In the world of cinema, a new Western film is capturing attention and garnering a flurry of international sales. 'The Dead Don't Hurt,' directed by Viggo Mortensen and starring Vicky Krieps, has recently secured distribution deals with various territories through HanWay Films.
The film, a collaboration between Talipot Studio, Recorded Picture, and Perceval Pictures, has found its audiences in France (Metropolitan), Spain (Wanda & Elastica), Scandinavia (Scanbox), the U.K. (Signature), Benelux (Imagine), Poland (Galapagos), Middle East (FrontRow), Singapore (Shaw), and Airlines/Ships (Cinesky).
Produced by Regina Solórzano, Jeremy Thomas, and Mortensen himself, 'The Dead Don't Hurt' boasts a talented ensemble cast. Alongside Mortensen and Krieps, the film features Solly McLeod, Danny Huston, Garret Dillahunt, Colin Morgan, Ray McKinnon, and W. Earl Brown.
Set in the 1860s, 'The Dead Don't Hurt' is a Western love story that follows the journey of Vivienne Le Coudy (played by Krieps), a fiercely independent French Canadian woman. Vivienne finds herself drawn to Holger Olsen (Mortensen), a Danish immigrant, and embarks on a relationship with him. Together, they build a life in Olsen's home near the tranquil town of Elk Flats, but their happiness is interrupted by the Civil War.
As the war tears them apart, Vivienne must navigate a place controlled by a powerful rancher named Alfred Jeffries (portrayed by Dillahunt) and his troublesome son Weston (McLeod), with the corrupted Mayor Rudolph Schiller (Huston) supporting their reign. Olsen's eventual return challenges the couple's relationship as they confront the changed individuals they have become.
Mortensen aims to honor the story of Vivienne, a remarkably resilient woman living in a lawless and secluded part of the U.S. Southwest in the 1860s. His vision is to have Vivienne not just as the leading character in a Western but to allow her to lead the narrative with her unwavering integrity and strength. Vivienne is a trailblazing figure, standing alone in her time and place due to her principled nature, progressive thinking, and zest for life. Mortensen expresses his gratitude for having the talented Vicky Krieps embody this remarkable role.
'The Dead Don't Hurt' was independently funded by Talipot Studio, with production primarily taking place in Durango, Mexico, under their expert supervision. Parts of the film were also shot in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada, with funding from Perceval Pictures. HanWay Films has taken on the responsibility of worldwide sales and distribution, handling the film's journey into the global market.
The film holds a special significance for Jeremy Thomas, who previously worked with Mortensen on 'A Dangerous Method' and 'Falling.' Thomas expresses his excitement about working on a Western that speaks to contemporary audiences, bringing fresh perspectives to the genre. Solórzano adds that 'The Dead Don't Hurt' challenges the conventional Western tropes, focusing on a love story free from stereotypes and highlighting a woman's struggle to survive abuse and extreme violence while remaining true to herself.
Both Mortensen and Krieps are represented by renowned talent agencies. Mortensen is represented by Theresa Peters at UTA and Lynn Rawlins, while Krieps is represented by Chris Andrews (CAA) and Renée Aakrann (Viktoria Productions).
With its exceptional cast, unique narrative, and Mortensen's creative direction, 'The Dead Don't Hurt' promises to captivate audiences with its compelling Western love story set against the backdrop of a lawless era. As international audiences eagerly await its release, the film's success in securing multiple international sales reflects the anticipation surrounding this cinematic gem.
