Talk:Viggo Mortensen

Language Skills & Background

I've never heard of anyone being "somewhat fluent" in a language before, example: "somewhat fluent in Norwegian"; you're either fluent or you're not. Personally I've never heard him speak Norwegian, only somewhat simplified Danish (replacing particular Danish words and numbers with more generally comprehensive words for Norwegians that don't understand Danish that well)

Also shouldn't his background appear before career highlights?Fcf1 08:38, 18 October 2006 (UTC)

In a sense, you can be considered "somewhat fluent" meaning you speak the langauge well, however, you're not extremely well off. I do understand what you are saying though, background should be before the rest. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by IronCrow (talk • contribs) 03:43, 31 January 2007 (UTC).

Don't know how citizenship (vide infra) relates to language... oh, background. Anyway, he learned Russian for Eastern Promises, well enough to pass for Russian from time to time in Russia. Source? Probably the Washington Post. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.49.77.67 (talk) 02:59, 11 February 2008 (UTC)

Viggo Mortensen can hold dual Danish and US citizenships legally. Danish law prohibits its citizens to hold any other passports but Danish and it will require a constitutional ammendment to allow dual citizenship, except when certain citizenships (examples: US, UK and Turkish) are "inherited" at birth.

you should sign your posts. Fleurbutterfly::semper fidelis:: 18:34, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

Photos

I think someone change the picture of Viggo to it just being him and not one of his characters.

Can we get rid of the schlub girl with the bad posture? Great dress but man, the worse posture ever. She looks like a friggen slob. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 12.47.15.38 (talk) 15:33, 11 December 2007 (UTC)

Jeese

He's looking more and more like a sickly man. There goes hotness. Right out the door.

You haven't seen him in person lately, apparently. Panclatter (talk) 21:40, 4 May 2008 (UTC)

Heritage

in the article, his mother is listed as "half Norwegian American"? presumably this means 1/2 Norwegian and 1/2 "American", except in the sense of being 1/2, "American" doesn't really mean anything.

Music

This article does not mention the musical career of Viggo Mortensen at all. He has recorded six albums with some other artists -- most notably Buckethead:

http://www.bingeandgrab.com/onemansmeat.html

http://www.bingeandgrab.com/thisthatandtheother.html

http://www.bingeandgrab.com/onelessthing.html

http://www.bingeandgrab.com/pandemonium.html

http://www.bingeandgrab.com/otherparade.html

http://www.bingeandgrab.com/pleasetomorrow.html

It might also be good to mention the conflict raised by his "controversial" political views and his role as Aragorn in the LOTR. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2004-01-12-commentary_x.htm)

The article this links to is obviously biased opinion and non-encylopedic. The link has been removed. - 4.157.71.119

The hockey thing I saw last night on ET Canada Tuesday 27 September 2005... don't know how to source in Wiki yet.

The article says "In 1992 Viggo went to Ireland during a break in shooting, without the consent of the production company, to watch Denmark play the semi-finals." What semi-finals? What sport? Ireland have never held any major football tournament so it can't be that. Must be talking about Euro 1992 which was held in Sweden. NB - glad to know about his 'political activism'. I'll be sure NOT to buy or watch any of his output in the future. Typical leftie luvvie nonsense. 88.105.114.97 19:11, 14 March 2006 (UTC)

Aragorn II

I suggest not calling Mortensen's 'most famous role' Aragorn II. Only a hard-core Tolkien fanatic is aware that it is Aragorn II; most others would simply call him Aragorn. --johnsemlak 17:25 15 March 2006 (UTC)

That makes a lot of sense. There's no need to specify "Aragorn II" except in articles about the fictional world of Middle-Earth. Aragorn II is a redirect to Aragorn anyway. —Josiah Rowe (talk • contribs) 02:13, 26 March 2006 (UTC)

Hard to me to belive THATs aragorn 0.o he has no long hair even —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.108.16.48 (talk) 08:05, 30 September 2007 (UTC)

Actual Date of the Viggo/Henry (Hank) reading

Joint reading was not March 2006, (maybe this date could be updated in the original Account) though many people converged on Venice, California, in the waning days of March from Europe and the US as well as local people and a few celebrities for the combined 220 seats available for both readings (110 at each reading with video feed into bookstore and the lobby).

The reading was called Three Fools for April, held at Beyond Baroque in Venice California.

This event was April 1, 2006. The first one was supposed to have started at 7:30 but was "fashionably late", making the second reading also late getting started. The third reader in the group was Scott Wannberg.

In January 2006, Mr. Mortensen had a joint art/photography show at Track 16 in Santa Monica with Georg Gundi, an Icelandic Artist.

And in February 2006 he was promoting his new Art book Linger and Linsey Brice's Photography book Supernatural, both books published by Perceval Press, at International Center for Photography (ICP) in New York City near Times Square.

Starting in September he will be actively promoting Alatriste.

Aragorn POV

The line about him being most well known for his role of Aragorn is absolutely POV, it isn't common sense. I'm not implying that I represent the majority or even minority of people, but I don't recognize Viggo Mortensen as being Aragorn. I more recognize him from GI Jane. Once again just so there's no confusion, I am not implying that I represent the majority or even minority of people. However, the statement you make is absolute POV. It may seem to you and your group of friends that Viggo is most remembered for his role in Lord of the Rings, but how is your opinion indicative of the entire population.

If you can get a credible source citing that Viggo Mortensen is most well known for his role in Lord of the Rings, I'm more than willing to let it stay but without a credible source, it is pure POV. If you do not respond within 3 days, I will revert your changes. Bubbleboys 18:10, 24 August 2006 (UTC)

Where to start? Well, for one thing, the vast difference between the receipts of the Lord of the Rings films (over $3 billion) and G.I. Jane (about $50 million) suggests that a lot of people saw The Lord of the Rings films who didn't see G.I. Jane. Of course, that's not definitive proof, so...

A Google search for "Viggo Mortensen "best known" Aragorn" provides a plethora of choices. The most credible source, I suppose is this bbc.co.uk article, which says, "If Stuart Townsend hadn't relinquished the role of Aragorn in Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Viggo Mortensen might be best known now for his performances in the likes of G.I. Jane, Daylight, and A Perfect Murder. Luckily for him his turn as oh-so-serious Aragorn have made him an unlikely star in his mid-40s." Also worth consideration is this self-described "approved fanlisting", which says "He is best known for his memorable role as Aragorn in The Lord of The Rings trilogy." If that's not sufficient, you could try this or this or this... and that's skipping the dozens of fan sites and fanlistings which identify him as best-known as Aragorn.

A similar Google search for "Viggo Mortensen "best known" G. I. Jane" provides far fewer useful links. The most reliable-looking is the cover text from his book Recent Forgeries and the associated gallery showing — which happened in 1998, before Lord of the Rings began filming. I did find one blog saying that he's best known for his role as the Master Chief in G.I. Jane: but the consensus among the replies to that blog entry was that the author was joking. Another BBC news story identifies him as "previously best known for his role as a tough, poetry-spouting naval officer in GI Jane". I think it's fair to say that before the Lord of the Rings films, he might have been best known for his G.I. Jane role, but The Lord of the Rings has eclipsed that.

If you insist, I can put one of these (dozens of!) citations in the article, but I still maintain that "best known for his role as Aragorn" is common sense and doesn't need citation. If you still disagree, we can open the discussion up to the other editors of this page to see what the consensus is, or get a third opinion if discussion isn't forthcoming. —Josiah Rowe (talk • contribs) 19:03, 24 August 2006 (UTC)

One more thought: you seem to acknowledge that the opinion that Mortensen is best known for his role in G.I. Jane doesn't reflect a majority or significant minority. WP:NPOV#Undue weight says "Articles that compare views need not give minority views as much or as detailed a description as more popular views, and may not include tiny-minority views at all." I think the question is whether the perspective you suggest is that of a significant minority (in which case it could be mentioned in the article's body) or that of a tiny minority (in which case it shouldn't be mentioned at all). Either way, I think the opinion isn't widespread enough to merit exclusion of "best-known as Aragorn" from the lead. —Josiah Rowe (talk • contribs) 19:14, 24 August 2006 (UTC)

I see your point Josiah and it seems that he is more well known for his role as Aragorn, enough so that it warrants placement in the article. Earlier you mentioned that he was previously best know for his role as a tough... Maybe get that in there. I'll add in that part about being previous best known as the Master Chief from GI Jane. Sound good? Bubbleboys 22:02, 25 August 2006 (UTC)

Could you please add in the citation (this one Another BBC news story). I still don't know how to add citations after all this time. *sheepish* Bubbleboys 22:03, 25 August 2006 (UTC)

Done. I reworded your addition slightly, too. —Josiah Rowe (talk • contribs) 22:47, 26 August 2006 (UTC)

Well I can reconize him better from History OfVoilence, but his best known role is Aragorn. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.232.15.148 (talk) 06:57, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

Picture caption

The world premiere of Fellowship was not in Wellington. I don't remember where it was, but only Return of the King had its world premiere in Wellington. I do not know where or when the picture was taken, so I have just removed most of the caption.

--> what's with the picture caption claiming he was charged with rape and child abuse???

(Gyles) I saw this and Googled/Yahoo! to check truth of claim as I had heard nothing of this on news. There were no cuhc charges. I looked at source and source said "Viggo Mortensen at a premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, December 1, 2003" but the http:// page said the stuff about molestation charges. I didn't think to clear cache (until I write this)in case issue was caused by cached page at ISP but deleted the caption in its entirity and saved the page. This re-set the http:// to no caption. I then pasted in above HTTP and saved again. Page now displays correctly.

Err

So the infobox states that he was born in New York, while the introduction grammatically impaired states that he was first born in Argentina, then in Denmark. What's it gonna be? --Joffeloff 17:05, 19 March 2007 (UTC)

Lutheran

Given his heritage, I have no doubt that it is true; however, lacking a citation (or even mention of it in the article), I am removing Mortensen from the Lutherans category. -- Pastordavid 16:12, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Which "Watertown"

The text says, "...where Viggo graduated from Watertown High School."

But the "Watertown High School" link takes one to a disambiguation page - not very satisfying! Mike (talk) 14:07, 19 November 2007 (UTC)

Singing

What about adding details about him being able to sing?! I think he can unless he was dubbed in LOTR. Gaia Octavia Agrippa (talk) 19:47, 19 November 2007 (UTC)

He can sing, but not well. Nobisdom (talk) 05:06, 18 January 2008 (UTC)

it's just sad that the Aragorn in the movie does not sing alot, the Aragorn in the book does (sing alot, alongside Legolas). Maybe that could've showcased his(VM) voice more. Fleurbutterfly::semper fidelis:: 18:52, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

Good

Anybody got some details to add for Good (film)? I am too far lazy for that kind of thing. Nobisdom (talk) 05:06, 18 January 2008 (UTC)

Perceval

I am also too lazy damned to edit more on Perceval Press. Why do not some of you go over there and make it better? Nobisdom (talk) 05:10, 18 January 2008 (UTC)

I helped you. Panclatter (talk) 21:40, 4 May 2008 (UTC)

Biography Error?

Sorry if this has already been discussed (though I don't see it anywhere), but I've never read anywhere that Viggo is married nor that he's involved in a relationship with a "Cassandra F". And there's no citation to support this. Shouldn't there be a citation to support this under the Biography section? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.139.204.5 (talk) 04:34, 6 March 2008 (UTC)

To the best of my knowledge, Mr. Mortensen is not currently married. See Spouse Samantha Caughey (1997-present). His divorce from Exene Cervenka was not finalized until 1998. I believe this is an error. user talk: 1:35 3 june 2008 unsigned —Preceding unsigned comment added by HPHOV (talk • contribs) 17:38, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Photo

Would it be possible to get another photo as the main one? The one there now looks horrid, as if he is some kind of mental defective. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 58.106.104.77 (talk) 16:14, 2 May 2008 (UTC)

That beard photo is wretched. There must be something better in the library. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Panclatter (talk • contribs) 21:27, 4 May 2008 (UTC)

I changed it back. Maybe if I can get him to sit still long enough I can get a decent current photo on here. Wish me luck. Panclatter (talk) 21:40, 4 May 2008 (UTC)

That picture scares me too, I used this one instead, if nobody minds. It's much more appealing. - PietervHuis (talk) 19:37, 15 May 2008 (UTC)

Viggo looks great w/ his beard and evrything in LOTR. Fleurbutterfly::semper fidelis:: 18:59, 20 May 2008 (UTC)

I've uploaded these pics: Image:Viggo-Mortensen-Photos-009.jpg, Image:Viggo-Mortensen-Photos-012.jpg, Image:Viggo-Mortensen-Photos-014.jpg, Image:Viggo-Mortensen-Photos-022.jpg and Image:Viggo-Mortensen-Photos-024.jpg. He looks weird in the current one. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Bbrnbrwn (talk • contribs) 17:59, 14 August 2008 (UTC)

Perceval Press deletion?

Can someone explain to me how it is possible for Perceval Press to have had its article deleted? It was speedy deleted from what I can see here. Surely this is the work of those who oppose Viggo's political views, correct? After all, how can there possibly be any question of notability with dozens of press write ups in print and online, 25,000+ Google references (without Wikipedia links) and the mere fact that the press and much of the work belongs to Mortensen himself, one of the most famous people in the world and a very respected figure in the art world? It sounds very suspicious. I will be restoring the article and it will reappear as Perceval Press.

Unfortunately, I do not have the time to do all the research required to make the article stronger than the few sentences I have here. Can some of you get over there and strengthen the article with verifiable references until I get the chance to do so? Thank you. Panclatter (talk) 22:52, 28 July 2008 (UTC)

Is he Gay?

There have been rumors of Mortenson being gay. Is he or not? Is there any proof? Twitterpated. (talk) 22:11, 1 September 2008 (UTC)

No that's just a rumour, there is not proof that he is gay, he has a son, and has had several girlfriends over the years. —Preceding unsigned comment added by CF2008 (talk • contribs) 20:44, 19 October 2008 (UTC)

Total speculation but it is possible he could be Bi. However, there is certainly no room for (admittedly rather hopeful) speculation on subjects like this. I can understand where the rumours would come from though.--188.220.185.92 (talk) 05:21, 2 March 2010 (UTC)

Roger Ebert's comments on Eastern Promises

In the acting section someone has written:
"His nude fight scene in a steam room, wherein his genitals were visible on screen for a full seven minutes, was applauded by Roger Ebert: "Years from now, it will be referred to as a benchmark.""

If you look check the review, there is no mention of male nudity or the steam room fight scene specifically. Ebert was actually writing about all the fight scenes in the film. Also, where did seven minutes come from? Is that original research?
Dpschanen (talk) 22:28, 9 March 2010 (UTC)

Biography info?

His biography section is written strangely: "He chose that subject because he could get good grades without a lot of study, leaving him free to be in a lot of plays." Not only is there no suggestion of a source, it's rather childishly written and kind of degrading. I'd be mad if someone wrote that about me. Fernie B (talk) 13:11, 25 May 2010 (UTC)

Nationality

According to several Danish media Viggo Mortensen has a Danish citizenship. Danish law does not prohibit dual citizenship in all cases. The reasoning about when he became notable is not coherent since other famous Danes like Connie Nielsen or Lars Ulrich, who has dual Danish-American citizenship, is not cited as Americans on Wikipedia. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.184.14.161 (talk) 22:51, 7 November 2010 (UTC)

There's been some pseudo-edit war going on for a while between IPs and other editors concerning the Danish-American vs. American only nationality in the first sentence of the lead section. The "Danish" has frequently been added by an IP only to be removed by established editors. But with Mortensen's father being Danish, I could imagine a dual citizenship or we could at least leave the word in there in terms of his heritage. De728631 (talk) 10:43, 22 July 2010 (UTC)

We don't say that someone is Danish, because a parent is, he's American, if both his parents were Danish and he has American citizenship he would be just American. And if he has dual citizenship, which is not possible since Denmark prohibits dual citizenship, then it would need a source. _Xeworlebi ^(talk) 11:04, 22 July 2010 (UTC)

I'm fine with that. Only in Denmark it seems to be, and e.g. in Germany it is common use, to refer to someone with parents of different nationalities as "Danish-American", regardless of the person's own citizenship. So that's where the IPs might come from. De728631 (talk) 17:38, 23 July 2010 (UTC)

As there's a new surge of IP edits introducing Danish nationality I'd like to hint at the fact that dual citizenship is not entirely ruled out by Danish law: "...persons born in the USA or Canada by Danish parents also acquire US or Canadian nationality at birth on the basis of the so-called territorial principle.". So Mortensen with a Danish father is a Danish and a US citizen. De728631 (talk) 19:25, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Danish citizen or not, MOS:BIO states that we should not emphasize on these things in the lead, so it should simply say "American" since that's what he was and where he lived when he became notable. Nymf _hideliho! 20:03, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

It seems you read the paragraph on ethnicity, but MOS:BIO says also: "In most modern-day cases this will mean the country of which the person is a citizen or national, or was a citizen when the person became notable." So there you have nationality which is explicitely supported by MOS. De728631 (talk) 18:18, 18 October 2010 (UTC)

But he didn't live in Denmark when he became notable; he lived in he U.S. If he self-identifies as Danish-American, then you could probably mention it. This is generally how the guideline is intepreted on most biographies. Nymf _hideliho! 18:42, 18 October 2010 (UTC)

Having grown up and later also worked in DK he apparently does identify himself as partly Danish ("Viggo also makes time to get over to Denmark regularly...", "These days, Mortensen lives between New York, Denmark and a ranch in Idaho where he keeps horses."). De728631 (talk) 19:01, 18 October 2010 (UTC)

He could self-identify as partly Danish, but that doesn't mean he has Danish citizenship. If he does, that's what effects the intro. All Hallow's Wraith (talk) 01:02, 30 November 2010 (UTC)

I found a book that states that he does retain Danish citizenship. De728631 (talk) 16:03, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Venezuela?

It currently states he moved to Venezuela, Denmark.

There is no such thing, anyone got correct information for early life section? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 192.92.94.23 (talk) 15:15, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

I believe it means the countries – as in they moved first to Venezuela, then to Denmark, and after that to Argentina. ♥Nici♥Vampire♥Heart♥ 14:05, 12 August 2010 (UTC)

Related to Monroe?

Is he related to Marilyn Monroe at all? Just same surname and rather unusual one... wondered if his family was connected?