Acclaimed actor and filmmaker Viggo Mortensen will be one of the big stars at the 58th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, joining a slate of guests announced this morning that also includes actors Clive Owen and Daniel Brühl and director Steven Soderbergh. This year’s festival runs from June 28 through July 6.
Mortensen is set to receive the Festival President’s Award at the KVIFF opening ceremony, as well as present the festival’s opening film, The Dead Don’t Hurt. Mortensen not only wrote and directed the film but also composed its music and stars in the lead role of a Danish immigrant and sheriff in a mid-19th century Nevada town.
The Dead Don’t Hurt pays tribute to classic Hollywood westerns while also including a strong central female character, played by Vicky Krieps (Corsage, Phantom Thread). After holding its Czech premiere at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, the film will enter general distribution in Czech cinemas from July 4.
“We are excited to bring a truly unique experience to the Czech audiences this year,” says Ivo Andrle from Czech distributor Aerofilms in a press release. “On July 4th, we will release in theaters across the country the opening film of Karlovy Vary Film Festival – The Dead Don’t Hurt.”
“Just a few days after the festival’s opening ceremony that traditionally attracts maximum media attention. We believe that many film lovers in our territory will enjoy the proposition of watching such a great and spotlighted film on their local screens and experience a piece of the festival’s best content on their own.“
Mortensen’s career in the film industry spans nearly 40 years, beginning with his acting debut in Peter Weir’s 1985 drama Witness. His early career saw performances in a variety of films, including Renny Harlin’s Prison and David Anspaugh’s Fresh Horses.
The 1990s brought Mortensen further acclaim with roles in high-profile films like Brian de Palma’s Carlito’s Way and Tony Scott’s Crimson Tide. His portrayal of Aragorn in Peter Jackson‘s The Lord of the Rings trilogy brought him international fame and the adoration of audiences worldwide.
Mortensen’s collaboration with David Cronenberg in films such as A History of Violence and Eastern Promises earned him critical praise and several award nominations, including his first for an Academy Award. He would receive a second Oscar nomination for his role in Captain Fantastic.
In 2020, Mortensen made his directorial debut with Falling, a deeply personal project where he took on multiple roles including writer, director, and composer. The Dead Don’t Hurt is his second project behind the camera, and follows a similar path showcasing his many talents in addition to acting.
Lead photo: Viggo Mortensen in The Dead Don’t Hurt (2024)
One Response
love Viggo but this film was a dud 🙁