Before his role as Elrond Half-Elven in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Weaving was already internationally known for his 1998 role as Agent Smith in The Matrix. Before this role, he was already well established in his homeland of Australia: a star of film, television, and theatre.
When Mr. Weaving realized he was playing someone, "immortal, noble, wise, powerful, good-and beautiful," he began to think the Elf was, "altogether impossible to play!"
Yet, Hugo Weaving got his act together, and did a wonderful job playing his part as Elrond Half-Elven.