Honestly when I read the first reports I began to wonder if it wasn't some hoax to promote The Dark Knight. I mean how many times has the Joker been thought dead in the comics only to return? I was angry for moment thinking about how distasteful that sort of promotion would be, but as I read the few scattered reports about his death around the web it sank in....he's really gone. I feel much the same about it as when River Phoenix or Kurt Cobain died, very talented very young people taken down in their prime for various reasons.
Heath was an actor with such honesty in his performances that he could even make you accept rockin out to Queen at a medieval jousting tourney as if it was just another day at the tiltyard. No matter the role he was committed to bringing his "A" game to the screen and didn't shy away from roles that other actors would fear. Much like River and Kurt we are left to ponder what he would have done in the future those things we'll never get to see or hear. Is it too selfish to feel cheated?
A few nights ago I got into a conversation with some friends about the Dark Knight and Heath playing the Joker. I was amazed that some people are still resisting him as the Joker but more so that more have come around to it.
I remember the day it was announced; it felt like there was a 60/40 split among fans with the 60% upset by the choice. I was thrilled by it; it was great casting not only physically but talent wise as well. Heath's trademark grin makes him perfect for the role but also he just that look like he could have some brilliant evil scheme boiling behind those eyes. I know it will sound selfish again but I am very glad The Dark Knight was finished up before Heath left us. We will be denied watching Heath in the future but at least the gods have granted us a last great hurrah in watching Heath unleash himself as the Joker.
My heart goes out to his family and friends. I cannot imagine what it will be like for them over the next few weeks as the news is plastered with reports about Heath (some true some not), grieving is hard enough so I hope the media can respect their privacy and space not likely to happen but one can hope.
When I set out writing this I started looking for pictures of Heath for the article and honestly I think his Joker poster is so kick ass cool that I have to imagine Heath probably thought it was awesome as well (at least I would if I was the Joker). It's the pitch perfect image for the Joker and Heath's commitment to playing the role. Rather than look back at his life I think for now I'd rather look forward to his next great role to hit the screen.
We'll miss you Heath, god speed.
Mikey
Readers have left 2 comments.
No.1 driver
hey Mikey, THANKS FOR SAYING WHAT WE\'RE ALL THINKING. HE WILL BE MISSED.. YOU KNOW HOW I LOVED THE LONG HAIRED MAN IN METAL!! GREAT ARTICLE
Kitty Cat () • 2008-01-23 00:34:10
No.2 Much Respect
Heath was a master of his craft in ways many actors with twice his resume could only hope to become. I never got to met the guy and I was really hoping to at either Wonder-con or perhaps even after The Dark Kight at Comic-con depending on what stage of filming The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus was at. My list of celebs to meet isn't a long one at that (and lets be honest most are female) so I'm sad that his is a name I will never get to cross off that list.
Honestly when I read the first reports I began to wonder if it wasn't some hoax to promote The Dark Knight. I mean how many times has the Joker been thought dead in the comics only to return? I was angry for moment thinking about how distasteful that sort of promotion would be, but as I read the few scattered reports about his death around the web it sank in....he's really gone. I feel much the same about it as when River Phoenix or Kurt Cobain died, very talented very young people taken down in their prime for various reasons. 
