Ask Viggo Mortensen

You've done several genres and made them all into interesting character studies.Is there one that you really feel at home in and would like to revisit?

I am such a huge fan! I really love your work and think you would be great in any historical epic. Is there any historical figure (war hero, artist, philosopher, etc.) that you would love to portray someday?

Will you marry me?

What language that you and Liv Tyler who played your lover in " Lord Of The Rings" were speaking in the movie?

Though I would expect you to consider yourself a world citizen first and foremost (am I right that?) Do you think your insights to Danish culture and 'mind-set' of 'northern Europe' helped you in preparing for this role and in your interpretation? And if you have drawn a deeper understanding on how (all!) humans are capable of gruesome brutality and denial in the interest of self-preservation and waves of nationalism through the production of this movie can you share your thoughts?

If they make another Lord of the Rings Movie, will you be in it?

As an accomplished actor, painter, publisher,and photographer- where will your talents run next?

Why do movies take so long to make? Not the panoramic ones like D Day or Cleoparta, but just garden variety ones that are largely "in studio" 12 Angry Men types. Often you will see a scene with a short line then the next line is from another point of view with the actors in the same clothes and sweat and blood. I understand stunts or large scenes requiring many takes and lots of time between takes, but why so long for less extravagant movies?

In Eastern Promises, you seemed to have done a great deal of research on the Russian Mafia, their tattoos etc. Do you feel the curiosity and urge to do that kind of in depth research with everything you do, in film and in your own life...if so any examples of projects or interests of yours?

Mr. Mortensen, What would be your favorite part in any film? Could you say what part you especially enjoyed playing in your previous films? Maybe each film is your favorite at the time.
I try to catch any film you have a part in because I consider you such a good actor that you totally seem to lose yourself in the character. Thank you for your time (or your agent's) ha! I subscribe to TIME Magazine so I look forward to reading what you have to say. Just one more question, do you personally pick your parts as they're offered or does an agent pick them for you to consider? Ddon't really need to know this, I just wondered.

In Eastern Promises, you seemed to have done a great deal of research on the Russian Mafia, their tattoos etc. Do you feel the curiosity and urge to do that kind of in depth research with everything you do, in film and in your own life...if so any examples of projects or interests of yours?

Mr Mortensen,

Out of all the actors and directors you've worked with, who has most impressed you?

Hi, Viggo! In what way has being a part of the Lord of the Rings films influenced you? Did it effect your career, and if so, in what way?

You once said in an interview, that you had a certain antipathy against the German language, but still learned at least some phrases for the movie. Did that position change during the research and making of "Good" and how good is your German?

How do you like "agents"?

Is it true that at one time you were married to Xene Cervenka from the LA based band "X"? How did you meet, did your worlds intertwine through your love of Art & Music?

How is TJ? Do you get to spend much time with him?

How long does it take to learn the dialogue in a movie? Marlon Brando said he used to tape cue cards all around the scene he was in which, in effect, made him seem like he was really emoting in the scene, while actually, he either had a bad memory or was lazy. You seem to have a lot of dialogue in any film you are in - you appear in most scenes of your movies. How do you remember it all, considering the numerous films you do - plus so many of your charcters have varying languages. Is it a great work ethic, or a photographic memory? At any rate, you amaze me. Thank you.

I'm really looking forward to seeing Good and The Road. What would you consider to be your most challenging role up to now?

Your character " Lalin" in Brian De Palma's "Carlito's Way" only has a small role but my friends and I quote your lines almost on a daily basis. Any future plans to work wiith De Palma again?

What kind of roles have you turned down in the past 6 or so years? You seem to take very serious movie roles (dark, dangerous) and I wonder if you've been offered any comedic roles or romantic comedies (though I can't see you in the latter!)

Hi. Mr. Viggo will there be a Lord of the rings IV?

I admire your acting because it is based in the truth of human complexity. Nothing is black and white with your characters. You know how to show the subtle gray areas where a person can get lost or trapped. The movie "Good" shows us how one man's compromises and choices lead him down a path of terrible consequenses. What compromises or choices have you made in your own life that led to consequenses that you regret, and how did they feed into your development of the John Halder character?

Some of the questions asked in this forum are incredibly dumb. What would be the question that you have been waiting for to be asked?

Do you metally prepare differently for an action role (LOTR) vs a more dramatic role (28 Days)?