Cast
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Ethan Hawke
as Jake
Pedro Pascal
as Silva
Jason Fernández
as Young Jake
José Condessa
as Young Silva
Daniel Rived
as Sheriff Deputy
Sara Sálamo
as Conchita
Manu Ríos
as Singer
Pedro Casablanc
as Carpenter
George Steane
as Joe
Erenice Lohan
as Clara
Oihana Cueto
as Calixta
Vasileios Papatheocharis
as Town Cowboy (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Pedro Almodóvar
Writer
- Pedro Almodóvar
Producer
- Agustín Almodóvar
Reviews
Lachlan Thiele
<b>EXT. STRANGE INDEED - DAY</b>
Indeed a film worth seeing. Don't take it seriously, as at its core; it's just a lot of fun. I can see Pedro and Ethan having the time of their lives with this short. Think of this film as a more campy Brokeback, where the humour grows on you, like our protagonist's budding love.
It would work as a YouTube video. The internet would go wild, especially with the current 'Daddy' love for Pascal.
<b>FADE OUT.</b>
May 28, 2023
CinemaSerf
Several hundred people turned up at this one-night-only cinema screening and very, very few of us appreciated that is was only going to be half an hour long!! "Silva" (Pedro Pascal) rides half way across the desert to meet up with his old pal "Jake" (Ethan Hawke) who is the local sheriff. It's pretty clear from the get-go that there is a degree of personal baggage between the pair and that the true purpose of the visit is more than to relight old candles and have a good old reminisce... It's OK, this - nothing more. A testament to the drawing power of Almodóvar and Ethan Hawke to watch what is essentially a non-story that tells a little by way of flashback but for the most part just shows us a glimpse of something not especially interesting or unique. Looks good enough but I left a little disappointed and certainly underwhelmed.
Oct 20, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Strange Way of Life examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Pedro Almodóvar brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Strange Way of Life took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 31 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 87 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1743 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 31 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Strange Way of Life shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Swan Song, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Strange Way of Life subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Baian the Assassin and The Great Artist explore similar territory, Strange Way of Life stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 26, 2023
- Runtime: 31m
- Revenue: $1,057,090
