The Ledger tribute | Movie News
A lot of times, when someone passes away, particularly someone
"famous" who we didn't really know on a personal level, but who touched us artistically or even on a human level, we don't know how to react, what to say, what to do, etc... I remember when legendary director Stanley Kubrick died back in 1999, and I just felt "numb". As a major movie fan, I had always been entranced by his films, and just the fact that he was no longer among us, just saddened me to no end. Apparently many others felt the same way, as I posted a
Stanley Kubrick
Tribute page up at that time, which to this day, still receives entries from people from all over the world.
With the passing of actor Heath Ledger on Tuesday afternoon, we all at JoBlo.com were deeply affected, as many of our readers, and we figured that one of the ways to outsource that sadness was to put together a tribute to the actor, whom many of us believed to be one of the finest of his generation. I emailed our staff and asked them to name their favorite Ledger film, as well as their thoughts on his career. Of course, all of you are more than welcome to chime in with your own tributes below. Needless to say, our thoughts and prayers go out to Heath's family and his 2-year old daughter at this very difficult time. PS: Note how almost every member of our staff chose different films of his without each others' knowledge. Another tribute to the actor's impressive diversity and success in his various roles.
JOBLO.COM STAFF TRIBUTES
JASON ADAMS: While not his best performance, Ledger's supporting turn in LORDS OF DOGTOWN as skater/entrepreneur Skip Engblom has always stuck with me. It was fun, better than anything else in that movie, and different than anything else I'd seen him in.
Who knew that the guy I secretly did /not/ hate in 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU would turn out to be one of the most exciting prospects in Hollywood. And I don't just say this because of his ostensibly electric upcoming performance in THE DARK KNIGHT. After seeing 2006's CANDY (in which he played a doomed drug addict) it was obvious Ledger was an actor with serious talent and demonstrated range, who was just starting a career more concerned with selecting good, challenging roles and not obvious superstardom. My condolences to his family, friends and fans, who've all been robbed of many great future performances from a gifted actor.
THE ARROW: I got to "really" appreciate Heath Ledger's talent via his comedic display in THE BROTHERS GRIMM and his poignant performance in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. Both films made me take notice of him, he came into his own with them in my opinion. I can't wait to see what he does with The Joker!
On a whole I've always liked Heath Ledger, even though I've only seen five films of his. There was an affable quality about him both on and off-screen that always appealed to me. Such a shame he had to leave us so soon, the lad was just starting to show us what he could "really do" acting wise. RIP.
BEN BARNA: It's a strange thing, to feel the loss of a man you've never met. I'm sorry that Heath Ledger is no longer with us. We're blessed that he's left us with one final performance that will deepen the engraving of his name on the wall of movie history.
NICK BOSWORTH: I've always been a big fan of Heath's work as an actor and that all began with a film called THE PATRIOT which was released back in 2000. It remains as my favorite Heath Ledger film because his natural abilities as an actor were so apparent whenever he had to stand up against Mel Gibson's character throughout the film. From that moment on, I knew we'd see great things from him.
I've always read terrific things about Heath, whether they came from his family or co-stars. He never let his talents or career blind him in the pursuit to become a good father, husband or a positive influence wherever he went. His career had blossomed for years and was only getting better with each performance. The loss that his fans have suffered including myself is a terrible one and I feel that we have all been robbed of something very special. Rest well my friend and remember that all of us are very proud of you.
JIMMYO: This was really hard to write and I don't know why. Heath Ledger's death is a sad, sad, tragic thing. He was fast becoming a major force in the film world. His quietly powerful work in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN seemed to be only the beginning. And much has been said of the work he completed in THE DARK NIGHT. So it is a shame that we will not be able to see him grow as an actor and most importantly, as a father. My thoughts go out to his family and especially to his little girl, Matilda. I hope that Michelle and her daughter are able to mourn in private and be given room to heal.
JOBLO: I always liked Ledger's performances in such films as 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU and A KNIGHT'S TALE, but I thought it was his small but pivotal role in MONSTER'S BALL that really made me see him as the well-rounded actor that he turned out to be. If you haven't seen the film, rent it for his performance alone.
Heath Ledger's untimely death reminds me a lot of how I felt when Brandon Lee and River Phoenix were taken away from this world years before their time, and there's no real words to describe it. It's really just a sad, sad, thing. You look back at all of his performances with a greater sense of fragility and meaning, while at the same time, enjoying the life and depth that he brought to many of his roles. His turn as the Joker in this summer's DARK KNIGHT looks like it's gonna be out of this world, and sadly, we will never know what further greatness could have come out of his artistic soul. We will miss you, Heath...rest in peace.
JENNY KARAKAYA: My favorite Ledger movie is CANDY. It's a tragically beautiful film in which he showcases enormous comedic and dramatic talent.
I'm sincerely saddened to see the film industry lose such an incredibly talented, kind and grounded man. Ledger had great potential to be become one of, if not already, Hollywood's best.
I'm am grateful to have met him in his much too short lived life.
ALEX KEEN: My favorite Ledger movie is 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU. I remember seeing the trailer for this movie and the guy just jumped off the screen. It is really hard to deliver in the midst of such an artificial genre and Heath did so with gusto. This movie still ranks as one of my favorite teen movies and Heath's performance took this movie to the next level. The guy had charisma and a swagger that is impossible to replicate. He will be greatly missed. :(
ANDRE MANSEAU: My favorite Heath Ledger film was likely THE BROTHERS GRIMM. It wasn't a great movie but I'm a fan of Terry Gilliam and liked the idea of all the film could've been. Both Ledger and co-star Matt Damon gave the role their all and the film was different for Heath. Despite not having had a long career, Ledger proved himself to be a versatile performer who could really ease his way into his characters. From A KNIGHT'S TALE to the critically acclaimed BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, Heath really came a long way.
The news of Heath's passing comes on the forefront if arguably his most anticipated and undoubtedly his biggest film ever, THE DARK KNIGHT. He was ready garnering a lot of praise for his portrayal of the Joker, and I have no doubt that millions will turn out to see the young actor's final endeavor. As the details of this shocking event unfold, please keep Ledger's family in your thoughts or prayers- even "stars" feel sorrow during times like this. Let us all hope that this is the only Hollywood tragedy we face this year.
JOHNNY MORENO: Favorite film: 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU. Hands down. I'm a huge fan of his and there's no doubting Heath made much better movies (that I'm also a big fan of ) but for me the movie captures a point in time I like to reflect on.
Thoughts: Some you see coming (Anna Nicole). Some you kind of see coming (Brad Renfro). Some you never see coming. What makes this different is how you were blindsided by the news. Then come the allegations and speculation of what led up to it and how it might've happened and...as a fan, I'm not even sure if it really matters at this point. It's just a shame it had to happen to someone with such potential; a great talent who parlayed good role after good role. All I can think is, "Shit. Another one gone too soon." RIP Heath. My heartfelt thoughts to you, your family and most of all your little girl.
DAVE MURRAY: I thought he was great in A KNIGHT'S TALE, even though a lot of people crap all over that one, but for me it was a hell of a lot of fun. Both Ledger and the filmmakers never took themselves seriously. Hell I even liked him in the crappy TV series Roar! But my favorite would have to be THE BROTHERS GRIMM, just because it was Terry Gilliam and such a messed up movie, and also because Ledger and Damon were awesome in it. The guy had talent, charm, and a killer smile. What more could you want from a leading man?
Despite his fame, he was just starting to show us what he was capable of. With looks to spare and enough acting talent to become one of the greats of his generation, his death is a blow to movies in general, and to genre movies in particular. His turn as the Joker will no doubt be brilliant, a violent force of nature that shows us just what this amazing young talent brought to the game, and also what he could have been in years to come. His is an impressive body of work, but it still feels like it's not enough. He was another great talent gone before his time, and personally I feel sad for his daughter. Let's watch his crazy ass take on the Joker and remember him fondly.
JARED PACHECO: It's hard to pick a favorite Heath Ledger movie because in my eyes he was great in everything. From 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU to A KNIGHT'S TALE to LORDS OF DOGTOWN to THE BROTHERS GRIMM. If I had to choose, I'd say I enjoyed KNIGHT'S TALE the most.
Heath Ledger has been one of my favorite actors for a while. The man was just brilliant. He chose his roles carefully and nixed any ones he didn't feel he liked. And he always nailed the performance. From his character roles in LORDS OF DOGTOWN and BROTHERS GRIMM to the upcoming DARK KNIGHT, it seemed like Ledger could do it all. He always put his all into a role and was destined to be a great in the business (in my eyes he was already one.). That's the type of actors you want to see making movies. The guys that love making them as much as we love watching them. A guy with so much ahead of him being taken this early in his life is tragic. I was shocked the second I heard and I'm still shocked, not sure if it will ever settle in. Rest in Piece Heath, you will most certainly be missed. Thank you.
MATHEW PLALE: Heath Ledger, whether he could have known it or not, was at his best in last year's I'M NOT THERE as movie-star Bob Dylan. I say it's his best because it was his most honest--he was Dylan just as much as Ledger--the stardom, the paparazzi, the heartbreak, they're all there.
Ledger could be, at the same time, a heartthrob and a talent. He was unfortunately seen as merely one or the other to those wearing an eye-patch, but his combined disheveled sexiness and insistence on individuality in his roles will keep Ledger in our minds as one of the great, lost young talents. He'll certainly be missed.
ADAM QUIGLEY: My favorite of his films A KNIGHT'S TALE - First time I saw this flick, I remember thinking to myself, "Well, this is kind of stupid, but that Heath guy really knows how to carry a picture!" It was the first time I took notice of the actor. Ever since then, no matter how good or bad the actual film at hand, Heath Ledger's performances have remained a bright spot in my movie-watching world.
People die every day. That's life. So is it really such a tragic loss when, out of the thousands of deaths that occur daily, 1 celebrity passes on? Well, when that one celebrity happens to be Heath Ledger, the answer is "yes". In the same way that somebody would feel sorrow if a friend were to die, many of us had come to know and love Ledger both as an actor and a person, even if he didn't know any of us. His on-screen talent was undeniable, and it was clear through his interviews that he was an all-around cool guy. Personally, and admittedly rather selfishly, I'm just glad he was able to finish filming THE DARK KNIGHT, because his performance in that will likely be what he's remembered for... It will be his legacy... His masterpiece. RIP, buddy. Best wishes to your family and friends.
MIKE SAMPSON: I was never a particular fan of Heath Ledger's work. Perhaps it's because my wife insisted of putting on 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU whenever it was on TV and that movie drove me crazy. I was underwhelmed by A KNIGHT'S TALE and THE PATRIOT. And then I saw BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. While I didn't think the movie was as fantastic as many made it out to be, I was completely floored by Ledger's performance. An absolute masterstroke of acting. He was flat-out perfect as the tortured Ennis Del Mar. "Good Jesus, I had it all wrong about this kid," I thought afterwards. I later caught MONSTER'S BALL, LORDS OF DOGTOWN and I'M NOT THERE and was extremely impressed with his range. His role as The Joker in THE DARK KNIGHT would have catapulted him into a new level of stardom and it couldn't have been more deserved.
That's the sadness I'll feel as a fan of his acting. But as a father myself, I hurt more for his young daughter. Acting is a job just like writing for JoBlo.com, performing surgery or taking out the trash. But the real tragedy is that a beautiful little girl will grow up not knowing her father. And that's a real sadness.
JAMES THOO: Favorite Ledger movie? God, I'd love to say THE DARK KNIGHT, and I'm sure that if I were to write this later in the year I would, but for the time being it'll have to be A KNIGHT'S TALE. That movie is just about Heath Ledger feeling like he could be awesome if he got a chance, and then spending an hour and a half being awesome. It's about as historically accurate as Shia Labeouf's grandfather finding Megatron in the Polar ice caps, but you don't care because Ledger is just so good.
If I'm honest, before this happened I would never have said Heath Ledger was one of my favorite actors, but now, I don't know why not. I loved him in 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU and then in pretty much everything else I saw him in after that. What sticks in my mind about him now, is that on the two occasions I saw him recently, in I'M NOT THERE, and the trailer for THE DARK KNIGHT, I've seen what I remember him for: just being a fun fucking guy. It's the scene in I'M NOT THERE when he tries to ride the motor-cycle, cheerfully grins back and then drives straight into the wall. It's the scene in THE DARK KNIGHT when he shoots the bazooka off like he has not a clue what the hell he's doing. I know they're probably character nuances, because the man was such a wonderful actor, but I'm sure that they were inherent in him too.
SCOTT WEINBERG: Believe it or not, my favorite Heath Ledger performance was his lead role in CASANOVA. It may have been a slight little trifle of a movie, but Ledger shows a lot of charm and good humor in that film. All I can say about his passing is that my heart goes out to his friends and family -- especially his two-year-old daughter.
MATT WITHERS: A KNIGHT'S TALE - I usually prefer darker fare, but this flick was good, goofy fun with plenty to enjoy for the mates and the sheilas.
As much as I felt like BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN was an overhyped pile of steaming shite, you can't get past the fact that this tough, young aussie faced massive career and personal risk head on by playing a gay cowboy. That's "A Boy Named Sue" tough, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out Johnny Cash is patting him on the back right now.
Source: JoBlo.com
1:05AM on 07/21/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Cheers!
Cheers!
8:57PM on 07/20/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
10:32AM on 01/27/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Favorite lead performance: Brokeback
Favorite supp. role: Dogtown & Z-Boys
I can't wait to see what he did with the Joker. I hope it will be a worthy crowning achievment.
We'll miss you.
Favorite lead performance: Brokeback
Favorite supp. role: Dogtown & Z-Boys
I can't wait to see what he did with the Joker. I hope it will be a worthy crowning achievment.
We'll miss you.
6:36AM on 01/27/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
2:36AM on 01/27/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The Dark Knight may be his swan song, but i hope he goes out with a bang!
R.I.P Heath Ledger
The Dark Knight may be his swan song, but i hope he goes out with a bang!
R.I.P Heath Ledger
1:10AM on 01/27/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
11:28PM on 01/26/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
5:04PM on 01/26/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Probably the biggest reason I'll miss Heath (although I never knew the man) is because he seemed "real" in this phony world where nearly every actor wears a
Probably the biggest reason I'll miss Heath (although I never knew the man) is because he seemed "real" in this phony world where nearly every actor wears a mask. He seemed like someone who genuinely had something to say with his roles. And he was one of the few actors out there today, that I would've loved to meet and have a cup of coffee with.
I'm super excited to see I'M NOT THERE and THE DARK KNIGHT, as I am sure that he'll blow us all away with both films.
RIP Heath.
I already miss all of the great performances you were bound to show us.
6:32AM on 01/26/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
2:47AM on 01/26/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'm actually a bit surprised by how hard this has hit me. I've literally been depressed all week because of this. I don't know if it's because of how
I'm actually a bit surprised by how hard this has hit me. I've literally been depressed all week because of this. I don't know if it's because of how great his work in “The Dark Knight” has been looking or what, but kinda like Thoo I never really thought that much of Ledger before the past year or so. It's odd, since in the four and a half, (I haven’t seen all of “10 Things…”), Ledger movies I've seen he's always seemed to be the best thing about them. As bummed as I am that we’ll never see what more Heath could do, I’m almost as bummed that I’ve missed the boat on a lot of what he did while still around. I hadn’t seen “Brokeback” until recently, I was looking forward to finally getting the chance to see “I’m Not There”, and now I feel the need to seek out this “Candy” movie I’m just now hearing about. I’ve never seen “Monster’s Ball” and had no idea he was even in it. Like I said, seeing as how I’ve only seen a handful of his work I’m surprised his death has gotten to me like it has.
The only other celebrity deaths to make me feel like this were Phil Hartman's and the aforementioned Hedberg's. Those guy's I could understand immediately why it hit me, I idolized 'em. Heath Ledger's death hits me the same way and I'd have never thought it would. When Chris Penn died I thought it was sad, like "Too bad 'Nice Guy Eddie' died", same kinda deal for John Ritter. Other celebs’ passings I didn’t care about at all. But Ledger's passing feels like a damn tragedy...
When I first read about his death I immediately hoped it was a gag, a Joker marketing gimmick, but after actually reading the article I just sank… Part of me still hopes that in a week or a month or whatever he’ll just pop up somewhere and the “joke” will be over, but I know that ain’t going to happen. This whole thing is just so sad…
Anyways, I’ve rambled long enough. Condolences to his family and loved ones. At least they’ll know he’ll always be remembered…
1:34PM on 01/25/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
And in terms of getting all this attention because he's going to be in a summer blockbuster, I think he would've gotten this attention regardless, especially after being involved in Brokeback. He was a phenomenal talent whose life was cut way too short. And I feel the same about Brad Renfro. I think if he got his shit together, he too could've been a truly incredible actor.
Just sad sad stuff.
12:37AM on 01/25/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
7:06PM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Heath Ledger was the only reason why I cared about seeing the Dark Knight.
Seeing his portrayal of the Joker in footage from the film made me anticipate his talent and where his career would take him.
Respect to his family and Loved ones.
Heath Ledger was the only reason why I cared about seeing the Dark Knight.
Seeing his portrayal of the Joker in footage from the film made me anticipate his talent and where his career would take him.
Respect to his family and Loved ones.
5:56PM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
R.I.P. Heath
2:47PM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
2:07PM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
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1:28PM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This is a dark day for cinema. I'm very sorry for his loved ones and fans alike. I will miss him a great deal.
1:16PM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
12:55PM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
12:46PM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I think I see what you mean. I was thinking about Renfro too. Actually I was reading about Renfro's funeral when I clicked on CNN and saw the breaking news and was shocked. I was thinking maybe this was some Dark Knight marketing gone bad.
Less than an hour after Heath's passing was breaking news, I noticed that movie websites (imdb.com, even joblo.com) either
I think I see what you mean. I was thinking about Renfro too. Actually I was reading about Renfro's funeral when I clicked on CNN and saw the breaking news and was shocked. I was thinking maybe this was some Dark Knight marketing gone bad.
Less than an hour after Heath's passing was breaking news, I noticed that movie websites (imdb.com, even joblo.com) either crashed or was stuck, so I bet there were just volumes of people trying to find out what's going on, or wanting to talk about it.
I'm sure the Joker role had lots to do about the attention. But more than anything, I think he was really about to breakthrough as an actor. I mean, he already did with Brokeback Mountain. The Joker role is really different from many of his previous roles because it's such an iconic character created both by the comic books and by Jack Nicholson. That he's managed to impress many fans (who are perhaps hardest to please) shows how far he's come. Add that to the fact that he hasn't had a history of drugs or problems with the law makes it all the more tragic and unexpected.
I personally was just waiting to see him glow with the compliments that was going to pour in from his portrayal of the Joker. It's a damn shame that he'll never get to see that.
In response to the my fav. Heath Ledger movie:
I'll have to cheat and pick A KNIGHT'S TALE (first movie I saw with him) and BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. It really shows his range as an actor.
12:34PM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
However,I was discussing this with my friends yesterday, do you think we would share such an attachment to him if it wasn't for the Joker role for the past year he had been prepping for and ultimately completing? A role that looks beyond sick and brilliant on screen.
However,I was discussing this with my friends yesterday, do you think we would share such an attachment to him if it wasn't for the Joker role for the past year he had been prepping for and ultimately completing? A role that looks beyond sick and brilliant on screen.
Hear me out first.
I live in New York and the press for this is unbelievable. There was a school shooting here yesterday and this def overshadowed it. And obviously the news feeds off our reactions and they are blowing it up and beyond. But I think we, mostly as hardcore fans, have developed more of a bond with him over the past year because of the Joker role.
It's getting to the point where we don't even have facts yet they are already accusing him of Oding on pills. Heck, it even made the front page. "OD ON PILLS"
But lets forget about Brokeback Mountain and his oscar nomination for a sec. He really hasn't made any SUBSTANTIAL films and yet he has caught Americas attention so much. Lets face it, Brad Renfro died last week and yes he wasn't prob as popular but still the guy was like put in a little box below the comic section (or nearby it)
This whole thing is just shocking because this was going to be his summer but the attention this is receiving here in the states is like Tom Hanks/Tom Cruise level. And I don't know if its really fair to him or up to that level.
What do you guys think? Do you think if it wasn't for the Joker role, would be so attached to him? I mean all I was thinking is how great he was going to be in Batman and backing him up while everyone said he will suck. And then seeing it on the big screen and like in the back of my head saying "I told you so".
This was going to be his summer. Each actor has a summer, last year I would say was Shia Lebeouf's and this summer was all his. May he rest in peace.
12:17PM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Seeing The Dark Knight won't be the same. The somber and dark mood that the new Batman films are supposed to evoke will now forever be a true tone instead of an evoked one because of this tragedy, much like The Crow.
RIP Heath Ledger, my prayers to your loved ones.
10:37AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
9:21AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
8:15AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I just wanted to say that the folks who run and contribute to this site are all Class Acts. You all really care about the movie business and the people who work in it. Mad Props to all of you!!!
I just wanted to say that the folks who run and contribute to this site are all Class Acts. You all really care about the movie business and the people who work in it. Mad Props to all of you!!!
7:10AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
He was great in "A Knights Tale" but i also came across "Candy" the other day on tv and his performance in that film was awesome! can't wait to see him in "The Dark Knight", just a pitty its his last role.
R.I.P Heath
He was great in "A Knights Tale" but i also came across "Candy" the other day on tv and his performance in that film was awesome! can't wait to see him in "The Dark Knight", just a pitty its his last role.
R.I.P Heath
6:38AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
His role as the Joker, just from the trailers alone, looks like it will be iconic, memorable, and a role which might finally give a comic book blockbuster the acting awards at the ceremonies next year.
I just hope that this week's tragic events do not turn what will no doubt be a star turn in The Dark Knight into a press-fed and fueled eerie omen of what has happened.
6:19AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Lovely artwork of him here - [link]
He posed for this in December I believe.
Irreplaceable!
Lovely artwork of him here - [link]
He posed for this in December I believe.
Irreplaceable!
6:13AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I will also be the first to mention (at least, based on the *above* tributes) that I thought his performance in THE FOUR FEATHERS was unforgettable - in fact, other
I will also be the first to mention (at least, based on the *above* tributes) that I thought his performance in THE FOUR FEATHERS was unforgettable - in fact, other than Djimon Hounsou, he was my favorite thing about that movie.
R.I.P., Heath Ledger. You will be sorely missed.
5:37AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
5:29AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
God bless, Heath. And thank you.
5:14AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
4:19AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Heath Ledger's death is equal to the James Dean of this generation. There truly is no comparison to it. While I was
Heath Ledger's death is equal to the James Dean of this generation. There truly is no comparison to it. While I was never a huge fan of his work, I was floored by the footage of the Dark Knight, and he truly was the best thing in Brokeback.
Here's hoping that his legacy is remembered for the good.
3:16AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
3:15AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Even though he was unquestionably good-looking, I never got the sense that he made movies trading on his looks, that he wanted to be taken seriously as an actor and as
Even though he was unquestionably good-looking, I never got the sense that he made movies trading on his looks, that he wanted to be taken seriously as an actor and as an artist. I respected that and enjoyed his work. I was looking forward to The Dark Knight, and seeing this actor cross the line from "actor with potential" to legend in the making. I really think Ledger would have gone that far. We'll all be watching TDK this year and thinking, "What a loss."
RIP Heath Ledger, and prayers and mojo for his family.
2:22AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
1:59AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
My favorite role of his is "Lords of Dogtown". Flawed, but he made the movie special. And that was his magic. Deep down, '10 Things' is dear to my hardcore heart.
My favorite role of his is "Lords of Dogtown". Flawed, but he made the movie special. And that was his magic. Deep down, '10 Things' is dear to my hardcore heart.
1:47AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
even with TDK coming i still believe my favourite film of his will forever be A Knight's Tale
even with TDK coming i still believe my favourite film of his will forever be A Knight's Tale
1:43AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Brokeback Mountain - He portrayed every emotion perfectly. More that that, he managed to look older with little or no makeup to help him along.
Monster's Ball - The role that told me this guy isn't just a flavor-of-the-month kinda guy.
The Patriot - one of many fine performances in a movie that didn't deserve
Brokeback Mountain - He portrayed every emotion perfectly. More that that, he managed to look older with little or no makeup to help him along.
Monster's Ball - The role that told me this guy isn't just a flavor-of-the-month kinda guy.
The Patriot - one of many fine performances in a movie that didn't deserve them.
Roar - anyone? Remember that show? Yes? No? I still can't believe they canceled it.
I'm Not There - this was it, that ultimate transitional moment between being an above-average actor, and actually becoming the sort of actor one could count on unquestionably to turn in the goods. Not that he wouldn't keep growing, but I felt this was the moment.
1:28AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Patriot was the second. It was the first movie I've seen him in and will always be my favorite war movie!
Patriot was the second. It was the first movie I've seen him in and will always be my favorite war movie!
1:20AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
He was an incredibly talented and grounded individual and he was taken much too soon.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, especially his daughter.
Rest in peace, Heath.
He was an incredibly talented and grounded individual and he was taken much too soon.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, especially his daughter.
Rest in peace, Heath.
12:53AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
12:47AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Brokeback Mountain came out, and was a huge success, a film i mildly enjoyed, as i am not a huge fan of Mr. Ang Lee (i feel his films are boring as all hell), but this film was held together by its strong leads, Mr. Ledger and Mr. Gylenhaal.
And then came news of one of the biggest roles this decade. For months there was pure speculation on who would play, THE JOKER in the sequel to Batman Begins. And then the news broke, Heath Ledger would be that man. I remember alot of people were taken aback by this announcement. But, for me, clips from his filmography, most notably Lords of Dogtown struck my mind, and i immediately knew that Mr. Ledger was a tremendous choice for this role, because if he brought any of the force and thunder he brought to his other roles ot this one, it was going to be nothing short of brilliant.
Then soon after, we got our first glimpse through an Empire cover story, there he was, Heath Ledger as The Joker. Any nay-sayers that still existed had been shut up, simply by that single picture. Support grew, and then something happened... the trailer for The Dark Knight hit, and film goers nationwide were speechless. The proof was there, Heath Ledger was the ONLY choice for this role. A fact made obvious when Warners and Mr. Nolan based their entire marketing campaign on this performance.
Sadly, this feels like it should be the middle of a tribute to Mr. Ledger, an actor, who has transformed himself many different ways, and then takes on a major performance and his career is never the same. But this is the end of the tribute, a sad end. An end that should not be.
When The Dark Knight hits theaters this summer, we will all be watching with a different set of eyes, we will not be watching the performance of a lifetime, that opens the doors for many more solid performances... we will be watching the performance of a lifetime, that sadly is, the last of the actors lifetime.
RIP Mr. Ledger
12:42AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
12:39AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
12:37AM on 01/24/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile