Posted on 12/06/2002 10:26:18 AM PST by Texas2step
As a great fan, I would heartily disagree! - I am so envious I could scream.
I hope Viggo doesn't kill it for a lot of people too, but I think we here at FR over-state the impact of an actor's political views. Most people in America are not that political, and don't boycott people at the drop of a hat because of a disagreement on an issue. They go to be entertained, and they don't know, or don't care, about the bandwagons an actor is riding on.
On a personal note... I am very impressed with the cast on screen. All were perfect for their roles, but I am also impressed with their much-depicted off-screen friendship and love of the work they did on the film. I think it adds a lot to the experience for me. I particularly have become fond of Elijah Wood, who I think is a pretty classy kid, for a kid that grew up in the acting business. He seems very together and mature in interviews. And the other hobbits in particular do too. And I like Orlando Bloom and even Viggo Mortenson. Politics aside or unknown, they seem like nice people to be around, and mostly without pretension. Are they?
Like I said, Viggo is so wonderful in TTT that it really makes me sad about what he's doing. He'll be living in Alec Baldwinia with the other jobless actors if he isn't careful.
JRD has been trying to counteract Viggo by stressing that our entire civilization is in danger of destruction by radical Islam and if we don't get this right democracies will end up like the Buddhas in Afghanistan. (he was once a history professor so he does tend to go on a bit) He's gotten standing Os from some of the press. We were stunned.
I'm glad your daughter liked FOTR. Eleven is about the right age to get a major crush on Orlando. I have to constantly fight the urge to run off with Billy Boyd (Pippin). His Scottish accent is as thick as hagis and he wears kilts to all the premieres. So precious.
Heh... I just shrugged when I saw the same type of occasional reactions to Elijah Wood's performance in FoTR. Someone here frequently comes on thread to say that Elijah Wood had one expression through the whole movie.
WHAT!? I saw reactions that were excellent and natural and understanding of his role. With a glance, I saw the character come alive.
A lot of that is because of the number of Brits in the cast. They are notorious for their lack of pretense and ego.
And you're right, Viggo is very sweet. Very kind and soft-spoken. His only problem is that he considers himself a New York "artist" (as in painting), and thinks he needs to act like a bohemian (he won't wear shoes and is addicted to the word "c--t"...another famous t-shirt incident). But don't under-estimate the negative power of an anti-American position by an actor. It has ruined lots of careers, because when an actor spouts a political view half of the people listening will hate him/her for it. The critic's love for Baldwin, Ed Asner, Susan Sarandon and all the rest, don't do anything to help their projects make money. Which they don't. Baldwin is now doing voice-overs and working as the center square on Hollywod Squares.
And you were right about Elijah. A very wise, old soul there.
But besides Billy Boyd, I have to say Christopher Lee has my heart. He's 6'7", gorgeous and 80 years old (which is unbelievable). He sings opera. Speaks 7 languages fluently (including Russian) and holds your hand when he talks to you. Unfortunately, he has very advanced arthritis (sp) and is in lots of pain. His scenes were very hard on him, as was just traveling to New Zealand.
The Hobbits are always together and except for Sean Astin, who's married with babies, they hang out all the time. I think Billy and Dom even stay at Elijah's when they're in town.
Viggo is saying some stupid stuff. But, unlike Alec Baldwin, Viggo actually has some talent...
Deb, I wish to second that which Hair has already said.
Also, I agree with Corin's assessment of the Viggo to Baldwin status. Viggo is indeed talented.
Oh yeah. Billy in a kilt! *swoon*
I always try to catch re-runs of Knotts Landing in hopes that I can see him fall off the roof again...(or was it on the pitchfork?)
Kinda like watching Titanic just to see Rose say goodbye to Jack...
I think I've seen enough reviews at this point to know what I need to know. At first I had difficulties with FOTR because the alterations from the book bothered me; I couldn't quite set them aside. I also read too many reviews calling this the greatest movie ever made. Expectations like that can make it difficult to take a movie on fair terms. So I said to myself: No reviews, no reading about the movie next time.
But on reflection I've decided I'd rather know about the departures from the text now so that I can be better braced for them. I think I'm reconciled by now to the idea of Haldir and the Elves' last stand at Helm's Deep and Aragon's almost-death. I know Shelob won't be there so I won't be crushed when the credits start to role sans arachnophobia. I'm not quite sure what to make of Faramir's character alterations, but I suppose I'll be braced for them at any rate.
I'll be interested to see what Moriarty thinks. Otherwise, the reviews sound a bit the same after a while. "Great movie, very dark, Gollum is amazing, Helm's Deep rocks."
Hair: It must be that Numenorean elf-blood in Viggo's veins. Dwarves rule the world! :-P
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