In Conversation with Viggo Mortensen was a one-time special event at the Glasgow Film Festival’s (GFF) 20th anniversary- unsurprisingly, the impact was beyond special.
Viggo Mortensen, known for playing Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, was an exceptionally welcome presence at the Glasgow Film Theatre last Sunday, March 3.
Despite only distant ties to Scotland, Viggo was met with reverent applause and a fond audience heckle of ‘welcome home’ as the hour-long talk began. The warmth and affection of the first few minutes set the mood for the rest of the evening.
Viggo spoke with wisdom, heart, and genuine soul- a trait he seems to get from his mother.
First discussing his introduction to movies, Viggo detailed lying on his mother’s chest watching several greats. His passion for film began then but did not end anytime soon. The move from watching films to being in them was a natural decision, but not an easy one.
Viggo worked in several odd jobs before becoming a professional full-time actor, including selling ice cream in the States and roses in the Netherlands. Luckily for fans, he was not particularly good at either job. Selling ice-creams on a corner with prostitutes for neighbours meant many a Mr Whippy was given away for free. Viggo laughed recounting this, as did the crowd- he clarified his employment did not last long after that.
Slowly, the man did break his way into the industry. His first huge brush with Hollywood, however, was not for a few years after that. This was, of course, when he starred in the trilogy savoured and loved by millions- The Lord of the Rings.
“If you like it… and you’re afraid of it, it’s probably something you should do”
Viggo recounted the tale familiar to fans of his son and his friends urging him to take the role. Viggo had read The Hobbit but wasn’t familiar with the trilogy- the travelling soldier ‘Strider’ did not really appeal to him as a character. The children, however, were ecstatic. They assured him that Strider was in fact Aragorn, the King.
With some persuading, Viggo took their advice and so took the role. Now, he is a household name and the benchmark for acting with nobility, valour, grace, and strength.
Additionally, the audience got to experience watching Aragorn’s battle speech before the Black Gate of Mordor- one of the most profound moments in the trilogy, at the end of the third film The Return of the King– with Viggo himself.
It was a moment of magic for anyone, but especially for the many avid Lord of the Rings fans in the crowd.
Of course, Viggo’s comment to conclude the clip was a comment on the brilliance of his horse.
Speaking of brilliance, the conversation then moved on to Captain Fantastic.
Starring himself and other big names- including another GFF guest George McKay, whom he praised profoundly- Viggo recalled the filming process and acclaim of the film fondly.
He said his outdoorsy character resonated with his real self, in some ways. Proving this, Viggo pulled out the lucky trinkets he had in his pocket that day- a rock and an acorn. Travelling can be lonely, he said, so his collections are like his friends. The audience, naturally, gushed and cooed.
“It’s brutal”
Talk then moved to directing, starting with his first venture into the position: Falling.
Viggo talked in length about the brutality and pain of dementia and Alzheimer’s, particularly in the States with their for-profit healthcare. The added layer of a difficult family dynamic shown in the film creates a sensation of slight despair in the movie, yet it is still full of heart, he insists. The story resonates with many.
The film was released shortly before the first COVID lockdown in 2020, which impacted the waves the film could cause. However, despite the unlucky time, the film was a success and allowed Viggo to direct another film. The Dead Don’t Hurt, a Western film, is his latest project, and it got its UK Premier at the GFF.
“I like horses, so…”
As Viggo fans will know, he is a horseman. He grew up riding and his passion has continued into adulthood. He famously bought the horse he used whilst filming The Lord of the Rings and has bought others since. For this new film, however, he resisted the temptation.
What he couldn’t resist, however, was the idea of creating a modern cowboy-esque Western movie.
The Dead Don’t Hurt is a “female-forward” western- Viggo’s own words- which allows for some new breath to enter the genre.
Set during the Confederacy era, the war is merely a background point. Instead, the film focuses on the personal battles of Vivienne (Vicky Krieps) as she strives for independence and joy in the harsh desert lands.
Viggo spoke of writing the script in lockdown, the battle of casting- which, despite his efforts, resulted in himself being cast- and composing his own music for the film.
Written for his mother over their shared love of the genre, The Dead Don’t Hurt is a clear labour of love for Viggo.
His love for his family, cultures and cinema are all intermingled, and this is felt in the film.
Cinema is for all, he says, and lands with arts and culture “have a- excuse the pun- fellowship.” This comment was met with boisterous laughter from the crowd, and Viggo himself.
After the Q&A Viggo was awarded the first-ever Cinema City Honorary Award- and a bottle of whiskey.
Glasgow gave Viggo a lot of love last night that was undoubtedly felt by him. On behalf of Glasgow, I must say we felt the love given by him, too.
You can view the rest of the GFF programme here.https://www.glasgowfilm.org/glasgow-film-festival/
Feature image credit: @amymuirphoto on Instagram
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