Actors' politics pollute 'Ring'

USA Today ^ | 1/11/2004 | Michael Medved

[trajanus_red]

"If you want to send a message, call Western Union," said Hollywood pioneer Samuel Goldwyn to filmmakers and stars who sought to use their movie projects to advance some political agenda. Although the telegraph is a largely irrelevant alternative in this Internet age, the thinking behind Goldwyn's advice remains sane and solid: Political preachments, on or off camera, only interfere with the entertainment value of creative work by major Hollywood stars. Recent comments by some of the prime participants in the triumphal box-office hit The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King illustrate the uncomfortable implications of trying to impose timely messages on timeless fantasy.

[JohnnyZ]

Tolkien understood that the finest works of art appeal with equal power to people of all political persuasions

Tolkien believed in right and wrong, not suicide bombers and appeasers.

[rintense]

A lot of people misrepresented what we had done in the films and Tolkien's work, saying they justified the actions of the U.S. government and war in general. I didn't think that was the case."

It is highly doubtful Viggo even understands the theme of Tolkein's books, let alone ever read one. I heard him on a cable TV interview and he has less brains than Brad Pitt. Dumb as a box of hammers.

[BibChr]

So thereya go.

[Eala]

Viggo Mortensen

Adding him to my "Do Not Watch" list. Thanks.

[rintense]

Tolkein = Tolkien.

[laconic]

Rhys-Davies is a wonderful actor with a great voice; somehow his probable 6' frame is reduced to Gimli's for the movie. He was also very good as General Pushkin in Bond's The Living Daylights and as the pilot in the TV miniseries Shogun.

[trajanus_red]

Make sure you don't read or listen to his poetry either. It is horrendously pretentious drivel.

[Dionysius]

I don't care how good it is. I wouldn't care if they gave out free popcorn and BJ's. I will not subsidize these scumbags by frequenting their product.

[Frank_Discussion]

A closet Vogon?

[Billthedrill]

It is important to remember that actors earn their livings simulating emotion whilst mouthing the lines written for them by people who really did know what they mean. It is one reason writers so often despise actors. The money's another.

Mortenson is an idiot who understands neither the source material nor the current world situation. But at least he's consistent - what he's doing is parroting lines written for him by other people.

[laconic]

Tolkien was also a devout Catholic, proud Brit veteran of World War One and analogized to the forces arrayed against the US/UK in World War Two. I think I can figure out where he stood just as well as some dumb-boob actor who got the part for a film based on his book.

[dead]

Mortensen read an interminable original poem about exploding bombs, burning flesh, flattened huts and American guilt

Oh man, I really want to read this.

Actors are never funnier than when they fancy themselves writers.

Well, OK they are funnier when they fancy themselves musicians. Or political experts. Or environomental scientists. Or historians. Or philosophers. Or parents. Or singers. Or doctors. Or ministers.

Anyway, I still want to read Vito’s poem. I’ll bet it’s a hoot.

[shaggy eel]

,,, it's not just actors. Remember what this thing's attitude has been since day one?

[trajanus_red]

Well, here is one of his **brilliant** and **deep** poems...

Enjoy!

STONES

MET BY A LAKE NEAR THE SUN
YOUR MOUTH AND EYES, ARMS
AND LEGS, MELTED AS THOUGH
WE'D KNOWN EACH OTHER WELL
AND NEEDED ONLY REKINDLE
WARMTH OF THE FAMILIAR.
AS IF PATIENCE WERE REWARDED
AND NOW WE'D SHARE EVERYTHING.

AFTER THE FLOWER BATH
PETALS CAUGHT IN HAIR
ON THE DRAIN COVER.
HE MISSES HER.
CORSAGE SAVER
KEEPER
OF CHILDREN’S ARTWORK,
WHOSE BLUE-HOLED FLESH
IS USED TO PARTING WITH SACRIFICES
TO BOYS’ TRIALS
AND MEN’S DESIRES,
AND WONDERS NOW
WHAT THERE WAS
TO BE AFRAID OF.

[breakem]

for free popcorn and bjs I may have to waffle a little.

[justshutupandtakeit]

I thought he was very weak for Aragorn also. Nor is he a very good actor. Don't expect to see any "Best Actor" nomination for this guy.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Hollywood Leftist Ping!!!

Please FReepmail me if you want on/off this ping list.

[jtminton]

What a bummer. Now I'm going to have to think twice about buying the DVD. While very small, some portion of that purchase will be going into his pocket.

[trajanus_red]

I still LOVE LOTR. I will not punish the rest of the cast because of his idiocy