Much has been said about this newly released cinematic blockbuster Batman: The Dark Knight. Most of the hype surrounding this latest installment in the comic book movie genre has focussed on one man's performance who seems to have single-handedly turned this multi-million dollar flick into his own requiem soliloquy. Of course I speak of Heath Ledger, the Australian actor who so chillingly portrays the ultimate arch-enemy of the caped crusader, the unhinged and unnerving Joker. As we also know Heath Ledger tragically died earlier this year as a result of an accidental overdose of prescribed medications. Now I would agree that, having just returned from watching The Dark Knight, Ledger's performance as the Joker was breathtakingly brilliant. Genius, in fact. And it deservedly warrants the accolades from fellow screen insiders that are screaming out for Ledger to be nominated for a post-humous Academy Award. And if he is honoured by receiving such an award then it would in some way be a fitting tribute to his masterful role in the movie. But let's not forget one thing in the midst of all the hysterical remembrance of Heath Ledger, aka the Joker...
Life itself seldom offers a second, much less a third take. And as fine a performance Heath Ledger has given for us to marvel at for snapshot in time let us not forget that it was and will be his last. For as much as the Joker is a metaphor for chaos in a world we try bravely and often vainly to control, the fact remains that Heath Ledger was no metaphor. He was a real breathing, hope and potential filled child of God who now lies on life's cutting floor. That is the real tragedy here. A father-less child will live in wonder of the father she never knew. A father and mother still grieve at having to perform that most unthinkable of acts - burying their child. And a partner will always wonder at what could have been...
If that's the legacy of one man who stands to be forever immortalised as 'Joker' that I'm not sure I see the funny side of it.
Life itself seldom offers a second, much less a third take. And as fine a performance Heath Ledger has given for us to marvel at for snapshot in time let us not forget that it was and will be his last. For as much as the Joker is a metaphor for chaos in a world we try bravely and often vainly to control, the fact remains that Heath Ledger was no metaphor. He was a real breathing, hope and potential filled child of God who now lies on life's cutting floor. That is the real tragedy here. A father-less child will live in wonder of the father she never knew. A father and mother still grieve at having to perform that most unthinkable of acts - burying their child. And a partner will always wonder at what could have been...
If that's the legacy of one man who stands to be forever immortalised as 'Joker' that I'm not sure I see the funny side of it.
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