Movies - The Dead Don't Hurt: Dive into the Wild West with this Ode to Female Love and Resilience

By Mulder, 05 april 2024

In a remarkable cinematic move, Viggo Mortensen invites us to discover his new film, The Dead Don't Hurt, a captivating film set in the American West of the 1860s. Meticulously written and directed by Viggo Mortensen, this dramatic western explores the universal themes of love, survival and female courage in the face of adversity. With a domestic release scheduled for May 1, 2024, this feature promises to be a must-see for fans of the genre.

The story revolves around Vivienne Le Coudy, played by Vicky Krieps, a free-spirited and resolutely independent woman who decides to radically change her life after meeting Holger Olsen, played by Viggo Mortensen himself. Their romance leads them to Elk Flats, Nevada, where they try to build a peaceful existence. However, the Civil War and the town's corrupt figures, played by renowned actors such as Danny Huston and Garret Dillahunt, turn their daily lives upside down. Vivienne's strength and determination in the face of these trials form the heart of the film.

Viggo Mortensen drew inspiration for this project from his mother's memories and the adventure stories she read as a child, giving the film a personal and intimate dimension. The Dead Don't Hurt stands out for its ability to renew the western genre, featuring a strong, independent female protagonist who refuses to conform to the expectations of her time.

Vicky Krieps, already acclaimed for her roles in Phantom Thread and Corsage, brings depth and complexity to Vivienne, making her both inspiring and deeply human. Alongside Mortensen, Vicky Krieps forms a dynamic duo, supported by outstanding performances from the rest of the cast, including Solly McLeod, Danny Huston, and Garret Dillahunt.

The film was shot in the landscapes of Durango, Mexico, as well as in Canada, providing an authentic and majestic setting that enriches the visual experience. Viggo Mortensen, working closely with cinematographer Marcel Zyskind and set designers Carol Spier and Jason Clarke, manages to capture the essence of 1860s Nevada, plunging the viewer right into the heart of the action.

The Dead Don't Hurt is much more than just a Western. It's a poignant exploration of the human condition, a reflection on love, loss and resilience in the face of life's trials. With its imminent release, the film is set to make its mark as a modern classic in cinematic history.

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