Heath Ledger

As my close friends know, Brokeback Mountain has been one of my favorite movies over the last few years, and it's in no small part thanks to Heath Ledger. I wouldn't claim to be a lifelong fan, I haven't seen half of his movies. But this one really moved me, and I feel a connectedness to him because of this movie.

I've been really saddened by the news of his death. It's struck me several times in the last few days that there must be hundreds of people out there in the world that I am subconsciously hoping for, wishing well, and loving in my small way. Even those who live in my imagination, it turns out I need you.

As a terrible post script, Heath Ledger is the star of the 2008 movie I've been most anticipating, The Dark Knight. Only a couple days before he died, I was in the movie theater admiring him on a poster, and the chills he sent up my spine as the new Joker. A few days ago I decided to check out the trailer online. As I expected, he was riveting. Beautiful. Mesmerizing. Honestly, Jack Nicholson should never have bothered. What a strange way to say goodbye, but in the midst of a busy looking summer, I'll find a way for those couple hours.