Malkovich, Rockwell Shine in McDonagh's 1973 CIA Drama at Venice
Updated
Updated · TIME · Sep 3
Malkovich, Rockwell Shine in McDonagh's 1973 CIA Drama at Venice
3 articles · Updated · TIME · Sep 3
Summary
John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell drew the strongest praise in Venice competition entry “Wild Horse Nine,” with the review calling their odd-couple CIA partnership the film’s main reward.
Set in 1973 Santiago and Easter Island, Martin McDonagh’s film follows two agents sent on a mission as Salvador Allende’s overthrow nears, mixing dark comedy with reflections on U.S. covert intervention.
Malkovich’s dying operative Chris emerges as the standout role—a killer with sudden candor, cancer and a fixation on moths, memoirs and wild horses—while Rockwell’s Lee anchors him with a quieter, generous performance.
The review says McDonagh’s script is often overpacked with quips and familiar themes, but finds more warmth than in some of his earlier work and argues his writing still gives actors room to excel.