[A tribute to Heath Ledger, my Sweet Prince]
The Brothers Grimm (2005)
[A makeshift memorial in front of the New York building where Heath Ledger died on Tuesday.
Pic courtesy: Reuters]
Heath Andrew Ledger (4 April, 1979 - 22 Jan, 2008)
Yesterday, when I saw the saddening news of the 28-year-old Australian actor being found dead [on Tuesday, January 22nd], in his New York apartment, I could not control my tears.
These are the films of Heath Ledger that I have had the good fortune of seeing:
Casanova (2005)
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
The Brothers Grimm (2005)
The Order (2003)
Ned Kelly (2003)
The Four Feathers (2002)
Monster's Ball (2001)
A Knight's Tale (2001)
The Patriot (2000)
I had been keenly awaiting the release of the latest Batman film in which Heath plays the role of The Joker (pic below), the arch villain of the comic-strip based series. I also hoped that I would be able to see him in the much talked about film of 2007 I'm Not There. Here, in Kolkata, it isn't too easy for me see the latest films from around the world, but after having seen Heath in Brokeback Mountain, I instantly became an ardent admirer and sought him out in as many films I could (just 9 till date). I wish he could act in many more intense films and that he could have made himself endeared through his superlative performances. Heathy, as he was fondly called by many, was best loved for his sweet demeanour and also for his rich voice. While he stayed in Manhattan, New York, many a New Yorker had seen him display his natural affable charm which he commonly exuded, instead of a star-like aura.
His death is still shrouded in mystery, as is the case with such unfortunate exits of celebrities. Yet he will forever remain the Sweet Prince in my heart and in the hearts of millions of his admirers worldwide. Goodbye........ goodbye, Sweet Prince!
[Movie title links: www.imdb.com]
7 comments:
The very fact that Heath Ledger's shocking death caused one of the biggest internet meltdowns, with news-sites and search engines experiencing huge traffic spikes, proves how dearly loved he was by people all over the world.
His death reminds me of the death of River Phoenix, who had also attained a cult status within a very short span, and had died young.
Heath Ledger's death is too shocking for the entire world. None expected the sweet actor to leave us so soon. We are only left with his terrific portrayals in films, his close friends, associates and relatives shall forever the sweet memories, I am sure.
Named after the immortal literary character Heathcliff, he too shall always live in our hearts.
Heath was probably entering the best phase of his life as he passed away! He was part of two hugely touted film productions, essaying colorful roles. In 'The Dark Knight', Heath plays the role of The Joker, while in Terry Gilliam's 'The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus' he had been shooting from December and the wrap-up on it was due in March. More importantly, Heath Ledger was supposed to turn director himself adapting the Walter Tevis novel 'The Queen's Gambit', later this year. I am not only reminded of the shocking death of River Phoenix, but also that of James Dean, Natalie Wood and Brandon Lee who died early and have all become legends or cult icons.
Heath was a BRILLIANT ACTOR, SIMPLY OUTSTANDING!!! His death has left a BIG VOID in the hearts of his million and zillion fans........
HEATH, WE WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU......
YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS.......
TAKE CARE,
MAY GOD REST YOUR SOUL IN PEACE.......
SLEEP TIGHT, MY SWEET PRINCE.....
MAY YOU GET ALL THE HAPPINESS IN YOUR AFTER LIFE......
GOD BLESS YOUR SOUL.......
:-(
In one of his recent interviews, when Heath Ledger said that it is the most fun he has had with a character talking about playing The Joker, he also added that it is the most fun that probably he will ever have, I did not realize that his words would come true so eerily with his untimely demise soon after! In his own words, portraying The Joker was an exhausting process and he felt absolutely wrecked. Probably he had at the back of his mind an uneasy feeling about his not keeping so well after all...... celebrities are a weird lot and they cannot ever come clean with their problems, irrespective of how hard they try not to crack up within. It is all a question of image they try living up to.... all through.
Thanks, Anindo, for the timely post, though you have left his private life (his dalliances with Heather Graham, Naomi Watts or Michelle Williams) out of this write-up. It is understandable how grieved you are, we all are. Thankfully, 'Heathy' did not have to go "gentle on the good night"!!
Heath Ledger was not only a terrific actor but was also a person who espoused all kinds of radical thoughts. In his brief but colorful life, he has been a idol to many. He has passionately articulated his thoughts on life, love and portrayals in cinema. He will forever be remembered as the Sweet Prince, much brave and righteous like his role in 'A Knight's Tale'.
There will never be another princely actor like Heath Ledger. We will always miss him. Eagerly waiting to see him as on the big screen as Joker in the upcoming Batman film.
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