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In his second film as director after “Falling”, Viggo Mortensen gives us a romantic western set in a desolate land.
The past and present are interspersed in different flashbacks, telling this endearing story of tenderness and violence intertwined in the complex lifestyle of the time.
Set in 1860, Canadian Vivienne and Danish Holger Olsen meet in the port of San Francisco and are about to leave a wealthy suitor with whom she does not want to live a privileged life.
His quest for adventure leads him to fall in love with Olson, and the two travel to a remote location to begin a life together.
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She was happy because she had found peace and security at home, but things changed when he decided to enlist in the army to fight in the Civil War.
Mortensen's script has great dialogue and great moments of silence. She retains the lead role and her performance is as good as ever, but she is overshadowed by the great Vicky Cripps ((The Invisible Thread, Time, The Empress Rebel)) who is a character full of passion. A passionate woman who knows how to energize herself.
In the supporting cast we have Lance Herinksen, Danny Huston and Garret Dillaunt. We had to add another character to the story and it was the breathtaking landscapes of Canada and Mexico where it was filmed. This natural beauty clashes with the harshness of life in the 18th century.
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While there are some gunfights, nefarious characters, a corrupt mayor or a rigged trial, the interest of the film revolves around Vivian's story and her power to succeed.
I would have preferred the film to be told chronologically, since at the beginning you know the final outcome, but this way still adds a little more tension, which is something that is now very fashionable in today's cinema.
An exciting western that is slow paced, but exceptionally beautiful.