Jack Napier Tonight

Over the years, I have become something of a comic book geek. In 1989, Tim Burton’s Batman came out in movie theaters and shocked young kids everywhere. Jack Nicholson’s portrayal as the Joker wowed audiences and they swallowed up millions of dollars in bat-merchandise. Unbeknownst to many, Jack cut a deal with producers and scored points on the toys, t-shirts and multiple consumer items, which led him to make somewhere around 65-75 million dollars.

The role of the Joker has always fascinated me. A clown whose main focus in life is to destroy everything including the Batman. I’ve read every graphic novel depicting the crowned prince of crime and it has somewhat terrified me. His character is pure anarchy, freedom of expression and of course homicidal tendencies, which may be a bit too much for younger audiences. However, I’ve developed an obsession with the character even writing a song for my band, which is usually the finale. Bottom line I love the Joker. He is kind of like an alter-ego that tickles my imagination. Of course, I am not homicidal but intrigued by the mythology of Batman.

When I heard that Heath Ledger was going to play the Joker last year, I was somewhat shocked because it seemed a strange choice for the menacing part. However, after I read interviews and peeped the trailer earlier in the year, I was convinced of his performance. The Dark Knight co-star Michael Caine described Ledger’s performance as “truly terrifying”.

I was sadden and shocked when I learned of Heath Ledger’s death. For one, I was a fan of his work especially ‘Brokeback Mountain’, which was a brilliant film. I highly anticipated the next Batman sequel as it was being hailed as the true Joker’s first on-screen appearance in the vain of “The Killing Joke” and “The Dark Knight Returns” graphic novels. I read an interview not too long ago about how Heath prepared for the Joker. He created a scrapbook with things the Joker might find interesting like ‘cancer, aids, etc’. After all, as the story goes, the Joker is a mass murder. Heath was a ‘character actor’, meaning he totally submerged himself in the role. During filming, he reported loss of sleep and high anxiety. I knew that Heath had dived in deep into the world of the Joker, a character whose impulses are uncharacterized and irrational. I was worried because after viewing the trailer it truly seemed like his researched had emulated a one of a kind performance. If he haven’t seen it check out- (www.atasteforthetheatrical.com)

I know that ambien, valium, and other elements might be to blame for his death. Several tabloids are saying that he might’ve gone off the deep end researching roles and enjoying a life of excess. He is dead. We cannot change the fact that a tragedy has occurred and its effect will surely ripple throughout the entertainment community. The Dark Knight opens this summer and will be promoted as his last performance. Surely, he will be missed.