Batman’s Brokeback Joker: Heath Ledger Snatches Coveted Role

One of the most coveted roles in Hollywood was snatched up recently; none other than Brokeback Mountain’s Heath Ledger will play the role of Joker in the sequel to Batman Begins. I loved Brokeback Mountain; I really thought it was a beautiful movie Heath Ledger is an awesome actor, maybe even a little bit underrated. To celebrate his new role, I’d like to take you, the movie fan, down a memory road of sorts; here’s a quick look at Heath Ledger’s film career, starting with his most recent:

Casanova (2005) …. Casanova?

Didn’t catch this one. I just remember that line where some girl says something to Heath Ledger like, “You can come in, but the pig has to wait outside.” And then she grabs the pig that Heath Ledger was holding and slams the door in his face. That was cute. I think he was on a canoe, maybe in Venice. I’m not sure.

Brokeback Mountain (2005) …. Ennis Del Mar

This was just a great movie. I know a lot of people, namely all of my straight friends (which is all of my friends), that won’t go see this movie. That is just plain ignorance. I’m heterosexual and I could appreciate this story. I thought it was moving.

The Brothers Grimm (2005) …. Jacob Grimm

For some reason, I still haven’t seen this film. It was directed by one of my favorite filmmakers too, Terry Gilliam (12 Monkeys, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas). I really have to rent this.

Lords of Dogtown (2005) …. Skip?

I thought this was great and it really showed the range of Heath Ledger. For about an hour into this movie, I was sure that Val Kilmer was playing “Skip”. This portrayal is a mix between Kilmer’s characters in Wonderland and The Doors.

The Order (2003) …. Alex Bernier

I missed this one. I think it’s a horror movie. Maybe it was a vampire flick. I’m not sure.

Ned Kelly (2003) …. Ned Kelly?

Again, missed this one. I don’t even recall hearing about this film; it’s probably a period piece, though, guessing by the title. Heath Ledger has a thing for period pieces as we’ll get to soon enough.

Monster’s Ball (2001) …. Sonny Grotowski

This was Heath Ledger’s first awesome, dramatic role. Ledger made this movie, as it is his character that creates a lot of the conflict for Billy Bob Thornton, not Halle Berry in my opinion.

A Knight’s Tale (2001) …. Sir William Thatcher

This film made Ledger a big star. I guess it was kind of kid’s movie, but I didn’t see it. I know it made a lot of money and put his name on the map.

The Patriot (2000) …. Gabriel Martin

I really hated this movie, which is shocking because I’m a big Revolutionary War bluff. It was just way too cheesy and over the top, but it definitely helped Ledger’s career.?

Two Hands (1999) …. Jimmy

Never heard of this before I started doing my Heath Ledger research. It appears to be an action flick in which Heath Ledger is the star. Very strange, maybe it went straight to video? Anybody know?

10 Things I Hate About You (1999) …. Patrick Verona

Though Heath Ledger did some stuff before this, it was “10 Things I Hate About You” which was his first “real” role. I liked this movie. It was teen fluff but I thought it was entertaining.

So there you have it in a nutshell. That’s Heath Ledger. I’m really looking forward to The Dark Knight, the new Batman sequel.