“The Dead Don't Hurt.” / “Blood for Dust.”

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“The Dead Don't Hurt.” (2023, Paramount+) Western drama written, directed, and produced by Viggo Mortensen. A nicely-made little period piece. 



       The story: In 1860s San Francisco, Métis Franco-Canadian Vivienne Le Coudy falls in love with Danish immigrant carpenter Holger Olsen, and goes with him to his remote cabin in northern Nevada. Highlighting her independent streak, she refuses to marry Mr Olsen and gets a job as a barmaid in the nearby town of Elk Flats, a town dominated by corrupt landowner Alfred Jeffries and his alcoholic son Weston. 

       A restrained but powerful performance by Vicky Krieps. Awards-worthy, in fact. Her essay of Vivienne reminds me of the earlier movies of Meryl Streep. Under-acted but sharply internalized. Viggo's mild-mannered Holger complements Vivienne's steely insistence. 🎥👍📽



“Blood for Dust.” (2023, Hulu) action crime thriller. Travelling salesman Cliff is drowning under the weight of providing for his family and finds himself on a dangerous path after a chance encounter with a colleague who has a dark past. Desperate to keep his fragile home life intact, Cliff agrees to partner with Ricky and run cocaine across Montana.

       A man movie, sure is. Bunch of machos: Scoot McNairy is Cliff; Kit Harington is Ricky. Add Stephen Dorff, Josh Lucas, and Ethan Suplee. (Notice that Mr Dorff now competes with Nic Cage for most movies on streaming.) This is a kind of gig that these talented guys take while waiting for the bigger assignments. Easy, predictable, low-budget. Lots of them on Hulu. Just a way to while away lazy winter weekends. 🎥💻📽

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