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Viggo Mortensen

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Lord of the Rings

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Viggo Articles & Interviews - 2003

Coronation of the Rebel - Cinema, January 2003
This interviewer portrays Viggo Mortensen as a lone wolf, "the most rebellious star who ever got on the list of the 50 most beautiful people of the US-glamour-People magazine," a man who "avoids mirrors and hates parties." The article focuses on Viggo's work in The Lord of the Rings and other films, and on the success of his art and music.   [Brego.net]

The Hero ReturnsThe Hero Returns - Premiere magazine, January 2003
Tom Roston spent two days driving from Montana to Idaho with Viggo Mortensen and his son Henry. The resulting article includes conversations on LOTR, fame, commitment, exhaustion, sex appeal, eating roadkill, and philosophy. "You know, there are freakish and unexpected events that make up our lives. You have to be open to suffering a little."

An Interview with Viggo Mortensen - January 12, 2003
Translated transcript of a telephone interview by Noemi Miranda for the Chilean newspaper La Tercera. Topics include LOTR, Hidalgo, art, politics, and Viggo's philosophy of life.   [Brego.net]

The fellowship vs. the empire - The Japan Times, February 19, 2003
Interview with Viggo Mortensen and Karl Urban during their Japan tour focuses on their pacifist politics as contrasted with the intense physical combat portrayed in The Two Towers.

Lord of the Rings' star comes home to St. Lawrence with films, photos, poetry - Watertown Daily Times, February 23, 2003
Describes an art show, poetry reading, and screening of The Fellowship of the Ring at St. Lawrence University, and the challenges related to Viggo's burgeoning popularity.   [Brego.net]

Face of the Month: Viggo Mortensen - Cut #147, March 2003
In this interview for a Japanese magazine, Cut, Viggo discusses the shooting of the Lord of the Rings, the movie's implications for modern life, and the roles of actors and directors in the creation of a film.   [Brego.net]

Aragorn's EyeAragorn's Eye - Cut #148, April 2003
Viggo Mortensen talks about his priorities and how he makes time for his poetry and art while on a busy movie set. "For example, if you have a one-hour lunch break during shooting... you know it is better to have a nap if your body is very tired but in my case, I spent my time writing poems or painting. If I do so, my head can rest better." Illustrated with several of Viggo's photographs.   [Brego.net]

Viggo Mortensen - Visiting Japanese culture - MovieStar #98, April 2003   [scans at Lilith]

Viggo Mortensen with Karl Urban - Press conference in Japan - MovieStar #98, April 2003   [Brego.net]

Caught in his own picture - Politiken, June 28, 2003
Interview at Viggo's photography exhibition in Odense focuses on his work. Many comments from Viggo on his approach and philosophy, such as, "I think I take photos to make sure that I notice things. Some things you remember many years from now—without knowing why. And everybody remembers differently. Our pictures of the same event will be different from each other."   [Brego.net]

Viggo Mortensen talks about his new worksViggo Mortensen talks about his new works - MovieStar #104, October 2003
Interview with Viggo Mortensen about his art and music touches on 45301, The Other Parade, and upcoming works. He also talks about the purpose and future of Perceval Press. When asked how his photography and music differ for him, he answers: "There is no difference between these art forms, as long as one follows one's own path. The results are often surprising and usually fulfilling. It is a process that justifies itself by virtue of its exploratory nature. If communication with others is also achieved, it is an extra, unexpected gift."   [Brego.net]

A Wonderful ExperienceA Wonderful Experience - VG, October 24, 2003
In an interview with a Norwegian journalist, Viggo talks about his art, Odense, his feelings toward the Scandinavian countries, and his love of the great sagas and their influence on The Lord of the Rings.   [Brego.net]

The man who would be kingThe man who would be king - Salon, October 24, 2003
In an exclusive interview, Viggo Mortensen, who plays Aragorn in "The Lord of the Rings," talks about Miyelo and his other photography, his indie publishing house, and why Bush will go down in history as the Sauron of American presidents. The most extensive political statements we have seen from Viggo. You will need to sign up for a subscription or a free "day pass" to view the full article at Salon.com, but it is well worth it.

Viggo Mortensen Joins Anti-War Protest in Washington D.C.Viggo Mortensen Joins Anti-War Protest in Washington D.C. - Ringbearer.org, October 26, 2003
United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ) and Act Now to Stop War & End Racism (ANSWER) joined together in Washington D.C. in a call for unification of all who oppose the war and occupation of Iraq. Viggo Mortensen read his poem "Back To Babylon" at the rally and dedicated it to the people of Afghanistan, Iraq and the US. Article includes the text of the poem plus three photographs.   [Brego.net]

Twenty-one Reasons to Dig Viggo Mortensen - GQ, November 2003
Tongue-in-cheek summary of Viggo's admirable qualities, such as, "He's 45, effortlessly masculine, strikingly attractive and seemingly oblivious to this fact." Generously sprinkled with quotes from Viggo. Our favorite is #21: "He understands why, in dire times, you'd be tempted to 'set your house on fire and never answer the phone again, but it would be better to ask yourself: How can I be most useful to this world? Not that I'm a f*cking genius.'"   [Brego.net]

I wish I would always be like Aragorn - November 11, 2003   [Brego.net]

The Brain Dane - Sunday Times Magazine, November 30, 2003
Interviewer Ariel Leve does her best to dig into Viggo Mortensen's psyche, concluding finally that he wants "to make an impression—not as an actor but as a man. He just wants to be a hero." Interesting article includes a section on Viggo's silence during the filming of The Passion of Darkly Noon.   [Chronicles]   [Brego.net]

A year in the life of Viggo Mortensen - Studio, December 2003
From 19-Dec-2002 to the end of 2003, Viggo Mortensen lists some of the high and low points from his perspective, in art, films and especially world politics.   [Chronicles]   [Brego.net]

Hail to the KingHail to the King - Starburst #305, December 2003
This 12-page pictorial spread focuses on Viggo Mortensen in his role as Aragorn. In the interview, Viggo talks about his relationship with Uraeus, the horse who played Brego, working with the stunt team and training in swordplay, and his thoughts on the extended editions of the films. Unfortunately we were only able to find transcription for a piece of the article, but we have ordered a copy from the publisher and hope to complete it soon.   [Brego.net]

Jeffrey Overstreet's Interview with Viggo MortensenJeffrey Overstreet's Interview with Viggo Mortensen - Looking Closer, December 5, 2003

Horses bring serenity to Lord of the Rings' Viggo Mortensen - HorseCity.com, December 9, 2003
Viggo Mortensen found the time he spent with horses while filming Lord of the Rings helped him remain calm and focused.   [Brego.net]

Lord of the Rings Star is King of the Warriors - Newsday, December 14, 2003
Topics covered in this thoughtful interview include the filming of The Lord of the Rings, Viggo's Elvish contributions to the films, and the connections between Tolkien, politics, photography and life. "What [The Lord of the Rings] is about, and what the experience of working with these people is about," he says, "is celebrating the idea of fellowship and community, celebrating the effort to find common ground and considering that we really do have a lot more in common with others than not."   [Brego.net]

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King - Chicago Sun-Times, December 14, 2003
Filming notes from The Return of the King. Viggo comments on his son Henry's role in the film.

Vim and Viggo - The Straits Times, Singapore, December 17, 2003
"Besides acting, Viggo Mortensen, better known as brave warrior Aragorn in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, also has plenty of passion for poetry, photography and painting."   [Brego.net]

Many faces of 'King' actor - The Daily Sentinel, December 19, 2003   [Brego.net]

Lord of Everything - The Sydney Morning Herald, December 22, 2003
Amusing lament about the ways in which Viggo makes it difficult for "the rest of the male population" to compete for women's attention: "Once, it was not that hard for an ordinary Australian male to appear cultured.... But Viggo has raised the bar. How can we hope to even get near competing with a man who, when invited to address the crowd in New Zealand, starts by speaking flawless Maori. While wearing a UNICEF shirt."

Orlando & Viggo: Hunks of the RingsOrlando & Viggo: Hunks of the Rings - US Weekly, December 29, 2003
Brief synopsis of Viggo's virtues, with a few quotes and a nice photo. Poll "Who's Hotter?" indicates that Orlando won over Viggo 57% to 42%. Obviously they weren't asking us. Favorite quote from Viggo: "As long as I have Orlando around, I can sneak away. The girls will go for him every time."   [Brego.net]