A Great One - Heath Ledger (RIP)

I received the news of Heath Ledger's death while checking out at the grocery store when one cashier mentioned it to another. Needless to say, I was devastated. Not only was he an exceptional actor with longevity potential - he was also heavy on my radar after I found out he was playing the Joker in the new Batman flick coming out this year.

A lot of people are familiar with his movies but have a hard time remembering exactly what movies he was in. Most, like the cashier I was talking about earlier, had only heard about him in Brokeback Mountain. While that movie was a huge success, I feel a lot of people didn't see it due to it's content. I for one, didn't see it for the fact I had no desire, however, I was well informed of who Heath Ledger was before that film.
As far back as I can remember the first time I saw him was probably 10 Things I Hate About You. Shortly after that I discovered him in the Patriot. Didn't see all of A Knight's Tale but enjoyed what I saw. It seemed he can really move you into caring about a scene or movie as a whole. I also appreciated how it seemed he took the more dangerous, tough, and risky roles than the easy pretty boy roles he probably had thrown at him.

Now, about this Batman thing. I really hope the movie isn't pushed back due to his untimely death. I really think it should be moved forward for people who are just really getting to know Heath will see what I believe will be his best performance hands down. Unfortunately his untimely death occurred right before a film I was sure was going to shoot him to super stardom. If not in the gossip column ranks at least among the smarter fans of Hollywood.

I'm devastated, broken, and even more eager to see what I'm sure will be the culmination of all his hard work and dedication to his craft up until this point. Years from now we will be missing something. It will seem like it was right around the corner but it will never show. We will realize the potential that we lost today and what amazing contributions Heath could've made to this art form. Let us all recognize his talented body of work and celebrate his dedication and skill the night The Dark Knight opens in theaters. Heath, thank you and rest in peace.