I can’t say why I feel the need to post something about the fact that Heath Ledger died today. Maybe because it’s a fact. I find myself in shock. I think it is because I was just starting to realize what a great actor he was. I have often felt in my life that I catch on to things too late. I just pray that I do it less.
I really avoided watching Brokeback Mountain because I thought it was going to be a propaganda piece. I am not homophobic or have anything against a homosexual lifestyle, but I just wasn’t sure—after all the build-up—if there would be any story left. After finally seeing it a couple months back, I really have to credit Ledger for such a stunning performance. And having seen him in The Lords of Dogtown, recently I started putting it together. Finally, after seeing The Dark Knight trailer I got it. Heath Ledger is/was a brilliant actor and artist. The range and the passion were inspiring.
I read that there were over 300 people standing outside of the apartment waiting to see the body being brought out. It occurred to me that we used to light candles. Today we have flash bulbs.
Timely post. Ledger does a stunning job in “I’m Not There” as well. Particularily becuase of his death, I would recommend this movie. He plays a difficult character.
Ledger also struck me as someone who, as the New York Times also reports, consciously worked to expand the boundaries of his acting.
28. What a waste. Another young man cut down just as the potential is becoming actualized.
One of the best quotes I saw about him was that he was a better actor than a man as good looking as he was actually needed to be. Sad that there were that many people waiting for the body; this morning they showed his building and it had maybe a handful of flowers left outside. I’ve seen bigger memorials for local gang-bangers.
I understand the desire for spectacle, but it seems quite unbalanced.