[alwaysconservative]

I liked the movies, but had several complaints about them. One was Faramir, who was stupidly made into a Boromir clone instead of a complete contrast to his brother as in the books. Another was Gimli, who was made into a one-liner joke instead of the rather complex role he plays in the books. Another was Aragorn, who was made into a typical Hollywood style pretty boy instead of a strong, kingly aristocrat in disguise. Another was Merry and Pippin, who were also played for cuteness and laughs without any concept that they both belonged to proud ancient families in the Shire. Another was Theoden, who remains a decrepit fool for far too long, instead of recovering his majestic heroism as in the book. Another was . . .

Exactly! You forgot only that Aragorn looked like he combed his hair with a pork chop (and that was AFTER he was supposed to be cleaned up). His eyes are too vulpine for my tastes, and he has that unattractively weak chin and mouth (that I now know spouts unattractive things, LOL!). Just think what James Purefoy, to name just one example, could have done with this role!

[Cicero]

Just so. Aragorn is supposed to look a bit ragged and disheveled when we first meet him, because he has been wandering in the wilderness and he is exiled royalty in disguise. But beneath that he is strong, handsome, and kingly. The idea of Viggo Mortensen looking kingly is laughable. He looks like a typical Hollywood narcissist in love with himself and certain that the more he dresses down and disorders his hairdo, the more his fans will swoon at him.