TAZ told me to see "A History of Violence" when we were talking about The Road and I admitted not knowing who Viggo Mortensen was. So late one night . . .
I think TAZ is right when he says Mortensen is perfect for The Road. A family man with tremendous power in reserve. But why did all the Mafia guys in that movie have Irish names, and look Irish or not Italian anyway. Strange. I wouldn't say he was a brilliant actor who saved a mediocre script that didn't bother much to delve into motive or character development. But he was very good, in a subdued way.
I'm eager to see him in The Road, which opens today, somewhere. Not here. I think I may use McCarthy's novel in my fiction course next semester. Three of my best students have been passing it around. I guess they're not put off by the religious talk and spiritual element? Or did they miss it?
