Meaning:
Viggo Mortensen, a widely respected actor known for his versatile roles in film, has expressed his approach to choosing projects in the quote: "I'm just looking as always for something that's stimulating and I hope to find a good story that's a challenge, whether it's big or small. Or that it finds me. I don't have like a career plan. Maybe I should, but I don't." This statement provides insight into Mortensen's mindset when it comes to his acting career and the types of roles he seeks.
Mortensen's emphasis on seeking something "stimulating" and a "good story that's a challenge" reflects his dedication to meaningful and engaging storytelling. This approach suggests that he prioritizes creative and intellectual satisfaction over commercial success or following a predetermined career trajectory. By expressing that he hopes to find such stories or that they "find" him, Mortensen implies a degree of openness and receptivity to diverse opportunities that may come his way. This attitude aligns with the idea of being responsive to the artistic and narrative potential of different projects, regardless of their scale or scope.
The actor's acknowledgment that he doesn't have a "career plan" may seem surprising in an industry where strategic career moves and long-term planning are often emphasized. However, Mortensen's admission reflects a certain spontaneity and organic approach to his work. Rather than meticulously plotting out his career path, he seems to be guided by a genuine passion for compelling storytelling and the desire to be challenged by the roles he takes on.
Mortensen's willingness to embrace both big and small challenges indicates a lack of pretense or ego-driven decision-making. Instead, he appears to be motivated by the inherent quality of the stories and characters he encounters, regardless of the potential commercial or critical impact of the projects. This attitude suggests a commitment to artistic integrity and a genuine love for the craft of acting, as opposed to a singular focus on career advancement or fame.
The quote also conveys a sense of humility and groundedness on Mortensen's part. By acknowledging that he doesn't have a career plan and musing that "maybe I should, but I don't," he demonstrates a degree of self-awareness and modesty. This lack of a rigid career strategy may be seen as a reflection of Mortensen's authenticity and willingness to navigate his career in a more fluid and intuitive manner.
In summary, Viggo Mortensen's quote offers a glimpse into his approach to selecting acting projects. His emphasis on seeking stimulating and challenging stories, regardless of their scale, reflects a commitment to artistic excellence and a genuine love for the craft of acting. His admission of not having a career plan and his openness to the organic discovery of compelling narratives speaks to a humility and authenticity that underpins his approach to his career in the film industry.