Heath Ledger death linked to New Batman film?

[cymruambyth1]

Just an observation - I went to see the new batman film last night, and although it was awesome (I would definately recommend!!) it was also fairly violent and evil. Heath Ledger died from an overdose from prescription drugs, which including sleeping tablets, Heath had been trouble sleeping for a year or so, which is when Batman was filmed. My point is surely someone cannot play a role like Joker and not be affected by it? The Joker is a pyscho evil person and surely Heath would've done research on pyschopath's. I am not blaming anyone in particular, Heath took the role, but does anyone else think there is a link?

[squarebear]

Nope. He is an actor. Antony Hopkins play Hannibal Lecter but didn't then go around eating people.

[cheries]

I had read that he was struggling to sleep because of the darkness and intensity of the Joker's role.

Terribly sad.

[cymruambyth1]

I dont mean to say that Heath turned into a pyschopath or anything, I mainly mean the link of he may have been having problems sleeping due to having to play the role of a very disturbing actor. Many of the other actors in the film were so shocked at how real the Joker seemed.

[sallybowles]

I havn't seen the film myself, but my daughter has, and she said he put everything he had into acting this role. I have also read that it did cause him pysological problems, and was taking anti depressants and sleeping tablets. It was thought that he woke up and couldn't remember if he had already taken his dose, so took them again.
a very sad ending to a person's life isn't it? especially one so talented.

[squarebear]

With all due respect, if he was having trouble playing the part, he should have turned it down.

[whiskeysheri]

No, I don't believe the two were linked at all. He was also filming another movie and had a lot going on in his personal life, too.

I agree with you about the film, though; absolutely fantastic!

[cymruambyth1]

** I meant playing the role of a very disturbing character

[obNOXious]

Actors are just that... actors and they play roles. Contrary to popular opinion they don't tend to take those roles home with them however intense the character is, and can happily be contemplating ( in character) ripping someone's throat out one minute and the next miunute be sitting having a coffee with you chatting about the new puppy they bought and hasn't the traffic got terrible lately etc.
I think the fact that Heath Ledger had a lot of unhappiness in his personal life probably had a lot to do with his state of health at the time, but I gravely doubt that playing the joker did in all honesty.

[nannon]

it could be possible, didnt the girl from the original exorcist kill herself or something apparently due to her role?

But they do have people to talk to when they play roles like this....

[RevFunk]

I don't think his "ring" was ever the same again

[RevFunk]

If the answer to the question is **** Robin what is the question?


What have you just shoved up my ar5e batman....

[boogieboogie]

Ludicrous to even think this.
For gods sake. Heaths words are written, he only speaks them, and he speaks them the way the director tells him to. He doesn't have to be a psycopath to act as one. You may as well say did Chris Bale beat up his wife & mom because he'd been throwing punches as his character The Dark Knight in the same film.

[cymruambyth1]

But if you speak to actors or drama students, they all say to a certain degree you really have to become the person in order for your character to seem real. Yeah the words are written for him, but its like saying a police officer who has to go to a horrific crime scene just goes home and forgets about it, it is only his day job. Different things affect people in different ways.

[jake-the-peg]

When Dustin Hoffman and Larance Olivier were filming Marathon Man Hoffman was doing all the getting into role method acting stuff and being late on set.

One day Olivier wandered up and said "Why don't you try acting dear boy it's so much less hard work!"

They never spoke again!

[cymruambyth1]

People have different opinion and I am glad I am not the only one who has this view. I am not saying he died because of playing the joker, purely that it might have affected his sleep. People get nightmares after watching certain films, it is kind of the same thing. The brain is an amazing thing but can also mess you around a lot!!! Also, unless you have seen the film and how well Heath plays the role, and how much he put into, I dont think you can truly give your opinion on my question!