Article Tag: quotes

Interview with Viggo Mortensen about Hidalgo, horses, poetry, the ephemeral nature of fame, and kindness. Excerpt: "Be kind. It’s worthwhile to make an effort to learn about other people and figure out what you might have in common with them."

Extensive interview and article about Viggo's films, art, music, life. Great quotes from Dennis Hopper, Diane Lane, art dealer Robert Mann, and several others Viggo has worked with. Photographs (including cover) by Bruce Weber, plus several from his childhood.

Extensive in-depth article on Viggo's film career, his role as Aragorn, the challenge of dealing with new-found fame, creative pursuits, his relationship with Henry, the filming of Hidalgo, and philosophy of life. Wonderful photos by Terry Richardson. Excerpt: "Throughout an hour of conversation, these themes are woven into the fabric of every thought: an open mind; humility; doing your best; a constant quest to learn and enrich your life. 'There is only one kind of actor, and that's a supporting actor,' he says, meaning that even in a lead role you are always supporting the vision of the director. 'In a movie, you're raw material, just a hue of some colour and the director makes the painting.'"

After discussing his art and acting career, Viggo talks about The Lord of the Rings--book and movies. "In this movie, I had three directors: Tolkien, Peter Jackson and, of course, my own conscience. Tolkien and Jackson are different media, different men, but I've worked for both of them. While the first was very interested in exploring codes, poetry, history, the second is a film maker who likes entertainment, and that's why he centered his work more in the action episodes than in the reflective ones." He continues, "I found my strongest link to this author when I got to know the tongues, the languages that he made up for each race. That is why I miss certain things from the book, like some of the songs and above all, the languages that were born of this incredible man."

"Brooding cinematic presence, Viggo Mortensen has skirted the fringes of stardom for over a decade. But as Aragorn, the sensitive action hero of The Lord of the Rings, this actor/artist is set to inherit his rightful crown."