Heathledger.com

There’s a shadow hanging over The Dark Knight, and it is because of the dearly departed Heath Ledger. He died a few months after completing his demanding role as the demonic Joker in the follow up to Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins. The association will be forever.

That’s why Nolan and the film’s cast were solemn when they discussed Ledger at a Beverly Hills hotel Sunday. But they also celebrated his prowess in the film which opens on July 18.

“I felt a great responsibility to put the performance on screen,” said director Nolan. And based on reaction from the preview crowds, he believes he was successful. “I think the people are responding to his performance the way he [Ledger] intended.”

In the movie, Ledger’s Joker is dangerously deviant compared to Jack Nicholson’s borderline camp portrayal in the 1989 Tim Burton picture. But then The Dark Knight, co-written by Nolan and his brother Jonathan, is a great deal more threatening than any previous Batman concoction as the demented Joker challenges the unsettled Batman like never before.

Even Christian Bale’s Caped Crusader seems to be struggling mightily with his irresistible urge for Joker revenge at the expense of justice even as alter ego billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne can’t find his way home. Physical and emotional turmoil reign.

And then there is Aaron Eckhart who portrays District Attorney Harvey Dent on the verge of transforming into the villain Two-Face. Maggie Gyllenhaal replaces Katie Holmes in the role of Bruce Wayne’s friend and do-gooder assistant district attorney Rachel Dawes, completing a volatile love triangle between Batman/Wayne, Dawes and Dent/Two-Face.

Back are some familiar faces, besides Bale. Again Michael Caine plays Alfred the Butler, Morgan Freeman is arms expert Lucius Fox and Gary Oldman defines Lieutenant Jim Gordon.

Meanwhile, fanatics can compare the new Batsuit to the old one. There’s a Batcycle re-imagined as a Batpod. And check this out: Nolan used an IMAX camera to shoot four pivotal sequences, including the first appearance of Ledger’s scary version of the Joker.

But back to Ledger and his tribute.Eckhart said he was amazed by Ledger’s creativity and willingness to push the boundaries. “He thrilled me as an actor,” he said. And he marvelled at Ledger’s “energy.”

Bale noted that Ledger was always casual but intense when it was time act. “I cannot help but be impressed beyond belief.” He described Ledger’s take on Joker as “a punk Clockwork Orange anarchist.”

And, contrary to reports, Bale said that he didn’t find Ledger consumed by his Joker portrayal but just the opposite. Nolan agreed that the actor was “a joy to work with and nice to be around.” during the shoot in Chicago and London last year.

Oldman, who had a reputation for getting immersed in his roles, said Ledger was a rare actor who went beyond just doing his job. He called the Ledger’s work “a landmark performance.”

“There is no vanity in that role,” said Oldman. “It’s tragic that we can’t see more from him.”

Source— Bob Thompson, National Post