Viggo Mortensen pauses a lot when speaking. It’s not that he doesn’t know what to say in answer to a question, it’s that he wants to convey exactly what he means, so he takes the time to choose his words carefully. When asked whether he was worried about comparisons between his work in “Eastern Promises,” which was released on DVD Tuesday, and his role in “A History of Violence” (also made with director David Cronenberg) he says the major difference between his two characters is that in “Eastern Promises,” “my character is quite clear on who he is and what he is attempting to do, what he is sacrificing, what’s at stake. Mortensen oozes intensity

Aragorn Premium FormatWe mentioned last week that Sideshow Collectibles had previewed their latest Lord of the Rings Premium Format Figure – Aragorn. Well, as expected, this week they have started taking pre-orders for the exclusive edition of this figure. The exclusive, only available online via the SideshowCollectibles.com website, features an alternate interchangeable left hand clutching Aragorn’s hunting knife. We don’t expect the exclusive to last long, so if you are interested, jump on over to Sideshow’s website and place your pre-order. (Just a tip from us collectors – you don’t actually pay for the piece until it ships!) [Aragorn Premium Format Figure]

Aragorn Premium Format from Sideshow CollectiblesSideshow Collectibles have announced the latest addition to their Lord of the Rings Premium Format figure line-up: Aragorn! While the piece is only being teased this week, from the looks of the sculpting, it looks to be one of the best to date. We expect this item to have an exclusive version (only available on the web) and pre-order next Thursday, Dec 27th at SideshowCollectibles.com. As always, if you would like to support TORn, please use our links to place your pre-order next week. [View the Preview] [Other LOTR Items]

Golden Globes Coverage The Golden Globe nominees were announced earlier this week, Garfeimao sends along the list of LOTR alums who earned a nomination!

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
CATE BLANCHETT – ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
VIGGO MORTENSEN – EASTERN PROMISES

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
CATE BLANCHETT – I’M NOT THERE

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOVIE
ANDY SERKIS – LONGFORD

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
HOWARD SHORE – EASTERN PROMISES

Viggo, Gillespie Speak at Screenings Back Stage and The Hollywood Reporter continued their Evening With series of screenings and cast-and-crew discussions last week with Eastern Promises and Lars and the Real Girl. On Dec. 6, Viggo Mortensen sat down with Back Stage National Film & TV Editor Jenelle Riley for a Q&A following the screening of Eastern Promises at the Laemmle Sunset 5 in West Hollywood, Calif. David Cronenberg’s film, set in London, tells the story of a Russian man (Mortensen) caught in a moral quandary between honoring his loyalty to his organized-crime family and his desire to help an innocent woman (Naomi Watts). Viggo, Gillespie Speak at Screenings

Viggo Mortensen Interview Long time TORN Reader Thea writes: Greetings friends and family and hope you’re all having a great holiday season. I have new interviews up at Awards Daily, the first is Viggo Mortensen–probably for me personally this is the coolest interview I’ve done for the site, since I’m such an intense/obsessive/crazed “Lord of the Rings Fan.” You can read it here.