Strange Way of Life
Synopsis: Two cowboys in the early 1900’s meet again after years apart. Romance might reignite, but their missions take them in opposite directions. (Short film, 30 minutes)
“Strange Way of Life” is Pedro Almodóvar’s entry into the gay cowboy genre. The flawless Brokeback Mountain (2005) virtually created the genre, paving the way for dramas like The Power of the Dog (lonely, cruel closeted gay cowboy) and rom-coms like Dashing in December (lonely man finds love with a sexy ranch hand).
SWoL generated buzz well before its premiere at Cannes in 2023 with the casting of stars Ethan Hawke and the internet’s erstwhile boyfriend, Pedro Pascal. The short film, set in the American West circa 1900, would be shot in southern Spain.
Further, the great Spanish director’s El Deseo production company was partnering with the newfound Saint Laurent Productions. The costuming would also be handled by the fashion house. The most memorable garment turns out to be a chemical green jean jacket style garment that looks like a featured piece in a late 20th Century United Colors of Benetton ad. Less affordable, of course.
The film begins with Pedro, as Silva, crossing the desert by horseback. He arrives at the town of Bitter Creek, posts and kisses his horse (I like his character already), before making his way to the sheriff’s office. Ethan is Sheriff Jake, a former gun for hire who takes his present job obligations seriously.
Bitter Creek looks to be seriously lacking in pleasant diversions, and when Jake sees Silva, his surprise is quickly followed by a tender look. Silva, acknowledging the twenty-five years since their last meeting, says he’s looking for a doctor for his bad back. Here’s some advice for bad back sufferers: Don’t spend day after day horseback riding.
The two men catch up out of earshot of others. Silva can’t stop smiling, while Jake is cautious. Silva suggests they take a break up to Hot Mountain River. Ahem… that place name could def be the movie’s title. The two men are like reimaginings of Heath Ledger’s taciturn Ennis and Jake Gyllenhaal’s eager Jack from Brokeback Mountain. E Hawke and P Pascal are both fine actors, but the performances felt more like role playing than characters come to life.
As day becomes night, nostalgia gives way to romantic sparks. There is some passionate kissing and one culo shot (that’s ‘butt’ for non-Spanish speakers) is poured onscreen. But according to some internet posters, there’s not enough sex. Please, people! Almodóvar didn’t set out to make a porno. Try to appreciate the flashback wine scene…
When Silva and Jake were getting reacquainted, a laughing Silva asked Jake if he remembered the time twenty-five years ago that the two of them partied all night with three whores — Whores? I felt if YSL could showcase anachronistic western wear, the dialog could’ve at least euphemized whores to ladies of the evening because Silva did seem like a sensitive sort. Anyway…
Silva asks if Jake remembers drinking roaming outdoors at night, guzzling flasks of wine. We see the past with the reveling young men and the three women walking off arm and arm. (I wish that Almodóvar’s frequent collaborator, Penelope Cruz had a cameo in this scene as a wine merchant.)
So, drinking turns into showering in wine and licking and kissing it off each other. Imbibing, indeed. Yeah… I think he’d remember the beginning of their affair. Back to their present…
Jake and Silva’s night fades into daybreak. It seems that both men have heavy burdens. Jake needs to track down a killer; he has ties to the victim. Silva has had news of his wayward son.
I knew it was too much to hope for that these good-looking cowboys would set up a Ranch Spa for city slickers looking for rugged days and soothing nights. But the LGBTQ community could use some good news; maybe something hopeful for the old timey gay cowboys?
No spoilers– I will say that the writer-director employs his skills to create a beautiful closing monologue.
As for the internet’s assertions– gay enough? Watch the short and feel free to choose.
*** Check out Movie Loon’s reviews for Brokeback Mountain and The Power of the Dog
P.S. The Spanish language title, Extraña forma de vida is derived from the Portuguese song “Estaranha forma de vida.” The song, which opens the movie, is in the fado tradition; Portuguese folk music with melancholy lyrics.
PPS. Besides the beauty of the Spanish landscapes, SWoL features Western artwork in Jake’s rooms and at Silva’s ranch home. Look for Maynard Dixon’s American West landscapes, a Georgia O’Keefe painting and a retablo (folk art devotional paintings on wood or tin) on a table.
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