this be a potential awards player for more than McDormand? Take a look at the first foulmouthed NSFW trailer...
Reader Comments (20)
Wow that trailer is truly something, understatement intended. From the trailer, the story seems to bring out the best of Frances McDormand's thespic gifts. Plus that cast (mostly men based on the trailer) assembled solid character actors though I can't say I'm Woody Harrelson's fan. I always admire (not on the level of love yet) Martin McDonagh from the the two films he has given the cinematic world. So looking forward to this. Thanks for writing about this.
I didn't even know this existed before today and it's already my favorite thing about 2017. I've loved other McDonagh films I've seen and McDormand looks FANTASTIC so I'm definitely ALL IN.
This looks hilarious. I hope it's better than Seven Psychopaths which was flawed as I wasn't comfortable with its portrayal of women in that film.
It would have been nice if they had actually FILMED it in Missouri instead of North Carolina, but it looks "Fargo"-esque in it's dark humor. And "In Bruges" was fantastic. I'm in.
It's already the year's best film.
I'm in! Where do I sign up? What happens?
This looks tasty, and I'm glad to see McDormand with a meaty role onscreen.
I think McDormand's in for at least Best Musical/Comedy Actress Globe nomination just on the basis on that trailer alone.
I try not to watch trailers anymore, but I had to say that I love the title of this one, and its cast is top notch.
Great trailer. Glad to see Sam Rockwell in another great role (I assume).
Definetely a must see.
And please Mr McDonagh, adapt The Pillowman to the big screen. :)
Here is a quote I always remember from the 2005 Oscar race from our host Nathaniel.
"Never underestimate Frances McDormand"
It's a great title. I'm glad they didn't shorten it to "Billboards" or whatever. That's generally what studios do.
Damn. What a jarring experience. My first thought with McDormand and the supporting cast and the early dialog was YEESSSSS.
But then a few seeds of doubt crept in. Like, the trailer, while giving a showcase for it's sassy/smart woman protagonist/legendary lead actress also includes a woman getting punched in the face with no context, a woman getting kicked in the crotch, and a newswoman getting called a bitch. If this was a male protagonist the movie would have a hard time getting made (or praised) with those elements (at least in theory) so it almost seems like a "they can't criticize us if a woman is saying/doing these things" move. Also the "calls it like it is" protagonist is feeling a bit *ugh* in the current political context.
That said, the movie looks beautiful and those actors are divine. They also seem to be making bigger points about violence against women (ironically? maybe?) and law enforcement so there is potential. I will probably see it, hoping not to feel metaphorically kicked in the crotch.
to paraphrase amy poehler, frances mcdormand is the only person i would save in a fire.
Wow, this looks fantastic.
catbaskets - I can't imagine McDormand appearing in anything with misogynistic undertones. She's savvy about feminist issues, and she's picky about her roles.
She finally has a vehicle to secure a second Best Actress nod.
/3rtful: THIS as a Lead Actress win? Um...who won last year? Not Isabelle Huppert.
3rtful always thinks he has preOscsr predictions!! It is in his DNA.
Guys it's not inconceivable that she could get a nomination for this role. Chill.
Butt out!
lol
@ /3rtful
You always have HDAP (historic diva awardage potential) on the brain. ;-)
@ Volvagia
He said "nod," not "win."