The Wild West Gets a Modern Twist
Yeehaw! The Western genre is back in the saddle, and this time it’s got a new flavor. “Strange Way of Life,” directed by the celebrated Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, is a short film that’s anything but short on impact. Starring Pedro Pascal as Silva, a rancher, and Ethan Hawke as Sheriff Jake, this isn’t your granddaddy’s cowboy flick.
“As much as Silva and Sheriff Jake want to relive the budding romance they never got to embrace in the last 25 years, both cowboys are steadfast in achieving what they want,” says the film’s synopsis.
Breaking Stereotypes, One Lasso at a Time
The cowboy archetype has been a staple in Hollywood for decades. From Clint Eastwood’s iconic role in “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” to the legendary outlaw duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” the cowboy has always been a symbol of rugged individualism. But what about love? Specifically, LGBTQ+ love?
“Past films depicting the Wild West rarely portrayed LGBTQ+ themes, and even with more recent films like Brokeback Mountain, there’s still more potential waiting to be explored,” notes the film’s press release.
“Strange Way of Life” takes the hypermasculine cowboy genre and infuses it with a fresh, modern sensibility. It’s a story that’s as much about rediscovering love as it is about the grit and grind of life in the desert.
When and Where to Catch the Film
Hold your horses, because “Strange Way of Life” is set to premiere nationwide on October 6, 2023. The film already made a splash at the 76th Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, where it was warmly received by critics. For those in New York and Los Angeles, you’re in luck—the film will premiere two days earlier on October 4, 2023.
“Absolutely! Fans of the Hawke and Pascal duo can watch Strange Way of Life on the silver screen,” confirms the film’s official website.
Streaming and Home Release: What We Know
As of now, there’s no word on whether “Strange Way of Life” will be available for streaming or on DVD and Blu-ray. Given its short runtime of 31 minutes, it’s uncertain if the film will get a home release. But keep your eyes peeled for updates.
The Bottom Line
“Strange Way of Life” is more than just a film; it’s a statement. It challenges the traditional narratives of the Western genre while offering a compelling story of love and ambition. Whether you’re a fan of cowboys, romance, or just good cinema, this is one film you won’t want to miss.
“A man rides a horse across the desert that separates him from Bitter Creek. He comes to visit Sheriff Jake… Silva visits him with the excuse of reuniting with his friend from his youth, but the next morning Sheriff Jake tells him that the reason for his trip is not to go down the memory lane of their old friendship,” reads the official synopsis.
So, saddle up and get ready for a ride through the modern Wild West with “Strange Way of Life.” It’s a journey worth taking.
