Encapsulating the feel of outlaws and civil unrest ‘The Dead Don’t Hurt’ is an immersive western, capturing that very specific time in American history without unduly romanticizing it. A directorial effort by Viggo Mortensen, also starring as Holger Olsen, the film follows Olsen and Vivienne (Vicky Krieps) as the two find each other and try to build a life together during a tumultuous and difficult time.
Jumping back and forth in time, the story unfolds in a non-linear fashion. Successfully, the narrative does not suffer as the story of our protagonists opens on a tragedy. If anything, the story is enriched and opens on many compelling questions, inviting us to follow the story as it finds its way to the end of Holger and Vivienne’s relationship.
Capturing the magic of the open and free land, the focus of the story is its characters. Not overshadowed by the beautiful vastness of the American west, Krieps’ Vivienne shines as an independent and free spirit, unorthodox for her time. Unhindered by the societal norms imposed on her, Krieps exhibits a capable and unyielding persona that refuses to be set back by the brutality and carelessness of those around her.
Finding a like-minded soul in Mortensen’s Holger, the two choose to start a life together in a remote location, with the closest link to society being a small Nevada stead run by a corrupt mayor and even dirtier business associates. The romance unfolds quickly as the two fast-track their relationship and decide to build a home in the middle of nowhere.
Overshadowed by the ever-present darkness of dubious and dangerous characters, the small town is under the thumb of the mayor, Danny Huston’s Rudolph Schiller, his corrupt business partner Alfred Jeffries (Garret Dillahunt) and his violent son Weston Jeffries (Solly McLeod). Straight forward and simple as though Weston’s antagonist may be, McLeod’s violent and brutal character presents an unyielding evil that must always be watched and avoided.
When answering the call to war, Holger leaves Vivienne at their home, where try as she may, Weston’s savagery cannot be avoided. A violent assault results in Vivienne producing a son, which Holger discovers on his return. Distraught and overwhelmed, Holger makes peace with the situation, as his love for Vivienne is stronger than his urge for vengeance.
Focused on exploring the characters and the dire situation they find themselves in, ‘The Dead Don’t Hurt’ views the somewhat romanticized view of the old west through a more realistic lens, staging the brutality of the era front and center, whilst maintaining what little beauty may exist during such a time. A beautiful and saddening tale from the past, the film delivers a heartfelt and insightful view of days gone by, providing plenty of room for their characters to develop in a natural and unforced manner.
Score: 3/4
Comments