VFB News

More sad news today.

Howard Zinn, the author of “A People’s History of the United States” and several other books, has died. The Boston Herald reports he suffered a heart attack today in Santa Monica. Zinn was 87.

Viggo has posted a moving memorial, including a photo and quotes, to his good friend, Howard, at the Perceval Press homepage.

Thank you, Howard. It is an honour to have read you, heard you, learned from you, known you at least a little. You will always be missed, always be celebrated. Your history is our history, irreplaceable, unforgettable, as contagious as your smile, a blessing, a warning, a measuring stick, an example to us all.

Robert B. Parker, author of Appaloosa, has died of a heart attack at age 77.

NY Times

Pressed for posting time, so please see the Events forum for lots of info on ordering The People Speak (post title).

Now, here’s a perscipient reviewer! I couldn’t agree more.

Heretical Views Article

Best Actors of the Decade
By Brian Knapp
December 30, 2009

It’s hard enough to garner praise as an actor for a single character contribution. It is many times more difficult to do it again, and yet ever more difficult to make the practice a habit. To sustain such a habit over the course of nearly ten years is called a brilliant career. …

There are many things at play for a movie actor in order to make a character really work. For one, the material of choice has to be available. Then, the selection of the proper material is another hurdle. Finally, agreeing to its pursuit despite the innumerable variables of production, is no small task. In short, there is so much that could go wrong in taking a job for a movie, that it is amazing that anything ever goes right.

Yet, at the same time, in order to be a great actor, once all of the logistics of a role are taken care of, the performance of it is still the most important factor. In film, it is particularly tough to maintain the commitment of the world as well as the subtlety of the expression of the character. Immersion, concentration, and dedication are necessary attributes for success.
…
1. Viggo Mortensen

Viggo edged out Bale for the top spot on the list. He frontlined a huge ensemble in The Lord of the Rings series. He was completely forgotten in the marvelous adventure that is Hidalgo. He stole the show from many brilliant performances in his complex role in Eastern Promises and he absolutely made The Road. He has a knack for picking great roles and rarely appeared in a sub-par film all decade.

Notable Films: The Lord of the Rings Series; A History of Violence; Hidalgo; Eastern Promises; The Road

There’s a really nice compliment to Viggo in this article by model and talent manager, film producer, writer and publisher, Bruce Edwin: newsblaze.com from Hollywood Sentinel

“The great talent, the handsome, charming Viggo Mortensen (pictured here) told us at the A.F.I. Fest this month, ‘I always treat every person I meet as my superior, and they usually are. I can always learn something from somebody I meet, no matter who it is.’ Now that is one true gentleman.”

Interesting article on “The Road” in Time Out Chicago

Rocky Road

Only a few more days until it’s out in theatres! Some people may be lucky enough to attend preview screenings.

And so it begins…

Viggo Mortensen, promoting ‘The Road’, will be on Late Show with David Letterman – Friday, Nov.20th (CBS).

Check out Viggo’s interview, recorded during TIFF
http://www.cbc.ca/thehour/

It’s in Episode 31, which should be easily located the rest of this week, but you might have to search if you’re looking later on. You don’t have to watch the entire episode — they have a broken-out version with just his interview. If you do choose the episode, he is in the second half.

It’s a good one! He’s happy, healthy, and full of jokes!

51 is looking gooooood!

Two videos including interviews about The Road: Channel 4