Viggo Mortensen blasts Almodovar

Wed07Feb2007

Viggo Mortensen blasts Almodovar

13:40 H | Topics: Celebrities - Chismes - Movies

Actor Viggo Mortensen has issued, via a publisher's web site, a scathing criticism to Spanish director Pedro Almodovar for "disrespecting the Spanish people" by not attending the Goya Awards ceremony, Spain's equivalent of the Oscar:

The notable and possibly calculated absence of the multi-nominated Pedro Almodóvar, who waited until after the voting to say that he wasn't attending, didn't mar the event. Quite the contrary, as it seemed to call attention to the courage and humility of Agustín Díaz Yanes and the other directors who did attend. It's really hard for me to understand how a director with such talent and who has won more awards than Buñuel can consistently disrespect the Academy and the Spanish people, who have given him so much affection and recognition over the years.

Damn. But Viggo isn't done.

Instead of "Volver" he has chosen to show "La mala educación". Those of us who had the honor being able to and wanting to attend had a great time. I hope that Pedro, grand international veteran of such ceremonies had a good time at his private party, and that his recent triumph satisfies him.

Double damn. It's touching to me that Viggo, a big Hollywood star, feels this loyalty to the relatively small Spanish film industry and the Spanish people, and that he has the guts to call it like he sees it. And I don't know if it makes a difference or not, but Almodovar didn't attend the Globes either, and since Volver isn't nominated for Best Picture, who knows if he'll be at the Oscars.

You might wonder what Viggo Mortensen has to do with Spain. Last year he starred in a big-budget adapation of Pérez Reverte's novel, El Capitán Alatriste. If you've never heard of it -- in spite of the big names -- that's because the distribution seems lacking on the international front. To this, Viggo says, "Now that Alastriste will be shown in other parts of the world, it wil be my pleasure to show what a Spanish crew can do -- and what it has done -- con dos cojones."

If you are interested in this movie made con dos cojones, or want to hear Viggo speak some hot Spanish, here's the video for you:

Via / 20 Minutos

Almodovar banks on Penelope once again (Tuesday, Sep 04 2007)
Almodovar takes to the streets to protest war (Tuesday, Mar 20 2007)

Jennifer

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1. weber ~ Wednesday, Feb 07 2007 | 21:33H:

It seems to me that this is so weird and over the top type of reporting. I see no scathing criticism, or blasting.
It is merely a few remarks made concerning Almodovars peculiar behavior.
I think this is more of a disappointment in the man who is supposed to be one of the worlds top directors.

2. Sherry ~ Wednesday, Feb 07 2007 | 21:48H:

In reguards to what Viggo Mortensen said about the director that didn't go to the 2007 Goya Awards; Way to go Viggo, I'm so glad your not afraid to speak your mind. Thanks

3. just me ~ Thursday, Feb 08 2007 | 04:20H:

I think I vaguely recall an actor, who didn't attend the Academy Awards a few years ago, although a film, in which he had one of the leading roles, was nominated for 11 oscars.
But then I have to admit, that this actor wasn't one of the nominees himself.
In an interview back then the actor said "it's [=academy awards] a whole satellite business that's not directly in my opinion connected to movie-making or art"

Anyway - not everybody wants to be a part of this kind of rigmarole.

4. HermioneO ~ Thursday, Feb 08 2007 | 12:40H:

It's true that Viggo did not attend the Oscars when ROTK was nominated, including the ensemble cast. However, he gave his ticket to another cast member because he had other obligations, and he stated from the outset that he would not be attending, whereas Almodovar kept people guessing until after the votes were tallied, then threw a private party on the same night.

Very different attitudes, I would say. It is well known in the Spanish film culture that Almodovar has had issues with the Goyas ever since they failed to award one of his earlier projects. This is just a petty way for him to exact revenge, and it's unworthy of so great a director.

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