Summary
- Viggo Mortensen’s latest film,
The Dead Don’t Hurt
, is a realistic period Western that adds a modern flair to the genre. - The film showcases Mortensen’s talent as both an actor and director, with positive critiques highlighting his success in this role.
- The Dead Don’t Hurt
aligns with the current Western movie resurgence, respecting traditional codes while infusing a fresh, genuine storytelling perspective.
As a huge fan of Viggo Mortensen, I’m thrilled to see him excel in yet another genre with “The Dead Don’t Hurt.” This film is an exceptional addition to the current Western revival, showcasing complex characters and a respect for the genre’s codes while adding modern storytelling elements.
As a huge fan of Viggo Mortensen, I’m thrilled to share that he’s made his directorial debut in a new Western film titled “The Dead Don’t Hurt” (what an intriguing title!). Known for his iconic role as Aragorn in the “Lord of the Rings” series, Viggo not only helms this project but also stars in it. This is just his second film as a director, yet it’s already generating buzz for its authentic portrayal of the Western genre during that period. Can’t wait to see it!
With the ongoing achievement of The Lord of the Rings franchise, marked by an upcoming film titled The Hunt for Gollum and Amazon’s controversial The Rings of Power series, now is an ideal moment to witness a beloved actor delve into the Western genre.
Viggo Mortensen Is a Talented Actor and Director
Read Our Review
Viggo Mortensen has built an impressive acting and directing resume over the last four decades. His initial film appearance was in Woody Allen’s “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” though his scenes ended up being cut. During the 1980s, Mortensen featured in a play titled “Another Angel Passes” alongside Sir Ian McKellen, portraying prisoners in a Nazi concentration camp who were homosexual. Later, in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, they collaborated again, with McKellen playing Gandalf and Mortensen as Aragorn. This marked the start of Mortensen’s global fame, captivating fans worldwide ever since.
In a varied acting career, Mortensen has shined in numerous genres, including thrillers such as “Eastern Promises” and dramedies like “Captain Fantastic.” Later, he transitioned into directing with his first film, “Falling,” released in 2020. In this project, he also starred as a gay son attempting to reconnect with his homophobic father, who is dealing with mental decline. The acclaimed production paved the way for Mortensen to both helm and act in another critically-praised film, “The Dead Don’t Hurt.”
The Dead Don’t Hurt Is a Story of Love and Resilience
In “The Dead Don’t Hurt,” the story unfolds in two distinct parts. Initially, the audience meets an array of characters representing the multifaceted America during its formative years. Among them are Vivienne Le Coudy, a French-Canadian woman portrayed by Vicky Krieps, who develops a deep connection with Danish immigrant Holger Olsen, played by Viggo Mortensen. Despite her strong sense of independence, Vivienne declines to marry Holger. As Holger prepares for war, the audience witnesses Vivienne’s struggle against the corrupt mayor Alfred Jeffries, portrayed by Garret Dillahunt, and his ruthless son Weston, played by Solly McLeod.
Following his military service for the Union during the Civil War, Olsen comes home from the battlefield with a hardened disposition. He finds his ex-fiancée, now a strong woman, raising their five-year-old son Vincent, who was conceived through a violent rape by Weston. Initially, Olsan contemplates taking revenge on the perpetrator, but Jeffries Jr. has already fled town. Adjusting to each other once more becomes a challenge for this pair as they’ve experienced more than most could in just a few years.
Is The Dead Don’t Hurt a Leading Act in the Current Western Revival?
In clear and natural language: The Dead Don’t Hurt continues the trend of recent Western movies. Following films like The Power of the Dog, God’s Country, and the intense Bone Tomahawk, this film is another fresh addition to the lineup of groundbreaking Western productions that have emerged since mid 2010s. What sets it apart, though, is its respectful adherence to the traditional Western genre while infusing it with authentic and contemporary storytelling elements.
In the world of “The Dead Don’t Hurt,” the era of larger-than-life cowboys and unrepentant villains has passed. Instead, the film features complex characters with neither flawlessness nor wickedness in their makeup. The audience is treated to breathtaking landscapes, profound moments of silence during dialogues, and a palpable sense of tension that keeps the viewer engaged without ever becoming tedious. This thought-provoking Western set around the Civil War era offers a fresh perspective on the genre, shedding light on the gritty reality of life in the West while acknowledging the strength and resilience of women in this harsh environment. Regardless of your affinity for Westerns, “The Dead Don’t Hurt” is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates both traditional and innovative filmmaking techniques. Pre-order your copy on Amazon now.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-07-13 21:01