Heath Ledger, R.I.P.

[Shapley]

Heath Ledger Found Dead, Possible Overdose

I can't claim to know much about him. I've seen the movie The Brothers Grimm, and I enjoyed it. I've not seen any of the other movies for which is noted: Brokeback Mountain, or A Knight's Tale apparently among them.

Nonetheless, he was regarded as a good actor. Sad to see him passing so early in life.

V/R
Shapley

[Schmeelkie]

I've always loved his work. Enjoyed the teen film 10 Things I Hate about You even though I was out of the demographic at the time. Loved having him play Mel Gibson's son in The Patriot - two Aussies playing American revolutionaries. He allowed for humor in a dark film. LOVED A Knight's Tale - recently purchased on DVD. In the commentaries fellow actors and others comment on his gravity and depth as an actor even though he was only 21 at the time of filming. Great, fun film! Never could get myself to watch Brokeback Mountain - he's my boy, didn't really want to see him getting it on with another boy... Enjoyed The Brothers Grimm - he played against type as the shy, bookish brother - brought it off very well.

Growing up my parents would talk about their 'boy - or girl-friend' - a celebrity they liked a lot. In other words, if a Christopher Reeve film came on, my dad would call to my mom - 'Your boyfriend's on TV!'. I kinda felt the same about Heath (not just hot, but a very good actor). Very sad to me that I won't be able to see if he matured into a great actor...And sad to see someone pass before age 30...

[Schmeelkie]

Still haven't heard anything conclusive...not that it matters in the end, but I'm still hoping for accidental overdose. Always surprised when someone like that commits suicide...

[Shapley]

They say it will still be a few days before toxicology results are in. Evidence still points to accidental overdose. I'm not sure toxicoloy results will be able to make a positive determination of intent.

I recall reading long ago that men will rarely commit suicide without leaving a note, making a phone call, or leaving some other message behind that the death was intentional. If I remember correctly, women are more likely than men to fail to leave a note. I believe the author's argement was that women sought suicide as a means of escape, while men more often use it as a means of inflicting irreversible guilt on the party they believe to be responsible for their depression.

I see that a 'religious' group was protesting the services, apparently because of Mr. Ledger's role in Brokeback Mountain. Sad. I don't care if you're liberal or conservative, right or left, gay or straight, pro-war or anti-war, you ought to let the grieving grieve in peace. I don't know what's happened to civility.

V/R
Shapley

Ledger's Body Warm When Found

V/R
Shapley