I'll start off to talk about this movie that the US is huffing and puffing about.
The new Batman movie, the Dark Knight, has raked in record millions thus far. For those who've seen it, its easy to understand why: it is a well made film, an unbelievably popular comic book series that reminds us all of the innocent days of our youth.
The controversial aspect is the death that accompanies the film. All of you must know by now, because its old news, but Heath Ledger is dead, having overdosed on a fatal combination of sleeping pills.
The reason the young man had trouble sleeping in the first place is because, as he had explained before his death, the role of a sadistic, sociopathic clown was disturbing to his psyche. Since his method of acting (and why he was so damn GOOD at it) involved actually becoming the character, on the set and off, he had a very difficult time living with the role.
This is one of the explanations why the millions are flocking to see the film, lining up outside theatres even a week after the movie has premiered.
I would just like to ask, is it ok for the media to take full advantage of this publicity? Is seeing the film honoring the death of Ledger, or insulting his memory by paying tribute to the very role that can be blamed for ending his life?
3 comments:
I don't think there was ever the idea that boycotting the movie would be a way of protesting the death of Ledger. I personally see it as way of recognizing him for his dedication and purist attitude toward his art, which is commendable.
Especially after seeing the movie, I understand why Ledger was strained mentally and emotionally. Yet it seems tasteless that corporations (despite saying otherwise) continued to advertise with Ledger, knowing that the controversy of his death would only fuel more publicity. Whether or not they took advantage or not, there was no doubt that his death would drive more people to see this movie.
I don't think there is any question that those greedy movie bastards were knowingly smirking at one another as they saw the news of Ledger's death. They used his death to promote the movie, but they did it in a way that was subtle and pervasive, eating away at anyone who could possibly see the movie.
But whatever happened to Ledger wasn't that obvious; cast members said that in between takes he was laughing and joking around (ha-ha), completely out of character. If he was engulfed by The Joker, he didn't let anyone know.
But seeing his performace just makes me sadder personally, perhaps even selfishly, because he will never be able to hone that raw power he showed on that screen into something even more awe-inspiring and meaningful. You will be missed, Heath.
The Ledger incident virtually has nothing to do with the sales. The movie was a hit and Ledgers acting job was superb. People would be coming to see this movie for all the same reasons they did today... Ledgers death is does not pertain to sales.
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