When fans first heard of Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar‘s new film, Strange Way of Life, comparisons to Ang Lee’s 2005 romance, Brokeback Mountain, began almost immediately. And, according to Almodóvar in a new interview with the New York Times, it was actually the director’s intent to craft a film that served as a response to Brokeback Mountain.
Strange Way of Life stars Pedro Pascal as Silva and Ethan Hawke as Sheriff Jake. The two men reunite after 25 years, following the conclusion of their youthful love affair. Will the two rekindle their relationship, or does each man have his own motives for meeting with his former lover? The film, as described by Almodóvar, is meant to serve as a “classic Western.”
“In Brokeback Mountain, Jake Gyllenhaal’s character says to Heath Ledger’s character that they should go away and work on a ranch,” Almodóvar, who is openly gay, said. “Heath says, ‘What would two men do in the West, working on a ranch?’ In many ways, I feel my film gives answer to that.”
Almodóvar also revealed that he specifically sought out Pascal and Hawke for the lead roles in the Spain-filmed short film. Both men were honored, with Pascal noting, “I remember it feeling like going to a new amusement park. An entire world of color and play and a kind of naughty rebelión [sic] was introduced to my experience.”
One thing Almodóvar decided to forgo? Explicit sex scenes. “The sexual tension in my film happens around the gazes, so from the very beginning, I decided I wasn’t going to show the entirety of the sexual scene. They’re way more naked in the conversation they have after.”
Almodóvar also revealed that the film is a reflection of his life as an older gay man. “I do think this is partly a reflection of my own age, that I’ve decided to tell these stories about older men,” Almodóvar revealed. “If I had written these stories when I was 25 years old, I probably would have written a story about two 25-year-old cowboys.” The legendary director also stated that he sometimes writes just for the fun of it, something aspiring creatives might find interesting.
The film promises to be a unique experience. Mainstream, gay cinema is still something of a novelty, and it’s quite rare to see older gay men in the main roles, rather than a young gay man who’s figuring out his sexuality. More details are sure to be revealed when the film premieres on May 17 at the Cannes Film Festival.