Viggo Mortensen on 'Green Book' and the fight against racism

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His latest film, "Green Book", just scooped three awards at the Golden Globes. It recounts the true story of the white chauffeur who accompanied a celebrated black musician on a tour of America's segregated southern states. From a small-town guy with a very dark past in "A History of Violence" to the fantasy fictional king of the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Viggo Mortensen has long been applauded for bringing social, political and psychological complexity to his roles.
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[@darylsmith5930]

Smart man. High awareness, high compassion. Brilliant performance.

[@marissatamayo3699]

GREEN BOOK is the best film of the year 2018. Viggo Mortensen is a wonderful actor.

[@Hello-sd2jm]

He was superb!

[@JohnSmith47534]

Seems like Rome will win it. GB is second.

[@ikecot3]

I'm African-American and not every African-American got mad when he use the word because we understood the context of what he was using the word for I'm a big fan of this man like them in every film he's ever played in and I think both characters were excellent

[@joosiej85]

Yes. But it is generally accepted that white people should not be using that word, whatever the context. He slipped up and I don't judge him on it but you have to understand why it wasn't considered to be an acceptable thing to say!

[@itsjustbree9267]

He's just telling it like it is. Sure he could have said "the N word" instead, but he seemingly chose to be direct instead, probably to better make his point. And *context* people *context,* he wasn't calling anyone the N word and clearly he didn't agree with the word. People need to stop constantly looking for their next outrage fix.

[@joosiej85]

@@itsjustbree9267 there is no "context" in which it's ok for a white person to use that horrible word. People do not find it offensive because they want an "outrage fix", it's offensive because it's... offensive. There was no reason for him to use that word, end of. He is more than intelligent enough to find a different way to express what he meant.

[@itsjustbree9267]

@@joosiej85 Or maybe he used it for its shock value because he wanted to get people's attention and make them see the ugliness of it. He wasn't directing the word at anyone and he's obviously not racist.

[@joosiej85]

@@itsjustbree9267 no, I don't think he is the sort of person who says ANYTHING for "shock value". He's not an attention seeker, and he's too smart for that. He wasn't even using it in a "public" interview. And afterwards he apologised to the people who were there, so he clearly knew he'd slipped up. I think he is very passionate about stuff, and it came out by accident. But I don't think that means we can say it was "ok" to say it.

[@roscassol]

THIS is an interview with an intellectual who is also socially committed and a true humanist. Shame on those who tried to trash him because he used the N-word to refer to its previous use as the most visible trait of racism as opposed to now when - although it is hardly ever said in public - racism is still present despite this apparent political correctness: they couldn't trash him because this is a man of dignity, his and others' who is also very clever and exquisitely educated. In brief: Hollywood and social media just do not deserve his class and morals.

[@Methadone4Life]

Wonderfully put. All racists are ignorant...you must be ignorant to be a racist. Period. No matter what race as all races have racists among them and they are all totally ignorant. Peace people. Treat others the way you want to be treated and you will be surprised at what happens. My best friend is an African American and though I have never, ever been racist, I was still shocked at all the things he opened my eyes to see...the little racist acts that maybe even those people didn;'t realize they were doing. One time we were in a mall and there was a group of elderly white ladies and he was standing closest to them as we were walking side by side, he said watch and amazingly they clutched their purses and changed them to the other arm away from him. So, I said "man they are old bro, we are young men(at the time lol) and that is natural" and he said lets switch sides and make a circle and see what happens when you are closest to them...amazingly enough they absolutely paid no attention and did not move their purse or clutch it any tighter. We did this several times and every time played out perfect. They were playing in to the old stereotype of their generation...truly an eye-opening experience and he showed me so many instances of this. Sadly, with the idiot we have as President today, things are going in reverse and if we don't stop that man we are heading for another civil war of types.

[@caroldelosangeles3621]

exactly...hoolywood is full of NWO and ""purify the race" ideas, very old and racism ideas in many many ways---beyong even their cover.

[@dlg5485]

Oversimplified nonsense. Many Black people simply don't want to hear a white person say that word, ever, because it's too painful a reminder of a not too distant past that still affects Black life in America today. The intent of the white person saying it is utterly irrelevant. Using that word to tell a story on screen or on the written page or in music is one thing, but to use it casually in an interview is unnecessary and arrogantly gratuitous. I say this as a huge fan of Viggo's and that hasn't changed. In any case, your insensitivity to the very real and very deep pain associated with hearing a white person use that word is ignorant.

[@esnstrider46]

I’m hoping that both Viggo and Mahershala win Oscars

[@Methadone4Life]

Me too!

[@Guage22]

They did win

[@JackWalker12993]

Mahershala won but Viggo lost to fake teeth and fear of mass backlash.

[@tenabros5006]

The best Américan actor Viggo mortensen

[@Booboonancy]

What’s not to love about Viggo ?

[@sandramack209]

I love his movies

[@brianfuller5868]

Racism is not possible if we actually see people as individuals.

[@brainsareus]

that's a step, but it needs some more action, too.

[@LynJegher]

Sadly that doesn't happen, especially in Italy where the Fascist ruled for many years......

[@jadedstar7442]

I feel this movie showed what it's like when you get to know the individual.

[@SugarBlood15]

Once man gets away from umbrella of collectivity which pushes him towards evil, he can be truly noble. And that goes both ways.

[@johnsmith-so5do]

Best story for any movie of the whole year! 👍

[@kellielaine5848]

Loved Viggo in A Walk on the Moon, Captain Fantastic and in this masterpiece.

[@edzmoko]

he's so brilliant.. I like his way of talking.. bravo Aragorn, son of Arathorn..

[@tkn09]

I wonder why Virgo didn’t get the Oscar. I love Tony character acted by Virgo!!

[@ChristianAVS]

Viggo is class

[@geoseward]

I am glad that he had the integrity to stand up to the interviewer and give her the context of the conversation instead of rolling over and play dead so to speak especially in these politically correct days. No wonder people have a problem with the press

[@kingofscotland8394]

Loved this movie and Viggo was amazing

[@mariannearmstrong9558]

My favorite actor, love all his movies, Glad that Green Book won.

[@Noutchka]

GREAT FILM !

[@alreadybroken7914]

Beautiful story. SAD BUT TRUE. 💚💚💚💚💚

[@ElRoi65]

Viggo seems to be a superb human being.

[@Vinsanity_93]

This movie is beautiful, id recommend it to everyone

[@andrewrobertson7087]

a thoroughly deserved Oscar for Green book it really is a wonderful movie ,the unlikely friendship that developed between Tony and Don was in turn hilarious .tough poignant; and in the end utterly heartwarming and in the end irrestible . the world for African Americans in 1962 was very difficult even for one as cultured and successful as Don Shirley. it goes to show you can make a movie highlighting racism without being angrily bashed over the head about it .. all in all if you want a thoroughly satisfying movie with two brilliant actors at the top of their form go and see Green Book

[@ianbartle456]

Yes I agree, I saw the trailer and thought I'd give this a go. It was much much better than the trailer suggested it would be. A great road story with the developing relationship both a joy and a challenge. Well acted and well conceived is my take. Seems the critics agree..

[@caroldelosangeles3621]

best film 2018 ever- a classic film wich it must be showed at every school, teaching of inclussion of (not anymore! we are all united!!) minorities or subaltern classes- Hugs from argentina! thanks vigo and mr Ali, genius both!

[@sonofsonghai1843]

I like this guy👍🏼

[@alimilano1]

Que gane el Oscar se lo merece Viggo gran actuación 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jenniechen24]

Best movie for years！

[@coolrunnings3]

Viggo is super, also great to hear some nice clean English❤️. Many more American videos on utube, so im watching them mostly . . .

[@michaeleberry8663]

MUCH RESPECT ALWAYS VIGGO!!!

[@alreadybroken7914]

💋💋I love this movie. Great job 👍👍 EXTRAORDINARY 💖💖

[@jonajeremy3459]

Vigo Mortensen, tremendously great actor

[@LynJegher]

Such a Great movie, my mother lived it, but sadly, here in Italy you can still sense that kinda hostility, also, amongst friends!

[@jaimerodriguez9267]

In italy and everywhere.

[@gracecheri997]

Sadly, the stereotypes are disheartening. Italian people are often portrayed negatively. Sad. Because it is such a rich culture with lots of love within families and friends

[@aninewforest]

"Love within family and friends" can also mean parochialism, suspicion of outsiders.

[@gypsyrain369]

i LOVE THIS MOVIE i LOVE VIGGO !

[@T57w]

and the oscar goes to...

[@amyclarke41]

film of the year😁

[@PatriciaLopez-nr5nf]

Brilliant man and ill watch anything he’s in..

[@vietnamesepronounce8154]

This American Dutch actor is so underrated, what a humane person he is.

[@henrikthrane9388]

Mai Le Ngoc Hoa Dutch? No he is Danish but grew up in the US and Argentina

[@intuitknit]

Viggo for president!!!

[@TheAmitkumar2010]

this movie is so relevant now

[@shannonhuber8607]

I just saw this movie today! Awesome, loved every second. I understand he made a mistake in explaining a "racst" word. In my opinion, forgiving and moving forward is being a kind human being!

[@robertlaporte2998]

Gi Jane!

[@skojigoquist9288]

Come on people. The usa is STILL segregated. What is this about?

[@brainsareus]

very very woke man!!

[@futurestoryteller]

Viggo Mortensen could run for president of the United States... just sayin

[@niacal4nia]

Trump should get a job as a driver.

[@santino72verde27]

Capitalimakes mekes us slaves and racisim makes us ignorant about our slavery

[@skittlesrainbow4853]

G.I. Jane

[@georgemoraes9697]

Indústria armamentos é número um making money. Indústria lazer é a segunda. Cinema, teatro, shows em geral é a segunda. Pornografia é a terceira. By the way, não apenas vitimismo da cor da pele mas também da origem. Os espanhóis da América Latina são outros que vivem como vítimas nos EUA. Os EUA não aguentam tantos indo pra lá. Vitimismo é um filão prá making money. Money! Money! Money! Money!

[@JamieZarrr]

Wait a minute! There are people who don't like other people when their skin colour is different... ? You must be joking, right?

[@SuperBullaMan]

Mahershala should have been nominate for Best Actor not best supporting Actor. Reminds me Denzel Washington in Philadelphia!

[@JohnSmith47534]

It's just because the studio doesn't want its 2 actors up against each other..

[@ianbartle456]

@@JohnSmith47534 That's probably wise - why risk the chance of a double win!

[@sandynewman7453]

Excellent movie! I just wish they had shown ONE white person in the South who didn't follow the racist narrative, who didn't see color first. (except the one naked white man in the YMCA shower and the bar owner with the shotgun-he just didn't want any trouble and kicked everyone out). They were out there.

[@JohnSmith47534]

The cop who helped them change the tire at the end?

[@sandynewman7453]

Since it was snowing, I felt that was illustrating the differences between northern (helpful/protective) and southern (racist/biased) police.

[@mrinalini9112]

How many southern white people boycotted, protested against, lost their lives against explicitly racist white people? Even if not all simply hated PoC, the simple fact that they just accepted it makes them complicit

[@sandynewman7453]

I'm sorry you feel that way. I guess I did miss the point if it was to stereotype a whole region. Not only did they stereotype Southern whites, but they also stereotyped Southern blacks. The whites either had power and/or social status, the blacks were subservient, unrefined, or open to committing a crime. Yes, Viggo's character was changed from his own racist views and saw Dr. Shirley as an individual. I get they wanted you to feel how much Dr. Shirley felt isolated as a talented and educated black man in the early 60s, especially in the South. But gee whiz!! Congratulations to Green Book for winning the Academy Award for Best Picture!

[@JamesSmith-vk2ky]

What kind of name is "Viggo?" Anyone? Anyone? 🤔

[@neelmoudgil4962]

James Smith the name of a legend

[@Bregonet]

It's Danish. His father was Danish and it was a common family name.

[@a.s.4720]

yes, it is danish... its origin lays with the vikings... he explained it in an interview with letterman i believe...

[@sscot720]

Scandinavian, specifically, Danish.. he is " Danish-American"

[@clairemcdaniel1253]

His family moved to Venezuela and then Argentina where he learned to speak fluent Spanish. He speaks several languages and currently lives in Spain with his Spanish actress girlfriend. I also like the fact that she is 50 years old. It's rare for male celebrities to date older women, no matter how old they are themselves. Viggo is a rare breed. I adore him.

[@TheCaretaker555]

oh no another video all about race and the color of skin......yawn

[@MaricaAmbrosius]

6:00 Hey that's a Nitzschean reference