After twenty-five years Silva rides a horse across the desert to visit his friend Sheriff Jake. They celebrate the meeting, but the next morning Jake tells him that reason for his trip is not to go down the memory lane of their friendship.
Strange Way of Life is a short film directed and written by Pedro Almodóvar, starring Pedro Pascal, Ethan Hawke, and Manu Ríos. Right from the start, it's evident that this film is visually striking. The costumes designed by Saint Laurent transport us to a Wild West that's the epitome of high fashion.
Clocking in at just over thirty minutes, this short film keeps a brisk pace, never letting you lose interest. Almodóvar skillfully navigates the mechanics of masculinity and sexuality, contradicting how society teaches us to behave in a certain way when we're young.
Strange Way of Life delves deep into the world of traditional American cowboy masculinity while also delving into the taboos surrounding male-on-male desire. The visuals are nothing short of stunning, with cinematographer José Luis Alcaine capturing the colours and passion of this world brilliantly.
In the midst of this exploration, we find ourselves captivated by the reunion of Silva (Pedro Pascal) and Jake (Ethan Hawke). Their complex web of emotions oscillates between excitement, affection, confusion, and suspicion. After a night together, Jake's gruff demeanour hints that Silva's presence isn't just for a social visit.
Pedro Almodóvar crafted Strange Way of Life as a response to Brokeback Mountain, and it's clear that this is a romantic Western. While Hawke and Pascal's chemistry may not be completely genuine, it's still compelling. Their ability to convey a lifetime of longing within a short timeframe is a testament to their acting prowess.
The film's setting against a backdrop of arid brown rocks and a vast blue sky makes Silva and Jake stand out even more. It's a world that invites you to stay longer, and by the time the credits roll, you realize you've only scratched the surface of their story.
Almodóvar builds the sexual tension through subtle gestures, like a kiss on the back of the neck. However, the more explicit moments are seen in flashbacks featuring young Silva (José Condessa) and young Jake (Jason Fernández) passionately kissing. This film proudly falls under the category of a queer western, offering a more complex story about two conflicted individuals dealing with their own personal matters that impact their relationship.
Strange Way of Life offers a grounded, human story about desires and contradictions that shape us. It challenges the traditional cowboy archetype, placing it within a warm, domestic context. Much of the story is left to the audience's imagination, leaving you wanting more.
When the film ends, it feels like a new chapter is about to unfold for the characters. Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal shine as cowboys, portraying a combination of toughness, tenderness, and love. The film demonstrates that love doesn't have to hinder one's obligations and responsibilities. It unravels the emotions hidden beneath the facade of brave and self-confident gunfighters, revealing paths of dissatisfaction and loneliness.
However, Strange Way of Life leaves you wanting more due to its short runtime. The story moves swiftly with lengthy dialogues filled with exposition, leading to a resolution that may feel somewhat unclear.
The emotional and tension-filled moments between the characters are conveyed through looks and exchanges, making them all the more powerful. The film's production design by Antxón Gómez and costumes by Saint Laurent's Anthony Vaccarello add a fashionable dimension to the story. Alberto Iglesias' atmospheric music enhances the film's grandeur, making you wonder what could have been if it were a longer feature.
Pedro Almodóvar, known for pushing boundaries, challenges conventional notions of masculinity by placing sexuality at the forefront of the narrative. Ethan Hawke embodies the intense, no-nonsense Jake, while Pedro Pascal provides a flamboyant contrast, embracing life with boldness.
Strange Way of Life is an emotionally charged and tender tale of desire, love, eroticism, and sensuality set in the Far West. Almodóvar invites viewers to imagine a broader story beyond what's shown on screen, hinting at the rich past and future of the protagonists.
The film's approach to sex scenes is somewhat coy, showing glimpses of Silva's body but never revealing frontal nudity. As things heat up, the scenes fade to black, leaving much to the viewer's imagination. However, this restraint may leave some craving for more explicit content.
The film's costuming complements the beautiful Spanish landscapes where it was shot, creating an inviting tone for the audience. Yet, it's hard not to leave the film with a desire for a more extended exploration of the characters and their story.
Strange Way of Life delves into the complexities of male relationships, moving beyond friendship to explore the deep bonds that love can unexpectedly create. With a longer runtime, this film could have provided a more complete and satisfying picture of Silva and Jake's journey.
Strange Way of Life is in NZ cinemas from October 12, 2023