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Heath Ledger's method acting
Apr 15, 2008, 10:25 GMT
Art Gallery of NSW on 05 March 2008 of \'Heath\', a portrait of late Australian actor Heath Ledger by artist Vincent Fantauzzo, which is one of the finalists in the 2008 Archibald Prize. This year\'s Archibald Prize has attracted 700 portraits, with the winner to be announced on 07 March 2008. EPA/ART GALLERY OF NSW/HO
Heath Ledger was told to seek professional help for his personal problems while filming 'The Dark Knight'.
The late Australian actor - who tragically died from an accidental prescription drugs overdose in January - was reportedly warned he had become too obsessed with his portrayal of iconic Batman villain The Joker in the upcoming blockbuster.
A source told FOX News: "Heath refused to talk to anyone out of character. If you tried to communicate with him normally instead of The Joker, he would just ignore you.
"He would often come to the set to hang out even on his days off, freaking everyone out. Towards the end of filming, he was warned by people that he had gone too far, but it was almost like he couldn't connect with those who cared for him anymore."
Ledger reportedly locked himself in an apartment for an entire month before playing The Joker, who he described as a "psychotic, mass-murdering clown".
Ledger also admitted he had such trouble sleeping while shooting the film he resorted to taking the prescription drug Ambien.
Sources on the set of 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus' - the movie Ledger was filming when he died - also claimed the actor could not "snap out" of character and seemed to have "lost sense" of who he was.
(C) BANG Media International
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Older Talkback
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I finished working with Heath Ledger on 'The Imaginarium...' on 20th January and during all that time Heath was nothing but professional and hard working - often having to work into the small hours in the freezing cold, clad only in satin and fighting flu.
There was no star system here and Heath was just part of the crew, mucking in and chilling out and viewing the rushes with Gilliam. Heath never complained and did his own stunt work and whatever he could to help anyone else.
I was just enchanted by his performance and his lovely person, so friendly and straight-forward. He was well focused on and off set and determined to do a good job.
I never knew an actor so easy to work with, so down to earth and practical.
Thanks, berni for your comment. Sounds to me like the media is once again embellishing the facts. Heath was always known to be a very sweet person, and very dedicated to his work. If there is any truth to the claim that he lost it on the Batman set, it sounds to me like he may have had a nervous breakdown. Seems to me like someone should have physically taken him to the emergency room, instead of just 'suggesting' he seek help. That's just me, but who knows what really happened. Maybe there's someone out there who worked with Heath on TDK and can shed some light on this issue.
This article has nothing to do with reality. The only problem that Heath was suffering from was a physical one called insomnia. While shooting 'The Dark Night', in a week time he slept for a few hours only, but that didn't affect his behaviour at all while working. He's far known for his profesinalism, his politeness, his caring and how well he coped with cast and crew while being on set.
I think the author of this article is a complete and utter idiot.
'A source told FOX News: 'Heath refused to talk to anyone out of character. If you tried to communicate with him normally instead of The Joker, he would just ignore you.'
I guess that makes the entire cast, including director Christopher Nolan a bunch of liars or dumb asses. Every interview done has said how fantastic he was onset and then when he got off he immediately dropped character.
They say a lot of the time he spoke about his daughter, Mathilda. WHOA! STOP THE PRESSES! HALT THE ASSEMBLY LINE! Who would have thunkit? Someones daughter would bring out the characteristics they use for a criminal mastermind character and they are so consumed with it that they can't snap out of it. After writing this, I'm gonna go and scold the children I see helping an old lady across the street because in doing this they are actually plotting to secretly overthrow the government. Is that they way you see what he was doing? I believe it is some sort of propaganda influenced by the mainstream belief that he went crazy and killed himself because he got so caught up and being the Joker.
This article is a disgrace and insult to a very kind generous person, who just happened to get dealt a bad hand and take on a very big scary and touchy role in an action movie.
I know this is old news but when I saw this it infuritated me.
okay heath ledger was a method actor but that's what made him so good. But all he rlly suffered was from insomia he wasnt a pyshco! Everyone onset even said he always was talking about his little grl so yeah he wasnt acting mental and non social. All the actors said he was a rlly great and caring guy so this stupid article is a disgrace to heath ledger. RIP Heath ledger.
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TraceeApr 15th, 2008 - 13:12:40
I think the media needs to find a new topic of interest. I just do not see how his family/friends and the mother of his child can grieve in private. It must be really hard to try to grieve for your loved one when you pick up a newspaper and there is more gossip about poor Heath. Let Heath Ledger rest in peace.
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