Viggo Mortensenis putting his spin on the American Western with his new movie.
The Dead Don’t Hurtfeatures the star as actor, writer and director. PEOPLE has the exclusive first look at the trailer, which offers glimpses of this 1860s-set tale of star-crossed lovers, corrupt lawmen, violent outlaws and revenge.
Vicky Krieps(Phantom Thread) leads the cast, which also includes Solly McLeod, Garret Dillahunt, Colin Morgan, Ray McKinnon, W. Earl Brown, Atlas Green and Danny Huston.
Mortensen, 65, callsThe Dead Don’t Hurta “dramatic and emotionally engaging story about a uniquely independent woman on the western frontier, and her relationship to the headstrong man she chooses to share her life with.”
Vicky Krieps in “The Dead Don’t Hurt”.Marcel Zyskind
Marcel Zyskind
Viggo Mortensen and Vicky Krieps on March 9.Marc Piasecki/Getty
Marc Piasecki/Getty
“Both a tragic love story and a nuanced depiction of the conflict between revenge and forgiveness,The Dead Don’t Hurtis a portrait of a passionate woman determined to stand up for herself,” the synopsis adds.
“I’ve never sensed a false moment, an untruthful or superficial line reading or gesture in any role I’ve seen her play,” Mortensen says of costar Krieps, 40. “Her performance turned out to be even more layered and moving than I’d hoped it might be.”
Viggo Mortensen in “The Dead Don’t Hurt”.Marcel Zyskind
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Vicky Krieps and Viggo Mortensen in 2023.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
He adds that classic Westerns featured heavily in his childhood. “Knowing how to ride and be around horses from an early age helped me in accurately representing everyday life on the western frontier,” says Mortensen.
“There are always surprises during shooting, however, no matter how well you prepare as a team,” he continues, calling the movie “a long and arduous journey from start to finish.”
“Every day is a challenge and a unique opportunity for adventure. The best thing a director can do is to take into account the ideas and professional contributions of all members of the cast and crew to overcome obstacles along the way. I learned a great deal from all of them, and we are proud of the movie we made.”
The Dead Don’t Hurthad its premiere at the 2023Toronto International Film Festival. From distributor Shout! Studios, the film is in theaters May 31.
source: people.com
