Viggo Mortensen Tagged Articles at Cinematical
Stars in Rewind: Viggo Mortensen in 'The Prophecy'
Filed under: Horror », Trailers and Clips », Stars in Rewind »
As you probably remember, we were supposed to get a little movie called The Road this week, but it was delayed until November 25. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy some Viggo Mortensen anyway. Seeing as we're celebrating villains, and The Road will be one of those affairs you don't want to cheese up with a clip like this, now is the perfect time to remind you of Mortensen's pre-Aragorn screentime. I don't mean that disparagingly (they all start somewhere), but I'm very glad Lord of the Rings helped leave the dark days of The Prophecy behind for critical and popular acclaim.
But hey, not every actor has the Prince of Darkness on his early resume. Not surprisingly, he manages to turn in a good performance and makes a very frightening Lucifer (I would bravely argue that makes a scarier Satan than Al Pacino or Robert De Niro, but I'm not sure the fingernails and rose eating will help my case). He even manages the tricky balance of being horrible and seductive enough to slip you out of your soul, a balance few Lord of Darknesses achieve. Plus, he manages it in a mullet. Come on, you always knew that Satan not only invented that hairstyle, but rocks the business in the front and party in the back.
Pop below the jump for all of Mortensen's Prophecy scenes, neatly collected by a YouTube fan.
Toronto in 60 Seconds: Sunday, September 13, 2009
Filed under: Deals », Festival Reports », Celebrities and Controversy », Distribution », George Clooney », Toronto International Film Festival », Cinematical Indie »
Left to right: Colin Farrell on the red carpet, Oprah Winfrey greeting fans, unidentified running clock man.
Read fast -- we've got 48 hours of the Toronto International Film Festival to recap and you've only got 60 seconds!
Celeb Sightings. Viggo Mortensen decisively declared that he is not "quitting acting," he just doesn't have any films lined up for now. (He's next acting in a play in Spain.) He stars in the long-awaited The Road. Matt Damon called journalists "motherf******"" and "lazy," because of false reports last week that he'd died during a mountain hike in California. He is Steven Soderbergh's The Informant! (see below).
Colin Farrell reportedly grabbed a photographer by the back of the neck, to defend the honor of his sister on the red carpet; he's in Toronto for Triage. Oprah Winfrey attended in support of Precious, Lee Daniels' Sundance hit drama that opens soon, and spoke about her personal connection to the film.
Our Coverage. In A Serious Man, Joel and Ethan Coen have delivered a film that "speaks as much with its structure as it does with its dialog," says Monika Bartyzel, yet also manages to be "wildly funny." With The Informant!, starring Matt Damon and directed by Steven Soderbergh, you can expect "a seriously entertaining film ... about a seriously plain man," according to Scott Weinberg. Clive Owen shows a "familial heart underneath the macho exterior" in The Boys Are Back, Monika observes. Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus features Heath Ledger's final performance, but, more to the point, "feels sort of like a favorite uncle just burst through the door, smiling and loaded with nifty presents," Scott writes, after confessing his unabashed love for Terry Gilliam.
A special moment with George Clooney, and more Internet confesions - after the jump!
'The Road' Pushed Back to November 25
Filed under: Awards », Distribution », Newsstand »
Days after Jessica Barnes compiled a nice fall schedule for you, the Weinsteins and Dimension Films had to go and mess it up a little. According to Variety, they've pushed the release date of The Road back from October 16 to November 25 -- almost a year to the day when it was supposed to come out in 2008. The delay isn't because Dimension has lost faith in the film -- quite the contrary. The film is playing to rave reviews at Telluride (where our Eugene Novikov saw it and loved it) and Venice Film Festival, and the Weinsteins have realized they have an awards contender on their hands. "We've been getting great audience reaction at Venice and Telluride," Dimension topper Bob Weinstein said. "We feel that this is a commercial film that's worthy of a wide release." Considering Cormac McCarthy's book was a bestseller and won a Pulitzer, you'd think that might have tipped them off, but ah well. What's good about this decision is that it not only puts it into Golden Globe contention, it also promises a wide release. One of the big fears lurking around the film was that audiences wouldn't get it, and the film could vanish into limited release hell.
The Road will now be in direct competition with Nine, Old Dogs, and Ninja Assassin. Something tells me John Hillcoat's bleak adaptation won't top the holiday box office, but it'll make a far bigger impact. I've been saying since the first stills came out that this might be a role that nabs Viggo Mortensen an Oscar, and I'll stand by that.
Telluride Review: The Road
Filed under: Drama », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Telluride », Theatrical Reviews »
Just before the kid was born, the world burned. We don't know why, and the characters don't talk about it -- perhaps they don't quite know themselves, or maybe they've decided that it no longer matters. The Boy's universe is grey, full of ash, dust, and the ruins of a civilization he never saw. This is all he knows. His mother, seeing no point in going on, killed herself shortly after his birth. She was not alone. Many of those who didn't take their own lives were soon murdered by the desperate and hungry.
Skip ahead nine or ten years. The kid and his father wander the barren roadways heading south toward the coast for no clear reason other than that it gives them a tangible goal toward which to strive. (And there's always the hope that the ocean will be something other than gray.) Every day is a knock-down, drag-out fight for survival. They run, hide, starve, and fight off attackers who want their food, or their clothes, or, at one point, their flesh.
I set the stage like this not to horrify you or to gross you out, but to give you a sense of the relentless, pervasive grimness of The Road -- and then to turn around and say that The Road may be the most profoundly optimistic and life-affirming film you will see this year. Those who have read Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name won't be surprised by this. John Hillcoat's faithful, near-perfect adaptation beautifully captures McCarthy's synthesis of all-encompassing darkness and enduring hope.
Cinematical Seven: Our Favorite Sex Creeps
Filed under: Fandom », Cinematical Seven », Lists »
For some reason best left to psychologists, there are people who are attracted to what I call ... sex creeps. This type of character goes beyond what is called jolie-laide in women, a term that directly translates to pretty-ugly, although is generally used to describe "unconventional" beauty. There's no real correlation between the jolie-laide and the sex creep. No, the sex creep is attractive but prone to certain, shall we say, peccadilloes that go beyond the pale -- dating blow-up dolls, crashing cars to get off, dabbling in experimental gynecology. These guys all slime their ways between the lines.
In any case, here are seven of my favorite sex creeps. You might also notice there's a certain director who shows up a few times on the list -- he's an honorary sex creep as well. I hope he takes his title in the complimentary manner in which it's given.
Iranian Protestors Inspired By 'Lord of the Rings'
Filed under: Classics », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Celebrities and Controversy », Fandom », Newsstand », Peter Jackson », Politics »
Ever since it was first published in 1954-1955, J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings has been embroiled in politics, much to the dismay of its author. Proponents of the political left and the right have taken turns deriding or laying claim to the fantasy epic. Peter Jackson's film adapation didn't escape political scrutiny either. Time magazine's Richard Corliss did a rather famous review of The Two Towers claiming that the film now evoked the War On Terror, and that Saruman looked "eerily" like Osama bin Laden, and USA Today's Michael Medved insisted Viggo Mortensen had tainted the role of Aragorn because he openly declared his anti-war sentiments.
The latest political controversy that the series finds itself embroiled in is the Iranian electoral protests. Time has a piece from an anonymous Iranian resident reporting that the government is using film to try and quell public unrest. "In normal times, Iranian television usually treats its viewers to one or two Hollywood or European movie nights a week. But these are not normal times, so it's been two or three such movies a day. It's part of the push to keep people at home and off the streets, to keep us busy, to get us out of the regime's hair. The message is 'Don't worry, be happy.'"
All television channels in Iran are owned by the state, so the government is choosing its films very carefully. One of their offerings has been a Lord of the Rings marathon, ostensibly picked because its length and epic content will keep people glued to their television. "We're glued to the trilogy. We are riveted. A child in the room loudly predicts that Lord of the Rings will put an end to the nightly shouts, that people will not take to the rooftops and windows because this film will keep them occupied."
'The Road' Finally Gets Itself The Trailer
Filed under: Drama », Horror », Independent », Thrillers », Mystery & Suspense », The Weinstein Co. », Newsstand », Movie Marketing », War », Trailers and Clips »
The trailer for The Road (which now has a release date of October 16) has hit the net courtesy of Yahoo! Movies but we've got an embed here thanks to Trailer Addict. For those who read the Cormac McCarthy book (and I haven't, but I was told the entire thing by a "helpful" friend), you're going to notice what looks like a lot of changes to the story. The mysterious disaster is made explicit, Charlize Theron is given a lot more screen time than the wife ever had in the book, and the action is upped ten times over.
However, this trailer has caused a lot of controversy already with people who have seen the film. Esquire just published a review this week, and noted that the Weinstein Company was falling prey to the temptation to cut a trailer that looked like a post-apocalyptic action movie. According to Esquire, John Hillcoat's film is (and other reviews have borne this out) as quiet, harrowing, and bleak as the novel is, and may just be "the most important film of the year". Unfortunately, the Weinsteins feel no one will see it unless there's an "explanation" and a hook of kick ass action, even if the film itself lacks the things the trailer sells.
But at least you get a glimpse of the real film underneath, which is enough to cause you to choke up. I think we're promised one hell of a gut-wrenching performance from Viggo Mortensen. Just look at his eyes.
Viggo Mortensen Next to Quit Acting?
Filed under: RumorMonger », Celebrities and Controversy », Fandom »
In these difficult economic times, it may not not be easy for us ordinary citizens to relate to movie stars who make a ton of money and get to travel all over the world. The everyday reality is far different from the fantasy, I'm sure, which may be why Academy Award-nominated actor Viggo Mortensen says he's ready to step off the merry-go-round and stop making movies.
South African web site News24.com says that Mortensen described a crazy travel schedule -- Los Angeles to Japan to Korea to Poland to the UK in just one week -- and said that he's "taking measures to change that. No more movies. I haven't said yes to one in over a year ... there are other things I want to do. It's not the right time." He said recent offers for roles in big-budget movies were "complete crap, all about product placement and marketing. I don't need the money."
Of course, talk to anyone when they're exhausted from traveling and they might say anything. Mortensen was very busy throughout the 90s. His output in the last decade has been smaller, but the productions have been bigger and, since The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he's had lead roles that must have been demanding (Hidalgo, A History of Violence, Eastern Promises). It couldn't have been easy to make The Road, either. (See Elisabeth Rappe's article in which he talks more about his recent projects.) Mortensen brings a very unique set of qualities to his acting: strength, with a degree of tenderness, and an undercurrent of menace and erotic appeal. I'm hoping that this rumored time off will only be a break from acting, and not permanent retirement.
Movie News Daily
Fiennes, Neeson to Clash in 'Titans'
Ralph Fiennes and Liam Neeson will play warring Greek gods Hades and Zeus, respectively, in 'The Incredible Hulk' director Louis Leterrier's upcoming 'Clash of the Titans' remake, according to The Hollywood Reporter. They join Sam Worthington, Gemma Arterton, Mads Mikkelsen and Alexa Davalos in the film, which tells of Zeus' son Perseus (Worthington) and his quest to prevent Hades from assuming control of the gods. The deal is Neeson's first since the tragic death of his wife Natasha Richardson in March. (April 9)
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Tony Gilroy to Direct the Next 'James Bond'?
'Michael Clayton' and 'Duplicity' writer-director Tony Gilroy is in the running to helm the next James Bond movie, a source tells CinemaBlend.com. While there is no deal in place, Gilroy would certainly make sense: He's co-written all three of the 'Bourne' movies, which have clearly played a part in the 007 franchise's recent turn to the dark, gritty side of the spy world. (April 9)
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'Witch Mountain' Helmer to Direct 'You Again'
'Race to Witch Mountain' director Andy Fickman has lined up the Disney comedy 'You Again' as his next helming gig, Variety reports. The director, who has been in high demand since 'Mountain' debuted, is also on tap to direct 'Gimme a Call' for Paramount and 'Monster Attack Network' for Disney, and is developing a musical adaptation of 'Heathers' for the stage. (April 9)
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Pattinson Injured on 'New Moon' Set
Robert Pattinson has reportedly been injured while filming the 'Twilight' sequel 'New Moon' in Canada. But fans need not distress: The actor merely pulled his butt (seriously) during a scene in which his character, goodhearted vampire Edward, hoists ladylove Bella (Kristen Stewart) into the air. Pattinson returned to work after receiving a thorough massage to his strained glutes. Get more from Cinematical. (April 8)
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'Terminator' Gets Pizza Hut-Approved PG-13
The same day that Judd Apatow and Harold Ramis lost an appeal to have the R rating of 'Year One' changed to a PG-13, director McG came up short in his quest to secure an R for 'Terminator Salvation.' According to The Vulture, the fourth installment of the man-vs.-cyborg franchise will be the first released with a more commercially viable PG-13 rating -- and without the Moon Bloodgood nude scene McG was so desperate to include -- due to a tie-in deal with Pizza Hut. Apparently, the Hut feels that family-style pizza is best served sans a side of graphic violence and female toplessness. (April 8)
Warner Bros.
Verbinski Won't Helm 'Pirates 4'
Johnny Depp will reprise his role as Jack Sparrow in 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4,' but he'll be doing it without director Gore Verbinski. Variety reports that Verbinski, who directed the first three 'Pirates' flicks, has notified Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer that he won't return for a fourth. Keira Knightley has also revealed that she will not return. Poor Captain Jack. (April 8)
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Gellar's 'Buffy' Being Revived for Big Screen?
Sarah Michelle Gellar is reportedly in talks to reprise her role as 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' in a new feature film, according to ShowbizSpy.com. Gellar played the titular vamp destroyer for seven seasons on Joss Whedon's WB show, which was a continuation of the 1992 movie starring Kristy Swanson. (April 8)
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'Moonlight' Star Is J.Lo's 'Back-Up Plan'
'Moonlight' star Alex O'Loughlin is in talks to play the male lead opposite Jennifer Lopez in the rom-com 'The Back-Up Plan,' according to The Hollywood Reporter. O'Loughlin would play the man of Lopez's dreams, whom she meets the same day she discovers she's become pregnant through artificial insemination. Sounds like fodder for an Alanis Morisette song. (April 8)
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'Colossus' Game Headed to Big Screen
Sony is adapting the 2005 PlayStation 2 video game 'Shadow of the Colossus' into a feature film, Variety confirms. The game follows a man named Wander who traverses a cursed wasteland to battle 16 creatures in a bid to resurrect a dead girl. Justin Marks, who has written screenplays for high-profile upcoming projects such as 'He-Man,' 'Voltron' and 'Green Arrow,' will pen the script. (April 8)
Amazon.com
Larry Charles to Direct Geriatric Sex Comedy
'Borat' and 'Bruno' director Larry Charles will tackle geriatric sex for his next gig. Variety reports that Charles is in final negotiations to direct 'Winter's Discontent,' about a sexually frustrated widower and his best buddy who move into a retirement community in hopes that it will help them get laid. (April 8)
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David Cronenberg Planning a Sequel to 'Eastern Promises'
Filed under: Drama », Independent », Thrillers », Mystery & Suspense », RumorMonger », Scripts », Focus Features », DIY/Filmmaking », Newsstand », Remakes and Sequels »
Sequels are rarely good news -- but this one is. MTV News caught up with David Cronenberg, who revealed he was moving forward with a sequel to Eastern Promises."We are going to have a meeting very soon between me, Steve Knight and Paul Webster to discuss what the script would be," Cronenberg said. "I have some very strong ideas about what I would like to see, but I would like to hear what they have to say as well. And then after that, if all goes well, Steve goes away and writes a great script. If we all like it, we make it." If they make it, Viggo Mortensen will return.
Cronenberg has never had any interest in revisiting his work -- and little of it ever has the loose ends that Eastern Promises did. "It's the first time I've ever been in a situation where I actually want to do a sequel to something. I've never had the desire to do that before. But in this case, I thought we had unfinished business with those characters. I didn't feel that we had finished with Nikolai and we had done a lot of research that was more than we could stuff into that one movie."
I'm thrilled beyond belief. The film exists perfectly fine on its own, but the mysterious Nikolai is begging to be explored further onscreen. I'll tip-toe around spoilers, but I never could understand why so many audience members believed it to be a happy, cut-and-dried ending.
If you're curious and into research, there's some fantastic essays in Vol II of the Russian Criminal Tattoo encyclopedia. Given the scarcity of books on the topic I imagine this went into their research, plus the essays are rather Cronenberg-esque in the way they examine the tattoos and their effect on the human body. It gives an insight as to what Cronenberg and Mortensen might have had in mind when they created Nikolai. Definitely worth a read ... and a sequel.
Scenes We Love: Witness
Filed under: Action », Drama », Romance », Mystery & Suspense », Scenes We Love »
Witness is one of my all time favorite films. It's not only one of the best crime thrillers this side of L.A. Confidential, it's one of the most original. A cop who is forced to hide in a closed Amish community? It had the potential to be a farce, but it's intelligent and sensitively handled by Peter Weir. It's also achingly romantic, beautifully shot, surprisingly funny, and a fascinating glimpse into a world few knew much about. Even today, most people outside of the Midwest have gleaned their knowledge of the Amish communities from Witness.
There's not many scenes of it available on YouTube. I'd love to post the scene where Kelly McGillis' Rachel decides to let her hair down (almost literally -- she abandons her starched cap) and meets Harrison Ford in a twilight cornfield. Or the brusque "time for milking!" lesson where city boy Book regrets ever volunteering for morning chores. But this scene well ... it's the one you probably remember most. It begins at 1:05. (For some reason, someone has mashed two unrelated scenes together to prove a political point.) Watch for a baby Viggo Mortensen in the background, this film was his big screen debut.
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