Their silent expressions told more about their feelings than any open air comments; Was this the result of an accident, or arson (arson, of course, caused by terrorists)?
It's almost amusing amusing how a small building fire that was unceremoniously snuffed could cause such paranoia among the commoners.
But what isn't funny at all is the unfortunate passing of actor Heath Ledger earlier this week. Now, I don't follow the daily lives of celebrities like so many Americans do; Whatever personal problems he had, or however "friendly" he was with those Olsen Twins made no difference to me whatsoever. Heck, I don't think I've even seen a movie with him starring in it, at least not a notable movie worth remembering.
Regardless, I'm very sad to see him go.
One thing I do share in common with most Americans is the love for Batman. Batman Begins was a very good movie, almost good enough to wash away the stink and shame of Batman and Robin (it doesn't matter how many times Schumacher apologizes for his sin; There should be a law that allows anyone within spitting distance to let one fly smack-dab on his face at all times), but it wasn't the best movie in the Dark Knight's cinema history. I felt the beginning training took a bit too long (plus it's well known that Bruce didn't just pick one place to train; He went all around the world learning every kind of martial art and combat tactic available), Bale kind of overdid the booming voice as Batman ("WHERE ARE THE DRUGS!!!? DO I LOOK LIKE A COP TO YOU!!?"), and the climactic fight with Ra's Al Ghul has Bats kind of contradict himself on the spot. But it was still a good start for a series reboot.
But the sequel has me twice as excited as the first movie, and for one simple reason: The Joker.
When pictures of Joker's modern re imagining were leaked via viral marketing, I was hit with feelings of shock and skepticism. I've always been used to the Joker being portrayed as a psychotic, but also clean-dressed clown, with greased back hair and makeup so detailed it could almost pass as his skin.
And in many portrayals of the character, the ghostly white color actually is his skin.
He may be bloodthirsty, but at least he always combs his hair and irons his pants before a regular murder-romp around town.
But now take a look at 2008's Joker:
Where the original was a prim and proper clown prince of crime, this Joker looked like a PCP addict that ran to the nearest mirror, smeared a bunch of makeup across his face as quickly as he could before running out into the street in a screaming frenzy as he gunned down any man, woman, child or dog unfortunate enough to get in his way.
And that's where I quickly realized how perfect this re imagined Joker was. The original was always a great villain based on a very simple, almost primal concept (his idea of comedy involves dismemberment and death, and he's the only one who finds himself funny), but he was never considered a frightening character, despite being a clown. In many instances, Batman steps in on time to stop Joker from performing a genocidal performance and delivers a proverbial punchline that everyone finds amusing.
Except the Joker, that is. See the irony there?
But Ledger's Joker is just goddamn terrifying, the sort of figure you would not want to meet in a dark alley. Instead of explosive whoopee cushions or laugh-inducing nerve gas, this Joker seems content in good old fashioned Uzis and switchblades to induce fear and terror, and getting a good giggle out of your torment.
And let's not forget the massive scars formed around his cheeks.
Instead of a frozen grin permanently etched across his face like a stroke victim, this Joker has a pair of large gashes that give the illusion of a big, wide smile. Not only is it painful to look at, but it's also just plain creepy. I'm unsure if they'll reveal the origin behind those scars, but it definitely will push the PG-13 rating regardless.
As more production images scoured the net, and as new teasers began screening in theaters, I was convinced more and more that The Dark Knight would be a superior sequel to Batman Begins in every way, and it was all due to Heath Ledger's real world portrayal of the character. I only caught bits and pieces of his performance, but it was enough to sell me.
And that's why I mourn his loss along with his other fans, as this will be his first and last debut as the Joker. I can only take solace that the movie will supposedly remain unaffected by this recent turn of events, but I do recall early reports that the Joker was planned for both the second and third movies; Either he'll be written off as dead by this movie's end, or they'll get a replacement actor for the third movie, but I have doubts that the latter could ever come up with a suitable replacement for Ledger.
RIP, Heath Ledger. I'll be sure to root for you when I watch your last performance on the big screen (and I imagine much of the crowd will be doing the same when the time comes).
1 comment:
Hum.. What should i say? It seems that you were complaining on Heath Ledgers caracter. Am I right?
I didnt think that Jack Nicholsons caracter as the Joker was good. I mean, he looks like a doll! Heath Ledgers caracter was more.. hum how should I say? Real?! Its not so very often your face looks like the colors and paint, really is on your face. So, stop complaining on Heath, and look at Jack Nicholsons face instead./Heath Ledger biggest fan
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