Seven Psychopaths
Waits plays Zachariah, a broken hearted serial killer, in this dark comedy written and directed by Martin McDonagh. Billy (Sam Rockwell) and Marty (Colin Farrell), needing material for their screenplay, advertise for psychopaths to share their stories. Zachariah replies with his tale of driving around the country with Maggie, the woman he loved, and killing other serial killers with her. Co-starring Woody Harrelson and Christopher Walken. McDonagh on casting Waits:
And Tom Waits I knew a little bit before, too. Chris and Tom have been heroes of mine since I was eight or nine. I got Swordfish Trombones when it came out. I was 11 or so. He’s more than a musician or an actor. He’s an idol and a icon of American letters. So, to make an offer and have Tom say, “yes” made me go ‘Fuck! I’m going to have to direct these people! What am I going to say? I know nothing!’