It pays to take challenges, even if you don't think you can do them – at least according to Oscar nominee Viggo Mortensen."To be honest, I was afraid of the role to start with," Mortensen told Moviefone at Wednesday's premiere of his new drama, 'The Road,' at AFI Fest in Hollywood.
"I thought, 'Hmm, I don't know if I am up to the task,' he says."But, that was the very reason I thought I should do it, try it. Because even if you screw up up, at least trying something different, something that places demands on you that you haven't dealt with as much or before, it's always good. Even if you screw it up, in trying to do a good job, you are going to learn something, and I did."
Mortensen, who stars as a malnourished father trying to survive in 'The Road,' was honored Wednesday by AFI for his acting accomplishments.
'The Road,' directed by John Hillcoat, is an intense film, which the Hollywood Reporter called "haunting," and the UK Times called Mortensen's appearance "cadaverous."
The 'Lord of the Rings' star joked on the red carpet that the award was coming "too early" and that "I hope it doesn't mean they're putting out to pasture."
"It's a team sport, making movies," Mortensen said. "In this case, it's a story about a father and son. If the son [Kodi Smit-McPhee] wasn't a great actor and didn't have a great emotional range, I wouldn't have done a very good job, to be honest with you. I could have only gone so far. But, because he was so beautiful as a boy, such a wonderful person, but also such a talented actor, he helped me get to places that I didn't think I could get to."
'The Road,' costarring Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall and Guy Pierce, opens Nov. 25.
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Reader Comments (11)
Aubrey at 6:50PM on Nov 6th 2009
what a great man. I really respect viggo mortensen's kindness and how humble he is. I also respect his body of work: actor, painter, photographer, writer, and musician. Is there anything else he can't do? haha. I'm looking forward to this movie very much and I read the book a year ago. Amazing book! Casting Viggo mortensen is a terrific actor and I already smell an oscar nomination for Mr. Mortensen!
Aubrey at 6:50PM on Nov 6th 2009
Is there anything else he can* do?
Monica at 5:33PM on Nov 7th 2009
He's been my favorite actor for years for the same reason. He's completely genuine, and just utterly amazing. I too see an Oscar nom for him, as well as the film (Best Picture and/or Best adaptation), and possibly even Kodi (supporting actor).
jbakerpharmd at 8:19PM on Nov 6th 2009
Lets hope that the Academy finally recognises Viggo with an an Oscar for best actor. He deserves it.
Monica at 5:30PM on Nov 7th 2009
He does, but he doesn't care if he wins.
Last year he initiated a losers' dance after the show, which I thought was brilliant. So many uptights were horrified though
Mike at 12:20PM on Nov 7th 2009
I can't wait to see The Road! Looks amazing!
Iliana at 12:42PM on Nov 12th 2009
I saw the movie on Fri. at AFI . It was very good.A real Love story. The love between a father and his son. Viggo was brilliant and so was Kodi.You can 'feel' the love they have for each other.They never say "I love you" and they don't have to.Viggo was there,so was the director.Go see the movie !!!
Mike at 7:16PM on Nov 11th 2009
Iliana, cool! Glad it was a good movie, you should have taken me along hehe
I loved Viggo in Eastern Promises, hell I even liked Hildalgo LOL
Morgaine at 9:33PM on Nov 11th 2009
I agree that Viggo Mortensen is an admirable man. I think the best way we can honour that (aside from supporting his work) is to consider what makes him so admirable and how we can attain similar qualities of character ourselves. If all his fans actually followed his example, imagine how that might change the world, one person at a time.
John at 9:01AM on Nov 15th 2009
I would love to comment on the "The Road"but as all we have to go on is some hacks verbal diarrhea it will be impossible as the trailer is blocked for some spurious reason come on Moviefone at least show us the trailer.
Babs from Birmingham, UK at 5:44PM on Nov 18th 2009
Oh Gosh, I love that man, plus we share a birthday. I wish I had a tenth of the diverse talent he has He's amazing. So agree with an oscar nomination. It's as if he's just beginning. He shows his passion through his work and his collaborations.