Health Ledger RIP
Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Heath Ledger, who died at 28, was born in Australia in 1979.

I am not a fan (fanatic) of actors. However, I do admire a few of them.

I categorize actors differently from stars.

• An actor is one who takes his craft seriously and submerges himself / herself into their role.
• Stars play the same character - with a very wide degree of latitude - in every film. It's acceptable for a star to do this, because they (supposedly) bring in the audience.
• Of course there are those that straddle both categories: Johnny Depp and Denzel Washington.
  

I adore the movie 10 Things I Hate About You. This teenage comedy is witty, fun, and sorta smart-ass without being vulgar. Yes, I am a prude. The key to making this film fun was Heath Ledger's tongue-in-cheek performance. There was something rather Cary Grant-ish about it. His long curly hair didn't hurt either.

The only other film of his that I recall seeing at the movie theater was A Knight's Tale. Rock music was played liberally. The movie was an interesting, anachronistic mix of modern colloquialisms and ancient feudal England. Jousting was the province of English upper class aristocracy and Heath Ledger's character wanted in. It was an enjoyable movie, nothing heavy or serious.

This film was the first big star vehicle for this guy to grab onto. Hollywood wanted to showcase him in something. After this film, which was a modest hit, Ledger did a few other commercial works. These movies arrived without much ado, and went away quietly like The Order.

Perhaps Ledger decided to refocus as an actor rather than a star. The difference resulted in Lords of Dogtown, Monster's Ball and Brokeback Mountain.

Excessive media coverage can make it difficult to be sympathetic to actors. I know how tough Hollywood and the Entertainment Industry can be on people, because I know former actors.

Oh heck! Even when I was in college - as a lark - I lined up for a few films. The open casting call is no joke! After those experiences, I can easily say that I couldn't even begin to manage that kind of daily grind and rejection. However, in keeping perspective there are many careers, which are dangerous, life-threatening, emotionally, and physically demanding.

Today, depression can be one of the toughest illnesses people battle. Hence, Heath Ledger joins the list of young actors who've died too soon.

Labels: Heath Ledger

posted by GoldenAh
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