A Better Aragorn?

wgroeller · 12-30-2001, 11:07 PM

Now I am not saying that the actor who portrayed Aragorn did a bad job --- he was fine. I just thought that he was too young, way too young for the role. He was supposed to be in his eighties (!)

I would have cast LIAM NEESON (Qui Gon Jinn, The Phantom Menace) as Aragorn, wouldn't he have been perfect?

Ñólendil · 12-30-2001, 11:16 PM

Is he the one who played Obi Wan? Yeah, he may have been a good choice. I like PJ's Aragorn though. I don't think he was too young for the role, Aragorn was a Dúnadan of full blood, 80 isn't very old for that sort. I seem to remember a passage that says Aragorn had a little grey in his hair (I'm not sure), but definitely looked younger than he was. Heck, Frodo was 50 in the book (= to about 35 for us), but Elijah Wood's still a good choice. He still looked 33 (18-21 for us), because of the Ring.

emplynx · 12-30-2001, 11:52 PM

From The Lord of the Rings Official Movie Guide

Quote:

For Viggo Mortensen, the invitation to play the crucial central human character of Aragorn came only after filming had begun. Stuart Townsend, the Irish actor who starred in the 1997 film Shooting Fish, had been cast in the role, but "creative differences" between actor and director had resulted in a last-minutte decision to recast."

Never seen Stuart Townsend in a movie. Would he have done any good? I sounds like him and PJ had a fight.

***IronParrot*** · 12-31-2001, 02:40 AM

No, it was an "agreement" for him to leave, though he later regretted it.

Ironically, Townsend was booted because he was too young.

bropous · 12-31-2001, 12:18 PM

Nope, never heard of nor have seen Mr. Townsend.

However, to me, Viggo Mortensen IS Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Beautifully subdued acting, not overdone, not overly haughty, sorta distant and not fully sure of himself at the beginning, he "moves into the skin" of the developing Elessar by the end of the film, especially when he says, "Let's go hunt some Orc".

I thought he and Sean Bean complemented each other's character so beautifully. I saw quiet courage, steely resolve, and deep ethical makeup in his bearing. He was just as I had imagined Strider/Aragorn/Elessar. I can't wait to see more! Just makes me sad that Boromir is gone and Mr. Sean Bean is finished in the films. Of course, my grief is nowhere near that of Denethor's....

Just my humble, hobbitish opinion.

Miriel Stormrider · 12-31-2001, 08:17 PM

I thought Aragorn was excellently done. When I saw pictures of Viggo before the movie, I thought there was no way he could "become" Aragorn for me, because he just didn't look the role, but he was flawless. (To be honest, what I mean by "role" is really just my personal, and now previous, conception of him.)

During the movie, I was surprised and offended at first by his insecurities about his place, his destiny, or how ever you say it. But upon reflection, I find that this makes him much more human, approchable, and believeable. It makes his less "distant." It has been I while since I read the books, but from what I remember he did not appear to have any weaknesses, which made him a bit difficult to really relate to. He was a very high, lofty person in the books, and he still has a bit of that in the movie, but he is also very clearly a man, and still exists on that level. ( Not to mention the fact that he's really cute.) Of course, he was an incredible character in the books, please don't get me wrong.

I liked the way the relationship between Boromir and Aragorn evolved. At the council, when Boromir was his proudest and Aragorn was the most insecure, they didn't hit it off at all. But at Boromir's death, when he is most humble, and when Aragorn is really beginning to accept who he is, well... Man, was that was a good scene.

Inoldonil, have you ever even seen "The Phantom Menace"? Liam Neeson was Qui-Gon Jinn; it was Ewan McGregor who was Obi-Wan Kenobi. Sheesh.

Gorhiriel · 03-11-2002, 08:33 PM

You could not have cast anyoneelse. Viggo Mortensen is perfect. I've seenhim twice before (in American Yazuka and GI Jane) and he was brill. Just perfect

***anduin*** · 03-11-2002, 08:52 PM

Everyone here has probably seen Townsend. He is starring in The Queen of the Damned as Vampire Lestat. The preview for the movie was attached to LOTR.

markedel · 03-11-2002, 09:03 PM

I disagree. Aragorn is supposed to be perfect. He may have apprehension about what will happen, but not his role in the war. He is above ordinary mortals as he isn't one.

Elvet · 03-11-2002, 09:22 PM

Its hard to picture anyone else as Aragorn. Viggo does a fine job of portraying his insecurity about his heritage. I'm sure we're all in for a treat in the next movies to watch him blossom into a warrior and a king.
But if I could pick someone else, how about Johnny Depp?

Aragorns Dimple · 03-12-2002, 09:01 AM

I read somewhere that Stuart Townsend had actually told PJ that he wasn't right for the role, that he was too young, and that they should find a more mature actor to play Aragorn. Either that or his Agent had just called him and offered him the part in the Vampire flick which was filming only a few short miles away....

Viggo was superb as A, although Sean Bean's acting was positively inspirational as Boromir, and I think he would have made a terrific kick-arse King also, had he played that role.

I also think Danny Bonaducci would have made a fine Hobbit, even if it was typecasting =(^o^)=

StrawberryIcecream · 03-12-2002, 01:02 PM

I think he did a great job!

He really made the role come to life and I found myself thinking, that with all the brilliant actors, it seemed soooo real. I think all the choices were superb even Liv Tyler!

And Celeborn! God bless Peter Jackson and his casting directors! aaaaahhhh!

Ararax · 03-12-2002, 01:08 PM

yea i think that sean bean was incredible he should have gotten an oscar for his role which was harder then anyother characters

Liviaine · 03-12-2002, 09:41 PM

I agree. If anyone would have gotten nominated for an award, it would have been Ian McKellen (who did), Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, and Sean Bean.

***Khamûl*** · 03-12-2002, 10:54 PM

I think the casting was excellent. Viggo IS Aragorn. I also like Orlando Bloom as Legolas. I didn't think too much of him in the books, but now he is one of the cooler characters. He was so amazing with that bow. (anyway, I'm rambling) Ian McKellen is a killer Gandalf, and Christopher Lee has the great voice to be Saruman. When I first heard Elijah Wood was Frodo, my first reaction was WHAT?! Then, I saw the movie and he does a great job. I also didn't picture that Agent dude from The Matrix as Elrond, but I was pleasantly surprised. I don't think that they could come up with a better cast.

TinuvielChild · 03-13-2002, 10:44 PM

ok, i just can't believe that at first Viggo didn't want to play Aragorn!!! but yes, viggo is definitely the perfect person to play aragorn! yeah, that was random and a repeat of what everyone else has said so far, but who cares?

jerseydevil · 03-14-2002, 02:45 AM

Viggo did a good job as Aragorn with what he was given. I just didn't like how Jackson screwed with his character and made him running away instead of biding his time for his destiny. I felt Jackson made Aragorn too weak.

Gerbil · 03-14-2002, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Elvet
Its hard to picture anyone else as Aragorn. Viggo does a fine job of portraying his insecurity about his heritage.

Have you read the book?
Aragorn is never insecure about his heritage - this is a completely new addition by PJ.
Much as I love the film, it's accuracy in several places is questionable.
If you want more details, just read any of JerseyDevil's posts

barrelrider110 · 03-14-2002, 03:32 PM

In TTT Aragorn is unsure about his choices as leader of the Fellowship, and expresses his doubts. He was not insecure about his heritage. He had 20/20 hindsight, and was kicking himself for what he thought at the time were wrong choices. We see that he is humble. We don't see this all-too-human side in the first book FOTR. Remember, Tolkien wrote one book, Jackson is making three movies. Jackson needed to completely develop Aragorn's character in the first movie. No, I don't think Aragorn's character came off wimpy, just humble.

Quote:

I would have cast LIAM NEESON (Qui Gon Jinn, The Phantom Menace) as Aragorn, wouldn't he have been perfect?

Leeam Neeson's physical characteristics are closer to my mind's eye picture of Aragorn, but Viggo Mortensen's Aragorn was superb. I don't know if anyone else would have done better.

Gerbil · 03-14-2002, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by barrelrider110
[B]No, I don't think Aragorn's character came off wimpy, just humble.

You mean aside from Elrond telling us explicitly he 'turned from that path, he has chosen exile' and Arwen going on about him not being Isildur, and Aragorn replying that the same blood flows in his veins, the same weakness?

12-30-2001, 11:07 PM	#1
wgroeller Sapling Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Livonia, MI Posts: 1	A Better Aragorn? Now I am not saying that the actor who portrayed Aragorn did a bad job --- he was fine. I just thought that he was too young, way too young for the role. He was supposed to be in his eighties (!) I would have cast LIAM NEESON (Qui Gon Jinn, The Phantom Menace) as Aragorn, wouldn't he have been perfect? Last edited by wgroeller : 12-30-2001 at 11:30 PM.

12-30-2001, 11:16 PM	#2
Ñólendil Elf Lord Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: California Posts: 60,865	Is he the one who played Obi Wan? Yeah, he may have been a good choice. I like PJ's Aragorn though. I don't think he was too young for the role, Aragorn was a Dúnadan of full blood, 80 isn't very old for that sort. I seem to remember a passage that says Aragorn had a little grey in his hair (I'm not sure), but definitely looked younger than he was. Heck, Frodo was 50 in the book (= to about 35 for us), but Elijah Wood's still a good choice. He still looked 33 (18-21 for us), because of the Ring. __________________ Falmon -- Dylan

12-31-2001, 02:40 AM	#4
*IronParrot* Fowl Administrator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Calgary or Edmonton, Canada Posts: 53,420	No, it was an "agreement" for him to leave, though he later regretted it. Ironically, Townsend was booted because he was too young. __________________ All of IronParrot's posts are guaranteed to be 100% intelligent and/or sarcastic, comprising no genetically modified content and tested on no cute furry little animals unless the SPCA is looking elsewhere. If you observe a failure to uphold this warranty, please contact a forum administrator immediately to receive a full refund on your Entmoot registration. Blog: Nick's Café Canadien

12-31-2001, 12:18 PM	#5
bropous EIDRIORCQWSDAKLMED DCWWTIWOATTOPWFIO Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Littleton, CO Posts: 1,176	Nope, never heard of nor have seen Mr. Townsend. However, to me, Viggo Mortensen IS Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Beautifully subdued acting, not overdone, not overly haughty, sorta distant and not fully sure of himself at the beginning, he "moves into the skin" of the developing Elessar by the end of the film, especially when he says, "Let's go hunt some Orc". I thought he and Sean Bean complemented each other's character so beautifully. I saw quiet courage, steely resolve, and deep ethical makeup in his bearing. He was just as I had imagined Strider/Aragorn/Elessar. I can't wait to see more! Just makes me sad that Boromir is gone and Mr. Sean Bean is finished in the films. Of course, my grief is nowhere near that of Denethor's.... Just my humble, hobbitish opinion. __________________ "...[The Lord of the Rings] is to exemplify most clearly a recurrent theme: the place in 'world politics' of the unforeseen and unforeseeable acts of will, and deeds of virtue of the apparently small, ungreat, fogotten in the places of the Wise and Great (good as well as evil). A moral of the whole (after the primary symbolism of the Ring, as the will to mere power, seeking to make itself objective by physical force and mechanism, and so also inevitably by lies) is the obvious one that without the high and noble the simple and vulgar is utterly mean; and without the simple and ordinary the noble and heroic is meaningless." Letters of JRR Tolkien, page 160.

12-31-2001, 08:17 PM	#6
Miriel Stormrider Enting Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: sigh Not Middle-Earth :...( Posts: 59	I thought Aragorn was excellently done. When I saw pictures of Viggo before the movie, I thought there was no way he could "become" Aragorn for me, because he just didn't look the role, but he was flawless. (To be honest, what I mean by "role" is really just my personal, and now previous, conception of him.) During the movie, I was surprised and offended at first by his insecurities about his place, his destiny, or how ever you say it. But upon reflection, I find that this makes him much more human, approchable, and believeable. It makes his less "distant." It has been I while since I read the books, but from what I remember he did not appear to have any weaknesses, which made him a bit difficult to really relate to. He was a very high, lofty person in the books, and he still has a bit of that in the movie, but he is also very clearly a man, and still exists on that level. ( Not to mention the fact that he's really cute.) Of course, he was an incredible character in the books, please don't get me wrong. I liked the way the relationship between Boromir and Aragorn evolved. At the council, when Boromir was his proudest and Aragorn was the most insecure, they didn't hit it off at all. But at Boromir's death, when he is most humble, and when Aragorn is really beginning to accept who he is, well... Man, was that was a good scene. Inoldonil, have you ever even seen "The Phantom Menace"? Liam Neeson was Qui-Gon Jinn; it was Ewan McGregor who was Obi-Wan Kenobi. Sheesh. __________________ Chants We Love Entmoot, Yes We Do! Please Get Rid of Black and Blue! ~ Miriel ~ Last edited by Miriel Stormrider : 12-31-2001 at 08:22 PM.

03-11-2002, 08:33 PM	#7
Gorhiriel Elven Warrior Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mirkwood Posts: 112	Aragorn. You could not have cast anyoneelse. Viggo Mortensen is perfect. I've seenhim twice before (in American Yazuka and GI Jane) and he was brill. Just perfect __________________ Do not mess with me, or I will call my dragons and Destroy You All!!! BOROMIR LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "And anon shall I Sail into the West: with the setting sun I shall remove my light from this world..."

03-11-2002, 08:52 PM	#8
*anduin* Entwife Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: louisville Posts: 3,718	Everyone here has probably seen Townsend. He is starring in The Queen of the Damned as Vampire Lestat. The preview for the movie was attached to LOTR.

03-11-2002, 09:03 PM	#9
markedel 'Sober' Mullet Frosh Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Queen's Posts: 1,245	I disagree. Aragorn is supposed to be perfect. He may have apprehension about what will happen, but not his role in the war. He is above ordinary mortals as he isn't one. __________________ "Earnur was a man like his father in valour, but not in wisdom"

03-11-2002, 09:22 PM	#10
Elvet Elven Warrior Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Orillia, Ontario Posts: 221	Its hard to picture anyone else as Aragorn. Viggo does a fine job of portraying his insecurity about his heritage. I'm sure we're all in for a treat in the next movies to watch him blossom into a warrior and a king. But if I could pick someone else, how about Johnny Depp? __________________ "But do not despise the lore that has come down from distant years; for oft it may chance that old wives keep in memory word of things that once were needful for the wise to know."

03-12-2002, 09:01 AM	#11
Aragorns Dimple Enting Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: On Viggo's Chin Posts: 77	I read somewhere that Stuart Townsend had actually told PJ that he wasn't right for the role, that he was too young, and that they should find a more mature actor to play Aragorn. Either that or his Agent had just called him and offered him the part in the Vampire flick which was filming only a few short miles away.... Viggo was superb as A, although Sean Bean's acting was positively inspirational as Boromir, and I think he would have made a terrific kick-arse King also, had he played that role. I also think Danny Bonaducci would have made a fine Hobbit, even if it was typecasting =(^o^)= __________________ "Is it nice, my preciousss? Is it juicy? Is it scrumptiously crunchable?" - Gollum

03-12-2002, 01:02 PM	#12
StrawberryIcecream Elf Lord Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: In my jeans Posts: 915	I think he did a great job! He really made the role come to life and I found myself thinking, that with all the brilliant actors, it seemed soooo real. I think all the choices were superb even Liv Tyler! And Celeborn! God bless Peter Jackson and his casting directors! aaaaahhhh! __________________ www.foolofatook.com for all you pippin's out there.

03-12-2002, 01:08 PM	#13
Ararax Elven Warrior Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NEW JERSEY! Posts: 375	yea i think that sean bean was incredible he should have gotten an oscar for his role which was harder then anyother characters __________________ Woah Deep

03-12-2002, 09:41 PM	#14
Liviaine Elven Warrior Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithilien Posts: 203	I agree. If anyone would have gotten nominated for an award, it would have been Ian McKellen (who did), Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, and Sean Bean.

03-12-2002, 10:54 PM	#15
*Khamûl* Slacker Warrior Admin Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,759	I think the casting was excellent. Viggo IS Aragorn. I also like Orlando Bloom as Legolas. I didn't think too much of him in the books, but now he is one of the cooler characters. He was so amazing with that bow. (anyway, I'm rambling) Ian McKellen is a killer Gandalf, and Christopher Lee has the great voice to be Saruman. When I first heard Elijah Wood was Frodo, my first reaction was WHAT?! Then, I saw the movie and he does a great job. I also didn't picture that Agent dude from The Matrix as Elrond, but I was pleasantly surprised. I don't think that they could come up with a better cast. __________________ "If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you." Gandalf to Pippin Psalm 107:31

03-13-2002, 10:44 PM	#16
TinuvielChild Padawan Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The Barony of Carolingia Posts: 2,176	ok, i just can't believe that at first Viggo didn't want to play Aragorn!!! but yes, viggo is definitely the perfect person to play aragorn! yeah, that was random and a repeat of what everyone else has said so far, but who cares? __________________ There are only four questions of value in life: What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made? What is worth living for? What is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same: ONLY LOVE. Dance as though nobody's watching. Sing as though nobody's listening. Dream as though you'll live forever. Live as though you'll die tomorrow. EIDRIORCQWSDAKLMEDDCWWTIWOATTOPWFIO and proud! FRODO LIVES!!!!!

03-14-2002, 02:45 AM	#17
jerseydevil I am Freddie/UNDERCOVER/ Founder of The Great Continent of Entmoot Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Plainsboro, NJ Posts: 9,431	Viggo did a good job as Aragorn with what he was given. I just didn't like how Jackson screwed with his character and made him running away instead of biding his time for his destiny. I felt Jackson made Aragorn too weak. __________________ Come back! Come back! To Mordor we will take you! "The only thing better than a great plan is implementing a great plan" - JerseyDevil "If everyone agreed with me all the time, everything would be just fine"- JerseyDevil AboutNewJersey.com New Jersey MessageBoard Another Tolkien Forum Memorial to the Twin Towers New Jersey Map Fellowship of the Messageboard Legend of the Jersey Devil Support New Jersey's Liberty Tower Peacefire.org AboutNewJersey.com - New Jersey Travel and Tourism Guide

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