John Hillcoat was in search of such a face that justifies the story and plot of the novel; “The Road” which was written by Cormac McCarthy and the one he wrote after his series of novel based on “apocalyptic- type” of novels. “The Road” revolves around the story of a father and a son roaming around at a place what was once called as America. Hillcoat was exploring such a unique face that can represent the character having traces of ordeals and hardship in a particular insecure environment.

He felt the need due to the fact that all events in the story weave around this character. Secondly the toughness of the face should not risk the huge investment as well. The type of personality he wanted comprised that the lead actor should have experienced extensive journeys as well as should possess emotional intensity similar to the character in the movie. The face of Viggo Mortensen clicked to his imagination as a best-fit to the character in the story.

Viggo Mortensen grew in different parts of the world e.g. Argentina, Copenhagen and New York. Although the mixed breed of American and Dutch parents has a natural flair for fine arts like poetry, painting and music yet his face has the weather-beaten look with a creased face. In reality he is not the type of “layman” Hillcoat wanted. But Viggo Mortensen believes in the passionate hard work to fill the gaps by sinking deep in to the character. He made visits to impoverished communities to understand the “survival instinct” of the people. How they act and behave under the continuing threat to their life and property.

Viggo Mortensen