Tag Archives: Heath Ledger

Crime, Drama, Thriller

JOKER (2019): New Trailer From Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz, Robert De Niro…

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Joker (2019), Joaquin Phoenix, Warner Bros. Pictures
Joker (2019), Joaquin Phoenix, Warner Bros. Pictures

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Joker (2019).

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz and Robert De Niro, Joker is an exploration of Aurthur Fleck, a man disregarded by society and eventually driven insane until he become’s Gotham City’s best known psychopathic murderer.

Directed by Todd Phillips (The Hangover (2009), other key cast includes Bryan Callen, Shea Whigham, Frances Conroy…

I’m going to start by addressing the rather humongous and certainly beautiful elephant in the room. ‘Heath Ledger, Heath Ledger, Heath Ledger, Heath Ledger. The Dark Knight , The Dark Knight , The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight.’ OK. I’m done.

To clarify, my intention is certainly not to take anything away from Phoenix who I also appreciate, especially since his great work in Gladiator (2000). However, I just had to do the above because Ledger’s performance was pure magic and permanently fixed in my memory as one of the best performances I’ve ever seen.

I’m still definitely looking forward to watching this deep-dive into Joker’s journey, from failed comic to psychopathic murderer. Additionally, I actually can’t wait to compare both Phoenix and Ledger’s performances – just to see which I prefer.

Glenn Fleshler, Brett Cullen, Marc Maron, Douglas Hodge and Josh Pais also star.

Joker Release Dates: October 4th, 2019 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving

G

Documentary

I AM HEATH LEDGER (2017): New Trailer For Heath Ledger Documentary

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I Am Heath Ledger (2017)
I Am Heath Ledger (2017)

You’d think that I’d be more than ready to watch a documentary about the very talented late actor Heath Ledger, nearly ten years after his untimely passing, but you’d be wrong. His deservedly revered performance in The Dark Knight (2008), remains one of the best character embodiments I’ve ever seen on screen; a performance so perfectly measured and mesmerising that I missed him terribly each time the camera pointed elsewhere.

Directed by Adrian Buitenhuis and Derik Murray, I Am Heath Ledger is a new documentary that celebrates Ledger’s life as an actor, artist and icon. Featuring interviews with those who knew him best personally and professionally, I Am Heath Ledger provides an intimate look through Ledger’s own camera as he films and often performs in his own personal journey…

I know that one day I’ll sit down and watch this documentary. That day will just take a little longer to get here.

Naomi Watts, Emile Hirsch, Djimon Hounsou, Ben Mendelsohn and Brokeback Mountain (2005) director Ang Lee are some of the friends and colleagues featured, along with family.

I Am Heath Ledger Release Dates: April 23rd, 2017 (US)…

Happy Film Loving

G

Action, Crime, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

THE DARK KNIGHT (2008): Superior Film Making & What Heath Ledger Did…

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The Dark Knight (2008), Christian Bale, Michael Caine
The Dark Knight (2008), Christian Bale, Michael Caine

Written and directed by the Nolan brothers, (Jonathan and Christopher) The Dark Knight is the second movie in a notable three part series that started with Batman Begins (2005).

Christian Bale is back as Batman and this time he must face off with Gotham’s current havoc wreaking menace, the Joker.

Like all films by the Nolan brothers, The Dark Knight is no exception to the rule of storytelling excellence, engaging dialogue, action sequence prowess, a brilliant musical score and truly memorable performances.

The Dark Knight (2008), Heath Ledger
The Dark Knight (2008), Heath Ledger

As good as Bale is in the role of Batman – and he is very good, the most memorable performance in The Dark Knight is delivered by the unfortunately late but unforgettable Australian actor, Heath Ledger.

Whether he had passed as he did before the film’s release or not, it’s near enough impossible to think of and mention The Dark Knight without also highlighting what Ledger accomplished with this one role. His portrayal of the Joker is simply one of the most mesmerising things I’ve ever seen on screen. So much so that each time the camera wasn’t on him, it felt like the movie was moving noticeably slower.

The entire film is quite the achievement, thanks to a superior filmmaking team that includes, along with the leading cast, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and ‘super composer’, Hans Zimmer.

Most film lovers have already seen The Dark Knight. But to all who haven’t, get ready for a great opening and closing sequence, as well as a memorable  plenty more in between.

The Dark Knight (2008), William Fichtner
The Dark Knight (2008), William Fichtner

One of the best moments in the opening sequence has to be the surprise of what  William Fichtner’s badass Bank Manager character does when he gets on his feet. If you’ve seen it, you understand.

Happy Film Loving 🙂

G