Premiere - The Dead Don't Hurt: A première in Paris

By Mulder, Paris, Cine-cite Les Halles, 08 april 2024

The Paris premiere of The Dead Don't Hurt marked a landmark moment in the current cinematic landscape, testifying to the enthusiasm and passion surrounding this film. Taking place on April 5, 2024 at the UGC Ciné-Cité Les Halles cinema, the event was an opportunity for fans and cinephiles alike to immerse themselves in the unique world of this work ahead of its national release scheduled for May 1, 2024.

The evening began with an intimate presentation by Vicky Krieps and Viggo Mortensen, highlighting their collaboration and the heart put into the project. Followed by a captivating 40-minute Q&A, attendees were able to explore in greater depth the intentions behind the film, as well as the challenges encountered during production.

The Dead Don't Hurt, written and directed by Viggo Mortensen, is a dramatic western that revisits the genre with a refreshing perspective. Set in the American West of the 1860s, it tells the story of Vivienne Le Coudy, brilliantly played by Vicky Krieps, a free-spirited woman who, after meeting Holger Olsen (played by Mortensen), decides to follow him to Nevada in the hope of a new life. Their quest for happiness, however, comes up against the harsh reality of the Civil War and the threats of corrupt figures, depicting a tale of survival, love and female courage.

The film was Mortensen's personal inspiration, drawing on memories and adventure stories read by his mother. It stands out for its focus on a strong female protagonist who refuses to give in to the expectations of her time, a narrative choice that renews the western genre. The outstanding performances of the cast, including Solly McLeod, Danny Huston and Garret Dillahunt, add to the depth and complexity of this captivating story.

Filming took place in the magnificent Durango landscapes of Mexico and Canada, providing an authentic setting that visually enriches the film. Mortensen's close collaboration with cinematographer Marcel Zyskind and set designers Carol Spier and Jason Clarke brilliantly captures the essence of 1860s Nevada, immersing the viewer in the heart of the adventure.

The Dead Don't Hurt is a poignant exploration of the human condition, a story of love, loss and resilience. With its imminent release, the film is set to leave an indelible mark on cinema history, promising to be a modern classic that will captivate audiences worldwide.

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Synopsis: 
The American West in the 1860s. After meeting Danish immigrant Holger Olsen, Vivienne Le Coudy, a resolutely independent young woman, agrees to follow him to Nevada, to live with him. But when the Civil War broke out, Olsen decided to enlist and Vivienne found herself alone. She must now face Rudolph Schiller, the town's corrupt mayor, and Alfred Jeffries, a large landowner. Above all, she must resist the more than insistent advances of Weston, Alfred's brutal and unpredictable son. When Olsen returns from the front, he and Vivienne are no longer the same. They have to get to know each other again to accept each other as they have become...

The Dead Don't Hurt
Written and directed by Viggo Mortensen
Produced by Regina Solórzano, Jeremy Thomas, Viggo Mortensen
Starring Vicky Krieps, Viggo Mortensen, Solly McLeod, Garret Dillahunt, Colin Morgan, Ray McKinnon, Luke Reilly, Atlas Green, Danny Huston
Cinematography : Marcel Zyskind
Edited by Peder Pedersen
Music by Viggo Mortensen
Production companies: Talipot Studio, Recorded Picture Company, Perceval Pictures
Distributed by Shout! Studios (United States and Canada), Metropolitan Films (France)
Release date : September 8, 2023 (TIFF), May 1, 2024 (France), May 31, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 129 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville