I'm a big believer that every film should be just as long as it needs to be to tell its story, develop its characters, and hit us emotionally. Legendary director Almodóvar, whose films don't always hit for me, has made a 30 minute film that is just filled with exactly what is necessary to tell a powerful and gripping story starring Hawke and Pascal who have amazing chemistry together.
Part western, part melodrama, Strange Way of Life feels like a love letter to classic westerns but with a queer twist. Two former lovers are reunited after 25 years for one more night together before their purposes take them in opposing directions. Almodóvar sets it up, gives the two stars a chance to shine together, and delivers an emotional payoff that is impactful. What he accomplishes in 30 minutes is remarkable. We get fully rounded characters, a rollercoaster of an emotional journey, and a truly beautiful film to watch.
Life has incredible art direction and costumes. Almodóvar shoots quite a gorgeous little film. Hawke and Pascal build the passion between them in a compellingly restrained way. The most erotic scene in the film is a flashback with younger actors in their roles drinking wine as it pours out of a wineskin and then off each other, which was shockingly exciting. But it is the older actors who deliver on the promise of all those feelings. As the film reaches its somewhat sudden (I mean it's only 30 minutes) and subtle conclusion, there is no doubt in the audience of the love between the characters no matter how they are being pulled apart.
This may be my favourite Almodóvar film. I love just how much he packs into the short runtime.
Strange Way of Life
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Pedro Pascal
Writer/Director: Pedro Almodóvar
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