oscar Blog and Journals

The new and yet to be released movie, sequal to Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight has been continuiously accumulating fantastic reviews left and right. Although this movie is about Christian Bales character, Bruce Wayne AKA: Batman, the main focus of the critics review seems to be about a different character. The Joker, played by the late Heath Ledger.

Several reviews are listed below.
-A, nameless, Australian film critic said Heath Ledger was "Manically mesmerizing." and "Overshadowed everyone else."
-Garry Maddox, a critic for The Sydney Morning Herald said this movie was; "A hypnotic farewell from the Joker."
-The Australian Newspapers critic, David Stratton had said that Heath Ledgers was "An unforgettable, genuinely creepy, villian" and his portrayal of the Joker reminded him of a mix between "Marlon Brando, James Cagney, and a touch of Edward G. Robinson."
-Vicky Roach of The Daily Telegraph said "There was a morbid intensity to the intrest in Ledgers final performance" but she also said "His triumph in creating one of the most memorable villains in recent cinematic history should be celebrated."

Ledgers Co-Star Christian Bale, who plays Batman, had said "I do think that Heath has created an iconic villain that will stand for the ages, and of course, I would love to see him get an award."

The quote is in response to the critics speculation of a posthumous Oscar.
The odds dont seem to tip in Heaths favor in the category of winning a posthumous Oscar, Peter Finch has been the only person to ever win an Oscar, for "Network" in 1976. Five other actors, however, have been nominated for an Oscar after passing away; James Dean (twice), Jeanne Eagels, Massimo Torisi, Ralph Richardson, and Spencer Tracy. Despite the nominations, only Finch has received that rare Oscar.
Although Ledger does seem the, unlikely, forerunner to posthumously win the Academy Award for best supporting actor in February of 09, seeing as he has already won plaudits from international critics and co-stars.

Aside from the Oscar buzz, in Heaths home town of Perth in Western Australia, a theatre has been named after him in honor of the commitment he had for acting. Thus ensuring his legacy would live on.
The naming ceremony for the noted theater took place last week. Alan Carpenter, a state premier for Western Australia said "The $85 million, 575-seat theatre was a fitting tribute as Ledger was always supportive of young actors."
He had also said "I think what were doing is continuing that support for young people who want to make a career in the arts and acting, stage and in film, whatever it happens to be." and that "Heath Ledger was totally dedicated to the craft of being an actor and thats what made him successful"

In the commercials, that said dedication is clearly evident.
I know that Im more then stoked to see this movie and if it wasnt for the fact that Im going to be attending Warped Tour, I would be at the earliest showing available.

Be sure to go see it, I know I will.
7.18.08


Disclaimer: I got the information from an article on Yahoo, but I wrote this myself