Many people call Heath Ledger a modern James Dean. I have to say I agree with the comparison. Both actors showed a great range in acting ability and both died too young – right at the height of their careers. I love watching Heath Ledger movies, because in each film he embraces his character. He was not afraid to go for the dark roles or play controversial characters. While he started making movies in 1993, he didn’t grab the whole world’s attention until 2005.
Movies reviews show that The Dark Knight is one of the much loved Heath Ledger movies. Ledger plays the Joker in this Batman film. And while he only has 33 minutes in the 143-minute film, his performances are the most memorable throughout the whole film. Other notable actors include Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Gary Oldman. No doubt, this was a great cast, but whenever I watch the movie, I wish the other scenes would hurry up, so I can see more of Heath as the Joker. Heath does a spellbinding job playing as Batman’s antagonist. He leads us through his mind of psychopathic reasoning and debauchery.
Out of all of Heath Ledger movies, it was the Patriot that really put star power behind his name. Acting alongside actors Mel Gibson and Chris Cooper in the 2000 box office hit Heath Ledger quickly became a name in Hollywood. In this harrowing tale set in the late eighteenth century the Colonial Americans go to war against the mother country of Britain, Against his father’s (Gibson) wishes Gabriel (Ledger) joins in the fight against the British. After learning of his sons detainment Ben (Gibson) sets out to save him. Only for Gabriel to later re join the continental force. This powerful story about a father and his family fighting for freedom in different ways can come together.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is the last of Heath Ledger movies. Unfortunately, this hidden gem didn’t get a wide release and not too many are aware of it. Heath was meant to play the character Tony throughout the whole movie, but he died before the movie was finished. Actors Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law picked up where Heath left off, as a remembrance to his legacy. Doctor Parnassus is a fantasy film directed by Terry Gilliam. It’s a visually beautiful film that uses the age-old battle of good and evil. Tony (Heath) comes on scene as a wanderer who nearly died before being saved by a traveling theater troupe. Tony pretends to have amnesia claiming he doesn’t know who he is and why anyone would want to murder him. This movie features the Devil, played by Tom Waits, and what choices people make given the option of good and evil. It’s a dark film with a good and honest message. One of my most favorite Heath Ledger movies.
In all his roles, Heath seemed to always want to outdo himself and go for the difficult characters. His movies gave us something to think about, as to who we are as people. This is only one of the reasons why I love Heath Ledger movies.
