John Malkovich delivers career-best performance in McDonagh's Wild Horse 9
John Malkovich plays a dying CIA agent in Martin McDonagh's new film. It is set during Chile's 1973 political upheaval.
Director Martin McDonagh is known for getting strong performances from his actors. His latest film, Wild Horse 9, continues that trend.
Malkovich plays Chris Carlisle. Carlisle is an older spy losing his grip on reality and facing death.
He is stationed mostly on Easter Island with fellow agent Lee Chesterfield, played by Sam Rockwell. The CIA destabilizes Chile's democracy in 1973.
The film explores how the two agents face mortality and loyalty. It is both touching and darkly funny.
Rockwell brings heart to a man unable to deny his dying friend's final wishes. Malkovich feeds all his known quirks into a character throwing caution to the wind.
The film echoes McDonagh's earlier In Bruges in structure. But it stands entirely on its own.
- Martin McDonagh
- Director
- John Malkovich
- Lead actor
- Sam Rockwell
- Co-star
- Easter Island, September 1973
- Film setting and time
Why it mattersFans of McDonagh's earlier works get another Oscar-quality character study. Movie fans curious about Malkovich's late-career comeback have a must-see film.
AustraliaAustralian audiences can now catch a serious awards-season contender in cinemas, with two acclaimed lead performances from actors Australians have watched for decades.
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