Wow.  What a guy.  You know, I’ve always admired Viggo Mortensen as an actor, and I do think he makes a wonderful Aragorn, but in terms of crushes I was always more of a Faramir sort of gal.  Until now…  Mortensen is charming, funny, humble, laid back, erudite, fascinating – oh, and did I mention, very handsome?  During the various events at the Coolidge Theatre, Mortensen showed himself to be worthy of every bit of praise you’ve ever read about him.  The internet is buzzing with excitement following his appearances in Boston; and here at TORn we’ll be bringing you a three-part report on all the fun.  (This is a man who has A LOT to say!)  Meanwhile, here’s a video of the moment when he actually received the award (the best I could get in a crowded room of excited folks!)


True to his easy-going form, at the moment of accepting the award he cracks a joke.  He also, having graciously accepted the honorarium cheque which went with the award, asked the Coolidge if they would receive it back; as he put it, having told the audience how important it is to support independent movie houses such as the Coolidge, he wanted to ‘put my money where my mouth is’.

A couple of other highlights from the events:

Following the press Q&A, as he left the stage, he paused, looked at the huge ‘Viggo Mortensen’ image on the screen behind him, and said, ‘You spelled my name wrong…’  There was a horrified moment as the organisers checked in panic – then he smiled, ‘No, just kidding….’

When asked if he got to keep the Armani suits he wears in Eastern Promises, he replied that he did keep the blood-red tie and double-breasted suit, and wore them to the movie’s premiere – but, ‘I’m not usually a suit person…  You’re lucky I’m wearing shoes!’

At the end of the evening event, as we applauded him, Mortensen stood and applauded us; and several times during the day he mentioned how, without Lord of the Rings, he might not have got to meet us all.  He certainly has a way about him which makes you feel that he cares about everyone, cares about how he interacts with you and how he makes you feel.  And I think he genuinely does.  Like I said, what a guy…  Watch this space for more details of all he had to say!