Not many actors in Hollywood have earned appreciation of Viggo Mortensen. Since the 1980’s, Mortensen has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s magical ring bearers, gangsters or fantastic fathers, Mortensen has portrayed several strong characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be appreciated.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Lord of the Rings is a fantastic fantasy series that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a great grandfather that was once a huge fan of big books about rings causing damage. Drawn to the great power of big rings that were dangerous, he loved a great series that often held a big place in his heart that was precious. In 2003, Viggo Mortensen honoured the iconic book series about a frightening ring in his movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”. In the greatest role of his career, Mortensen portrayed a bold medieval warrior that seeks to prepare for warfare. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Mortensen has spent most of his career playing cruel gangsters in crime dramas. With “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a literary character that’s well-known. Working alongside Ian McKellen who is also outstanding, Mortensen honoured a franchise about rings that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Aragon becomes aware that Frodo is in grave danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” Viggo Mortensen’s best movie is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the fantasy books to enjoy it. 70 years after the creation of a fantasy book about bold hobbits with a ring with powers that are terrifying, it’s a great reminder about a bold actor that manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his long-lasting career worth celebrating.
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Addiction is a painful process putting people under stress. As far as I remember, I have always been addicted to smartphones. At an early age, I became addicted to using my smartphone without concern for the damage. It became a prized possession without a doubt that I simply couldn’t live without. As someone that has faced addiction which is terrifying, I adored “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”. Released in 2001, Viggo Mortensen’s movie honoured the first book in the beloved LOTR series. In the most adventurous role of his career, Mortensen portrayed a medieval warrior seeking to destroy an addictive ring causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Ian McKellen who is also outstanding, Mortensen created a fantasy film that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Aragon is first introduced to Frodo becoming aware that he carries the ring causing fear is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” a great adaptation is its message. The film delivers a bold message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a book about rings that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder about an adventurous actor that has made unforgettable movies throughout his career which audiences consider precious.
3. The Road
Movies about survival have always resonated with me. At an early age, my life changed when my family experienced a bombing causing damage. Truth be told, I was only five years old. Through my parent’s strong drive to survive, I made it out of the bomb blast without a scratch alive. As someone that has witnessed survival on a tough road, I adored “The Road”. Released in 2009, Viggo Mortensen’s movie honoured a beloved book about survival. In the most emotional role of his career, Mortensen portrayed an apocalyptic survivor of a disaster facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Charlize Theron who is also amazing, Mortensen created a survival movie that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which the father seeks to protect his son from dangers of apocalypse warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Road” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about survival which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a book about survival, it’s a remarkable reminder about an actor that has made movies audiences consider extremely special.
4. Green Book
Racism is a sensitive subject that always earned my friend’s appreciation. At an early age, I formed a friendship with a black kid that was fascinated with racism causing damage. As someone treasuring a friend changed my outlook on racism, I adored “Green Book”. Released in 2018, Viggo Mortensen’s movie captured friendships in the segregation era. In the most comedic role of his career, Mortensen portrayed a racist Italian driver that forms a friendship with a black pianist causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for comedy he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Mahershala Ali who is also outstanding, Mortensen created a drama about racism that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Tony first meets Dr. Shirley becoming aware of his musical talents is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Green Book” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies set in the segregation era, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of racism causing musicians to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has made unforgettable movies throughout his long-lasting career which audiences unquestionably appreciate.
5. Crimson Tide
Submarines are frightening machines facing disaster that always fascinated my brother. I remember my brother was once fascinated with submarines embarking on dangerous voyages facing disaster. He would always love watching movies about submarines travelling across seas. As someone treasuring memories of a brother that regarded submarines with pride, I adored “Crimson Tide”. Released in 1995, Viggo Mortensen’s movie captured submarines facing catastrophe. In the most conflicted role of his career, Mortensen portrayed a submarine captain facing tragedies causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also amazing, Mortensen created a submarine thriller that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Lieutenant Peter becomes aware that his commemorated submarine is in grave danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Crimson Tide” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most submarine movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As precious as a submarine, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies which deserve to be seen on the theatrical big-screen.
6. Captain Fantastic
Viggo Mortensen has often excelled at playing emotional heroes facing tension. Mortensen has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters facing emotional damage. Mortensen’s fantastic strength for playing characters that are tragic is clearly evident in his movie “Captain Fantastic”. Released in 2016, Matt Ross’ movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most compassionate role of his career, Mortensen portrayed a father seeking to care for a broken family facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under pressure. Working alongside George MacKay who is also amazing, Mortensen created a drama that’s engaging. A fantastic portrait of fathers that are catastrophic, it’s a terrific reminder of an actor making iconic movies captivating the movie-going public.
7. Carlito’s Way
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about criminals facing a price to pay, it’s worth discussing Carlito’s Way. Since its publication in 1975, Edwin Torres’ book has become a beloved literary classic. In 1993, Viggo Mortensen honoured the iconic book about gangsters finding their way in his movie “Carlito’s Way”. In the most psychotic role of his career, Mortensen portrayed a notorious gangster seeking to prepare murders causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotionally disturbed characters in danger. Working alongside Al Pacino who is also amazing, Mortensen honoured a book that’s compelling. As memorable as crimes committed by Carlito, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor that has made unforgettable movies which always give audiences dreams to follow.
8. Eastern Promises
Sex trafficking is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often shied away from telling stories of sex trafficking that are disturbing. In an industry avoiding an issue with promises, it’s worth praising “Eastern Promises”. Released in 2007, Viggo Mortensen’s movie offered a powerful portrait of sex trafficking. In the most unlikeable role of his career, Mortensen portrayed a gangster that engages in sex trafficking causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional characters under intense pressure. Working alongside Naomi Watts who is also outstanding, Mortensen created a compelling portrait of sex trafficking. A powerful portrait of sex trafficking, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor whose movies are definitely worth absolutely celebrating.
9. Witness
Murder mysteries are interesting events that have often made for engaging movies. Since the 1970’s, stories of murder mysteries have been centre of memorable movies. In 1985, Viggo Mortensen captured the enduring appeal of the genre in his movie “Witness”. In the most mysterious role of his career, Mortensen portrayed a farmer that witnesses a gruesome murder causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Lukas Haas who is also amazing, Mortensen created a murder mystery that’s captivating. As memorable as murders Samuel is forced to witness, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable films becoming a beloved icon in the entertainment business.
10. Psycho
Viggo Mortensen hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Psycho” falls into the latter category. Released in 1998, Gus Van Sant’s horror movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed an owner seeking to care for a doomed hotel facing despair. Mortensen brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Psycho” is a bad movie, it honoured Mortensen’s legacy. As memorable as murders that Norman Bates has committed, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to leave audiences captivated making movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I have always appreciated.
The Film Buff 