Initial Post
This past summer, moviegoers everywhere had the utter privilege to view Heath Ledger’s portrayal of arguably the greatest villain of all time, The Joker, in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. The role of the Joker was previous made famous by movie legend Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton’s 1989 blockbuster Batman. Nicholson was nominated for a Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical Golden Globe for his role. The Golden Globes are considered by many to be barely a step below from an Oscar. Although Jack did an excellent job with the role, Heath Ledger goes above and beyond what could ever be asked from the part. The Joker, already a famous villain In the history of fiction, becomes an infamous pop culture icon due to the late Ledger’s role. In his performance, he frightens the moviegoer one minute, and makes them laugh the next, causing guilt within the moviegoer for laughing at such a facilitator of anarchy. Performances like this are too few and far between, and the late Ledger deserves his just due for the role.
Now, many are going to argue that if Ledger indeed does get the nomination, it will only because of his death. For those who may be uninformed, Heath Ledger passed away this past January due to accidental prescription drug overdose. This argument is ignorant. Ledger’s performance was being talked about immediately after the filming of The Dark Knight. Michael Caine, who plays Batman’s butler, Alfred, in the movie, claimed that when Ledger read his lines to him, he was unable to speak due to being completely terrified. Caine has been in movies since 1956. A man who is that respected within the Hollywood ranks and who has been in that movies to say something like that speaks volumes.
If you need proof of my argument, I highly urge you to go see The Dark Knight, if you haven’t already. For those of you who have had the privilege to see the film, you have experienced one of the most incendiary movie roles we may see in our lifetimes. For those who haven’t, you will be at true loss until you do.
September 9th, 2008 at 10:18 am
JB, A few suggestions here. First, you might save the youtube clib for another blog. I think it’ll be important for you to show a clip from the movie, but you’ll want to introduce and then analyze the clip. Right now, it’s just hanging out there. Also, be careful as to how you’re addressing your audience. Saying a particular viewpoint is “ignorant” might turn off potential readers. Please post an “about” page.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
the post works much better now.
September 30th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I agree with you completely. I don’t think his death should have anything to do with whether or not he is nominated for an Oscar. His nomination should be based solely on the amazing job he did portraying the Joker in the movie, and I think he without a doubt deserves a nomination for his performance. It’s a shame that he passed away, but just because he is no longer with us does not mean that he should not be rewarded and remembered for his amazing performance.