Is Aragorn as you pictured him?

[Finduilas]

I think what Rikae meant in saying he was "too well-fed" was that Aragorn was supposed to be thin. On Carahadras it(the book) says something to the effect that Boromir had wider shoulders, and may even be stronger that Aragorn. Sean Bean isn't fat or anything, but he's is built larger that Aragorn was. I hope I worded that right, I mean like bigger bones, sturdier built, etc.

I personally think that Sean could have done a better job than Viggo as Aragorn, but he was did really well as Boromir.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

It seemed that in the movie, Sean Bean was made to look more burly, and Viggo more lean. The costuming would have a lot to do with those perceptions. And of course a little hard living forgoing one's desserts might do the trick.

[Lalwendë]

Originally Posted by Hilde Bracegirdle

It seemed that in the movie, Sean Bean was made to look more burly, and Viggo more lean. The costuming would have a lot to do with those perceptions. And of course a little hard living forgoing one's desserts might to the trick.

Yes, if you have the good fortune to see Sean Bean in civvies or (and think yourself lucky if you do) in real life - he drinks in the pub at the bottom of my road when t'Blades are at home - you will see he's actually quite a slender, fit bloke. He was very well padded out in LotR, whereas we usually see Aragorn in a tatty tunic and his flappy old coat (how that ensemble kept him warm wandering the perishin' Ettenmoors I have no idea).

[alatar]

What I liked about Sean Bean's Boromir is that the actor exudes a natural charisma that makes him appear 'approachable.' You could see yourself drinking or fighting alongside this Boromir. Viggo's Aragorn is less so. I like Viggo's work, but he comes off as reserved, as does his character. Note that it is he that sits and watches as Boromir interacts with the Two Fools when they learn a bit of swordplay while journeying south towards Caradhras.

Viggo couldn't be too young, as one would never believe that he was 87. Too old, and you start thinking that he's not really performing any of his own stunts, and is just too old to be tossing dwarves about.

[William Cloud Hicklin]

Well, Tolkien opined that Aragorn would have appeared to be "a weather-beaten forty-five," so Viggo was probably about right age-wise.

I thought that he made a great Strider. Yet as a more kingly Aragorn it was not quite as convincing, but still pretty good. I was more impressed with his character than most others, and since most were good, that says a lot.

[MatthewM]

Originally Posted by alatar

What I liked about Sean Bean's Boromir is that the actor exudes a natural charisma that makes him appear 'approachable.' You could see yourself drinking or fighting alongside this Boromir. Viggo's Aragorn is less so. I like Viggo's work, but he comes off as reserved, as does his character. Note that it is he that sits and watches as Boromir interacts with the Two Fools when they learn a bit of swordplay while journeying south towards Caradhras.

However, book wise, both Boromir and Aragorn have a noble air about them, and most likely both of them would seem to the common folk less approachable - I credit Tolkien artist Catherine Karina Chmiel with this opinion that is now also my own. You could picture Boromir walking about the streets of Gondor, respected, but not somebody you could just go up to and pat on the back, as Jackson portrays Boromir in his Two Tower's deleted scene at Osgiliath. Same with Aragorn, he was definitely not approachable in Bree. Aragorn wasn't supposed to really be everybody's pal. Neither was Boromir.

On the subject of Bean portraying Aragorn- I can't see it working. I think Viggo fit the part better. Sean Bean did an amazing job with Boromir, I just can't see him as Aragorn. I like Viggo's portrayal, but if we are to start saying names on who would make a great Aragorn, I would suggest Liam Neeson. He has an Aragorn like face (from the books as I picture) and I think his acting would have been great for the character.

[MatthewM]

Check out Liam Neeson's biography and pictures here- http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000553/

[Sir Kohran]

Originally Posted by MatthewM

Check out Liam Neeson's biography and pictures here- http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000553/

Hm, choosing Qui-Gon Jinn for Aragorn might have generated too much gossip (remember the whole 'Agent Elrond' thing?).

[Morthoron]

The thing most everyone is missing is Aragorn's nickname: Strider. He was very tall and lanky as the name implies (his ancestor, Elendil, was said to be 6'11'' and tallest of all the Dunedain). This is not a physical quality Viggo posesses (I believe he's 5'11"). In fact, it seemed other characters were taller than he. Also, he did not portray the grimness Tolkien instilled in Aragorn (and the rest of the Dunedain, like Halbarad, for instance). Viggo came off wishy-washy and irresolute, which were not characteristics of Aragorn either (this I blame on the script mostly).

I would agree that Liam Neeson fits Tolkien's description much better, but unfortunately, Hollywood cuteness prevailed.

[MatthewM]

Originally Posted by Sir Kohran

Hm, choosing Qui-Gon Jinn for Aragorn might have generated too much gossip (remember the whole 'Agent Elrond' thing?).

Lol, it's true. Although I still think he would have made a good Aragorn, looks and acting wise.