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If this isn't in the appropriate thread/forum, please merge as needed . I've been reading alot of comments around here lately, and I decided to write up this short essay concerning my fear that people are setting insatiable expectations concerning Heath Ledger's performance.
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The Joker is a pop culture icon. He’s a staple to the Batman mythos, and is such a huge character, that even “the general public” knows who he is. The comic books, the television shows (both live action and animated), the Jack Nicholson portrayal in Tim Burton’s film. The fact is this: The Joker is a character not to be taken lightly, and the task of bringing him justice is a daunting task.
Heath Ledger is one of those actors who picks his roles based on whether or not he has something to offer the character. Ledger didn’t sign the contract because it was his chance to play a famous and iconic character, resulting in mainstream recognition and massive paychecks. He took the part because he saw a chance to breathe air into this character.
Heath is an exceptional actor, and this truth shines in his bringing The Joker to life. Dedicated, committed, and focused, he took measures to fall into the character’s psyche. He kept diaries, he coached his voice, and he brought ideas to the set every day. Anything he needed to do in order to further his character’s development. Whether it be little ticks The Joker has (such as tilting his head, or swaying his arms as he walks), or a child-like voice, these small things round out the character and make him all the more real.
People will love or hate Ledger’s performance. As much effort as he put into it, that’s just the way it is. Neither party is right or wrong. All the same, it’s indisputable that Ledger poured himself into the character, and offered the best of his talents.
Months before the movie’s release, and Heath’s performance is already being praised and acclaimed. “Iconic.” “Phenomenal.” “Breath-taking.” “Inspiring.” Now people are speculating as to whether or not this “iconic” performance is enough to earn Ledger a posthumous Oscar nomination in 2009. The movie hasn’t even been screened yet outside of Warner Brothers studios, and the hype for Ledger’s Joker just keeps on climbing.
My question is this: In the long run, will it live up to these elevating standards? If history has taught us anything, it’s that over-hyping something is dangerous territory. Is it wise for people to go into “The Dark Knight” under the notion that they are about to witness a guaranteed Oscar nominated performance? Is it wise to convince yourself that this will be the greatest villainous role of the last decade, so long before the movie’s release?
This individual says no, it isn’t.
Don’t get me wrong. Nothing would please me more than to walk out of the theater on July 18th with my mind completely blown away. Nothing would make me happier than to see Heath Ledger give one of the best performances I have ever seen. If that were to be the case, then I’d be first in line for the “Heath Ledger for Best Supporting Actor 2009” rally. But I can’t convince myself that these are certainties. There are still things about this character that I have yet to see, and won’t get to see until this July. Why set myself up for possible disappointment if I'm going into the movie nearly blind?
-------------------
The Joker is a pop culture icon. He’s a staple to the Batman mythos, and is such a huge character, that even “the general public” knows who he is. The comic books, the television shows (both live action and animated), the Jack Nicholson portrayal in Tim Burton’s film. The fact is this: The Joker is a character not to be taken lightly, and the task of bringing him justice is a daunting task.
Heath Ledger is one of those actors who picks his roles based on whether or not he has something to offer the character. Ledger didn’t sign the contract because it was his chance to play a famous and iconic character, resulting in mainstream recognition and massive paychecks. He took the part because he saw a chance to breathe air into this character.
Heath is an exceptional actor, and this truth shines in his bringing The Joker to life. Dedicated, committed, and focused, he took measures to fall into the character’s psyche. He kept diaries, he coached his voice, and he brought ideas to the set every day. Anything he needed to do in order to further his character’s development. Whether it be little ticks The Joker has (such as tilting his head, or swaying his arms as he walks), or a child-like voice, these small things round out the character and make him all the more real.
People will love or hate Ledger’s performance. As much effort as he put into it, that’s just the way it is. Neither party is right or wrong. All the same, it’s indisputable that Ledger poured himself into the character, and offered the best of his talents.
Months before the movie’s release, and Heath’s performance is already being praised and acclaimed. “Iconic.” “Phenomenal.” “Breath-taking.” “Inspiring.” Now people are speculating as to whether or not this “iconic” performance is enough to earn Ledger a posthumous Oscar nomination in 2009. The movie hasn’t even been screened yet outside of Warner Brothers studios, and the hype for Ledger’s Joker just keeps on climbing.
My question is this: In the long run, will it live up to these elevating standards? If history has taught us anything, it’s that over-hyping something is dangerous territory. Is it wise for people to go into “The Dark Knight” under the notion that they are about to witness a guaranteed Oscar nominated performance? Is it wise to convince yourself that this will be the greatest villainous role of the last decade, so long before the movie’s release?
This individual says no, it isn’t.
Don’t get me wrong. Nothing would please me more than to walk out of the theater on July 18th with my mind completely blown away. Nothing would make me happier than to see Heath Ledger give one of the best performances I have ever seen. If that were to be the case, then I’d be first in line for the “Heath Ledger for Best Supporting Actor 2009” rally. But I can’t convince myself that these are certainties. There are still things about this character that I have yet to see, and won’t get to see until this July. Why set myself up for possible disappointment if I'm going into the movie nearly blind?