Viggo Mortensen Calls It Quits
Viggo Mortensen gave an interview to The Times Of London, and in it he said that he was tired of doing movies. Well, actually what he said was that he was tired of doing everything that is associated with the business of making movies other than the actual filming. He doesn't like doing the press and promotions for movies and all of the travel that entails.
“In the past week I’ve been from LA to Japan to Korea to Poland to here,” he hisses, describing in near disbelief the travel itinerary for his current promotional tour. “It’s ridiculous! It’s not a healthy way to be. But, as it happens, I’m taking measures to change that.” Which are? “No more movies. I haven’t said yes to one in over a year. I’ve been in all these well-received movies and it seems like I should be doing some more, but there’s other things I want to do. It’s not the right time.”
He has had a good run and he has made a bunch of money. Unlike the scam that is Joaquin Phoenix, I actually believe Viggo. He does have one more movie in the pipeline which he already completed. If he is still making these comments a year after not accepting any roles, than I would say he probably has another year break left in him.
I don't think he is gone forever. He definitely doesn't need the money, but I think there will be a time where he misses doing movies and will get excited about a project and be willing to make the sacrifices again. In the meantime, better enjoy his last movie which will be The Road.
It's a shame, because he's talented and not too hard on the eyes.
ReplyDeleteAs long as he agrees to be a spokesmodel for something, particularly something manly. Can't you see him as the Marlboro Man or a Stetson cologne kinda guy? I'm ok with it.
I'm okay with this, as long as he is willing to come out of retirement next time Cronenberg calls.
ReplyDeleteAt least he doesn't sit around complaining about how hard it is to be famous. He's taking time off instead of bitching about it. I hope he comes back to movies eventually though, he is so talented. And easy on the eyes too.
ReplyDeleteHe's a talented actor, it would be a shame if he left permanently. He does go over and above what most actors do to promote movies, but you can always say no and stay home to do what you need to do to be sane and happy.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see The Road, if TWC ever decides to release the movie.
I wonder what the other things are that he wants to do. Probably direct or something?
ReplyDeletei love viggo. he's a very interesting and intelligent guy. he has many interests. if he wants to bag movies and do other thing, then that's great.
ReplyDeleteit's his life and he should spend it doing what he enjoys.
he's not trashing anybody. he just sounds tired of it. maybe his ego can take not being a star---good for him.
Hi everybody,
ReplyDeleteI think he is great, intense but great artist. He knows paint, write,take pictures ...
He is not giving up acting at all. He is actually in Madrid ,most of the time preparing his debut on the stage with anspanish play. All if things don't change with this "wonderfull" recesion we are living.
Looking forward to see him with spanish actress Ariadna Gil ( they worked together before, in "Alatriste" and "Appaloosa " )
What happened to The Road? Wasn't it supposed to be realeased by now? The book was so good, not sure how it will be as a movie, even with that handsome hunk of human named Viggo.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that, Beatrix. I was just thinking that, if he really loves the acting part of his life, he should do more live plays. So many of the really good actors say that's what they enjoy the most anyway.
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't blame him. That travel schedule he describes sounds like hell on earth to me. But like others, I give him credit for not being a crybaby about it.
ReplyDeleteIt's still bizarre to me that he was married to Exene.
When you accept a job you should do the whole job, not just the part you like.
ReplyDeleteYes Viggo, just stay in bed all day, where you belong.
ReplyDeleteDon't be surprised if he doesn't quite acting but just movies. He might end up on the London or New York stage.
ReplyDeleteNooooooooooo! it's a bad news of the day!
ReplyDeletecaptivagrl said...
ReplyDeleteWhen you accept a job you should do the whole job, not just the part you like.
-bingo!
Now Jax, there's a big difference between being an actor and being a salesperson. Like someone said, he can just do stage work - that doesn't require a lot of promo. And he can put it in his contract that the media has to travel to him, not the other way around. I suppose there are losts of ways to handle this.
ReplyDeleteAs others have mentoned, he is an artiste. He would probably enjoy working on his music, paintings, and poetry....in bed of course.
ReplyDelete"When you accept a job you should do the whole job, not just the part you like."
ReplyDeleteYou guys will never make upper management - it's called "delegation." ;)
The entertainment industry is all about sales. That's how actors make millions from advertising because they are selling their brand.. it's also why they get paid big bucks because yes, the actual acting part is fun but the producers want to see them sell it once it's in the can. Movies are commodities and actors are the salesmen. I guess if he doesn't want that kind of deal, then he should stop doing it because it;s not going to change anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteI was a little thrown by the "I've done all these well received movies and it seems like I should be doing more" statement... Is he saying that to us or is he questioning it of himself?
Marnie. I'm sure what you meant is stay in YOUR bed all day long! Teehee. How about we alternate, you can have him every second day? For a guy in his 50's I have a strong belief that Viggo has stamina!
ReplyDeletei disagree, this is why actors are paid so much. your ass is theirs for 3months. you work for two months then do press for a month,big damn deal.
ReplyDeletei'm sorry, is that too hard for millions of dollars?
I vaguely recall a GQ interview about 5 years ago where Viggo basically said the same thing. So I'll believe it when he actually stops doing movies instead of just saying he's going to stop.
ReplyDeleteHe's just tired! He has incredible integrity and doesn't like to compromise. When the right project comes along, and he's recovered, he'll likely do it. You can count on not seeing him in garbage just to make money. Ahhh, Viggo...so lovely!
ReplyDelete