Viggo Mortensen Quotes

I love actors, both my parents were actors, and the work with actors is the most enjoyable part of making a film. It's important that they feel protected and are confident they won't be betrayed. When you create that atmosphere of trust, it's in the bag - the actors will do everything to satisfy you.

One rule which applies to every role is that you have to surrender yourself to the director with an empty slate.

I can speak to actors in their terms. Knowing I was an actor, they relax. You can have the best shot in the world - but, at the center of it, you still need a good performance.

As a director, I also get to sit and watch actors and learn from them in a way that I don't get to do when I'm just acting.

As an actor, I love working with directors. As much as I love working with other actors.

I love acting, every job is a dream job when you're an actor. I'd like to do eventually more film work and to collaborate with the best actors and directors in film.

If there's one thing that I know how to do, it's talk to actors. From what I have experienced working with so many different directors in so many different things, a lot of them don't really know how to talk to us.

I am a complete director's actor.

I like collaborating with actors. I love finding that moment where it all comes together.

I think I can work with any type of actor.

I'm an actress who likes a strong, communicative director.

Some directors cast you because they trust you to do the performance - but then they forget to direct you.

An actor can be as talented as another, but if he doesn't stick to what the director's intentions are, it all falls down. I adore working with actors.

I just love the process of working with other actors.

When people ask, 'What role are you dying to play?' I always say, 'The one being written for me right now.'

Actors aren't stupid, mostly, and if there's a sensibility and an aesthetic that a director's going for, if you're aware of that too, you can do things to help that.

I've acted with all types, I've directed all types. What you want to understand, as a director, is what actors have to offer. They'll get at it however they get at it. If you can understand that, you can get your work done.

There are a thousand ways to play any role.

To be able to work with actors who are doing such good work, not only makes it easier for you, but it makes you better.

With acting, you are a small part of the creative process, and sometimes it is hard to feel like you are making an impact.

I learned one thing from De Niro: He taught me to listen. Nobody says anything strictly from the script. It's improvised. It was the best piece of advice I have ever gotten in my life. It has helped me through the past thirty years.

I think what makes a good actor's director is somebody who understands what I'm doing and is respectful of it, but who also has a vision and is directing me toward their vision in a way that feels productive.

I think actors do make really, really wonderful directors.

And being an actor already means that working with cast as a director, I have a clear understanding of their position and that collaboration is great and useful.

I have realised I am a director's actor.