“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is a 2017
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is a 2017 dark comedy-drama film written, produced, and directed by Martin McDonagh. The film stars Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell, and tells the story of a mother who erects three billboards calling attention to the unsolved rape and murder of her daughter, leading to conflict with the town’s police chief.
Plot
The film is set in the fictional town of Ebbing, Missouri, and follows Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand), a divorced mother who is grieving the rape and murder of her teenage daughter, Angela, who was killed seven months prior. Frustrated with the lack of progress in the investigation, Mildred rents three billboards on a rarely used road outside of town, each reading “Raped While Dying”, “Still No Arrests?”, and “How Come, Chief Willoughby?” The billboards bring widespread attention to the case and stir up controversy in the town.
The town’s police chief, Bill Willoughby (Woody Harrelson), is well-respected by the townspeople, but he has been unable to solve the case due to a lack of evidence. Mildred’s billboards cause tension between her and the police department, as well as between Mildred and the town’s residents, many of whom feel that the billboards are too aggressive and disrespectful to the police.
One of the police officers, Dixon (Sam Rockwell), is particularly hostile towards Mildred, and has a history of racist behavior. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Dixon’s character is more complex than initially portrayed, and he ultimately becomes a key player in the resolution of the case.
Themes
The film tackles themes of grief, revenge, redemption, and the flaws in the justice system. It also delves into the relationships between mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and the power dynamics between law enforcement and civilians.
Reception
The film was critically acclaimed and received numerous awards, including four Golden Globes and two Academy Awards. Frances McDormand won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Mildred Hayes, while Sam Rockwell won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Officer Dixon.
Conclusion
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” is a darkly humorous and poignant film that examines the aftermath of a brutal crime and the toll it takes on a small town. Its stellar cast and thoughtful script make it a must-see for fans of the genre.
Run time
1hr 55 minutes
Unknown Facts:
- The film was inspired by a real-life story of billboards put up in Texas to solve a murder case.
- Martin McDonagh wrote the role of Mildred specifically for Frances McDormand after seeing her in a play.
- The film was shot in just 33 days.
- Sam Rockwell learned to throw a person out of a window for his role as Dixon.
- The film’s title was originally “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, USA,” but was shortened before its release.
Awards and Achievements:
- “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” won four Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (Frances McDormand), and Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture (Sam Rockwell).
- The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress (Frances McDormand), Best Supporting Actor (Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson), and Best Original Score.
- Frances McDormand won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.
- Sam Rockwell won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Officer Dixon.
- The film also won numerous other awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Film and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
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Ratings :
IMDb: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%