Key Takeaways:
– Viggo Mortensen’s multifaceted role in The Dead Don’t Hurt isn’t limited to acting; he also wrote, directed, produced, and created the film’s soundtrack.
– Vicky Krieps stars as Vivienne Le Coudy, a strong-willed woman who faces adversity while her lover, a Danish immigrant played by Mortensen, fights in the Civil War.
– The film celebrates Mortensen’s second time as director, following his 2020 directorial debut with “Falling.”
– The upper limit for the screen release is approximately 500 screens nationwide on May 31.
The Up-and-Coming Western
Shout! Studios has revealed the first trailer for The Dead Don’t Hurt, an eagerly-anticipated Western film featuring Viggo Mortensen. Notably, Mortensen wore many hats for this production. Besides leading the cast, the acclaimed actor captained the project as the writer, director, producer, and even composer.
A Gritty Plot Rendered Powerfully
The trailer of The Dead Don’t Hurt shows a gripping tale showcasing formidable performances from the entire cast. The narrative revolves around Vivienne Le Coudy, played by Vicky Krieps, who is fiercely independent. Starting an affair with Danish immigrant Holgen Olsen, played by Mortensen, they build a life together. However, when Olsen joins the Civil War, Le Coudy is left to survive on her own.
Completing the Circle
This project marks Mortensen’s second stint in the director’s chair. He debuted with the 2020 drama, Falling. The film followed the life of a middle-aged gay man who moves his homophobic father into the house he shares with his husband when the father begins displaying dementia symptoms.
Critical Views
Digital Chew’s Chris Bumbray had an opportunity to see The Dead Don’t Hurt at the Toronto International Film Festival. He appreciated the film, citing its ‘old-school’ plot executed in Mortensen’s distinct style. In his words, “It works as a solid Western and modern deconstruction of the genre.” Bumbray praised the striking performances and the story’s chilling, surprising ending, predicting it would linger in the audience’s minds.
Envisioning the Film
An official summary of the film reads: “The Dead Don’t Hurt is a story of star-crossed lovers on the western U.S. frontier in the 1860s. Vivienne Le Coudy (Krieps) is a fiercely independent woman who embarks on a relationship with Danish immigrant Holgen Olsen (Mortensen). The narrative unfolds in Elk Flats, Nevada, where a corrupt Mayor and his unscrupulous business partner control the town. Their violent son, Weston, pursues Vivienne aggressively. However, Vivienne resolutely resists his advances. When Olsen returns from the war, he must make peace with the person Vivienne has become.”
Release Details
The film is scheduled to open on approximately 500 screens nationwide on May 31, expanding the audience’s opportunity to experience this gritty Western drama that combines a compelling plot with impressive performances.
In conclusion, The Dead Don’t Hurt, while traditional in narrative, is enhanced by Mortensen’s unique directorial approach. Its innovative script, compelling performances, and Mortensen’s multifaceted role promise to deliver a powerful cinematic experience for audiences.
