Heath Ledger found dead.

[Jack.Kerr]

January 22, 2008, 4:42 pm
Actor Heath Ledger Is Found Dead

By Sewell Chan

The actor Heath Ledger was found dead this afternoon in an apartment building at 421 Broome Street in SoHo, according to the New York City police. Mr. Ledger was 28.

At 3:31 p.m., a masseuse arrived at Apartment 5A in the building for an appointment with Mr. Ledger, the police said. The masseuse was let in to the home by a housekeeper, who then knocked on the door of Mr. Ledger’s bedroom. When no one answered, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened the bedroom and found Mr. Ledger unconscious. They shook him, but he did not respond. They immediately called the authorities. The police said they did not suspect foul play and said they found pills near body.

Mr. Ledger, a native of Perth, Australia, won acclaim for his role as a co-star in “Brokeback Mountain”, a 2005 film. The film, based on a short story by Annie Proulx about two cowboys who fall in love, won critical acclaim. Reviewing the film in The New York Times, the critic Stephen Holden wrote, “Mr. Ledger magically and mysteriously disappears beneath the skin of his lean, sinewy character. It is a great screen performance, as good as the best of Marlon Brando and Sean Penn.”

Calls by The New York Times to Mara Buxbaum, a publicist for Mr. Ledger, and Steve Alexander, the actor’s agent, were not immediately returned this afternoon.

[bernardos70]

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/20...is-found-dead/

[fluid.forty.one]

I was just about to post this. That's tragic.

I mean this in the most respectful way possible but I wonder if filming for the new Batman is done yet and what they will do if it isn't.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by fluid.forty.one

I was just about to post this. That's tragic.

I mean this in the most respectful way possible but I wonder if filming for the new Batman is done yet and what they will do if it isn't.

They're done filming. They're in post-production.

IT's gonna be eerie seeing that movie and knowing he's dead.

[fluid.forty.one]

it's gonna be a cult classic

this really is tragic.. deaths always are but he was very talented and had a lot of amazing projects to look forward to.

[Flacolaco]

He has a 2 year old daughter.

That is messed up.

[Thespiralgoeson]

This is awful. I haven't been this bummed out about a celebrity dying since Dimebag Darrell was killed.

[fluid.forty.one]

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

He has a 2 year old daughter.

That is messed up.

wow

great pick me up before work see ya'll later

[Jack.Kerr]

My understanding is that filming for Batman has not yet begun.

[Windmill360]

wow

[fluid.forty.one]

Originally Posted by Jack.Kerr

My understanding is that filming for Batman has not yet begun.

how is that possible considering there are very lengthy trailers already?

[Dtownsfinest]

Originally Posted by Jack.Kerr

My understanding is that filming for Batman has not yet begun.

I'm pretty sure that' sincorrect being I saw the trailer during I Am Legend. Its due out this summer so it has to be done with production by now. Sad news. I actually had to verify this because I wa sfor sure this was just a rumor. Crazy......

[MavsX]

this is F'ed up. How in the F can ledger be dead, and Britney Effing Spears still be alive!?

[Jack.Kerr]

Originally Posted by Dtownsfinest

I'm pretty sure that' sincorrect being I saw the trailer during I Am Legend. Its due out this summer so it has to be done with production by now. Sad news. I actually had to verify this because I wa sfor sure this was just a rumor. Crazy......

You're probalby right.

Although the news report I heard was that he was back in New York to begin filming for the upcoming Batman movie.

But for a June release, I would imagine things are pretty far along.

[Jack.Kerr]

Originally Posted by fluid.forty.one

how is that possible considering there are very lengthy trailers already?

Point taken.

But traliers get put together from early filming, and there has been recent controversy about trailers having scenes that ended up being cut from the movie. So what you see in trailers doesn't necessarily correspond to final product.

January 10, 2008
From the Desk of David Pogue
Movie Trailers: The Final Cut
By DAVID POGUE

In my newsletter last week, I criticized “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” -- or rather, its ads. I pointed out that the trailers for this movie were teeming with scenes, lines of dialogue and shots that were not, in fact, in the movie.

This week, I want to share some of the reader feedback. I realize that I’m straying from my usual technology focus, but this business of movie trailers turns out to be a hot topic. Besides, today’s installment has a surprise ending that’s too good to withhold.

Anyway, lots of you agreed with me:

* “Putting scenes in the trailer that aren’t in the movie crosses a big line with me.”

* “When was the last time you bought a book and found that the extract on Amazon isn’t in the book? And when was the last time you bought a CD and found that the pre-released single isn’t on it? Never? So why are film studios allowed to do it?”

But more of you had other gripes with movie trailers:

* "What should make us all angry is trailers that give away important plot points. I’ve taken to calling going to films ‘trailer confirmation.’

“A friend of mine actually waits outside the door of the theater until they’ve finished showing the previews, so as not to ruin future moviegoing experiences. (I’d do that, too, if I weren’t so interested in getting a good seat.)”

* “At least ‘National Treasure’’s trailer didn’t mislead regarding the tone or plot. Didja ever see the trailer for Jack Nicholson’s ‘About Schmidt?’ You’d think the movie was a hilarious comedy. The trailer contains the only 30 seconds of the movie that even hint at comedy. The rest is the darkest, most depressing film I have ever seen.”

* “ You missed a very important point: When I go to the theatre, why do I see trailers for movies that won't be out for six months? I am more interested in what will be playing at my local theater in the next few weeks. And if the trailer related to a movie that was imminent, then it would probably be more accurate as well.”

And then, inevitably, there were comments like these:

* “Jeeez, you folks should get a life! This is a problem?? Who cares? Can’t believe you devoted a column to this.”

But of all the feedback to my column, one person’s message carries more authority than anyone else’s. It comes from Jon Turteltaub -- the *director* of “National Treasure: Book of Secrets!”

Kudos to him for chiming in, and for allowing me to post his comments.

* “Yeah... the trailer issue is a weird one. At some point, we all wonder if there’s something misleading in the advertising if the scenes shown aren’t in the movie... but apparently, the studios and all their lawyers feel it’s not a legal problem.

“Basically, what happens is that as we film a movie, the ‘dailies’ are sent to the marketing department. They cut together the trailers LONG before we have had time to cut the movie together. The first trailer for ‘Book of Secrets’ was finished when we were only halfway through the filming!

“Then, as we cut the movie, they get revised scenes and try their best to use what we give them, but often, the ship has sailed. They’ve finished a fun, great trailer without knowing whether the scenes will end up in the movie. Plus, scenes can get cut out at the last minute for all sorts of reasons... running time, they test badly, or they just don’t fit.

“What’s funny is that the filmmakers do exactly what you do. I was watching the final trailer for my movie, saying what you said: ‘Ummm....that’s not in the movie, that’s not in the movie, THAT’S not in the movie.’ But then I respond by saying, ‘Uh oh, did we cut out all the best parts???’

“The fact is, what works in a trailer isn’t necessarily what works in the full feature. Dialogue that is really blatantly clear and ‘explainy’ is GREAT in a trailer. Profound statements like ‘Let’s find that treasure!’ work in a 30-second commercial, but come out pretty lame in a real dialogue scene.

“For me, the biggest problem that comes up is when the trailers and TV spots don’t reflect the essence of the movie they are selling. You see that a LOT. The studio often feels that the movie they made isn’t a movie they can sell... so they sell it as a different movie. That can help fill seats on opening weekend, but it usually backfires. Personally, I think that’s what happened to ‘Sweeney Todd.’ Perhaps they didn’t want anyone to know it was bloody, gory and a musical. So they hid that. What happens is that the wrong audience sees the movie on opening weekend, and the word of mouth is all wrong. Great movies can get lost because of this.”

[u2sarajevo]

Well according to imdb TDK is in post production.

Sad news.

[Dr.Zoidberg]

Very tragic. One of the most talented actors and a star in the making. My condolence to the family. RIP Ledger.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by Jack.Kerr

My understanding is that filming for Batman has not yet begun.

That's wrong. It's not only started, but it's finished. They're in post. Hollywood movies, especially action flicks, generally take 1+ years to do post-production. Seeing as though the movie is coming out this summer, they've likely been done filming for months.

Now, sometimes they have to go back and re-shoot specific scenes if they can't find a take that is suitable, and obviously now that will be very difficult to do for any scene involving the Joker. But principle photography has been wrapped probably since September, if not before.

[Dr.Zoidberg]

Looks like suicide. They found pills on the bed, Sky News reported.

[Windmill360]

Originally Posted by ProdigyDub

That's wrong. It's not only started, but it's finished. They're in post. Hollywood movies, especially action flicks, generally take 1+ years to do post-production. Seeing as though the movie is coming out this summer, they've likely been done filming for months.

Now, sometimes they have to go back and re-shoot specific scenes if they can't find a take that is suitable, and obviously now that will be very difficult to do for any scene involving the Joker. But principle photography has been wrapped probably since September, if not before.

Don't they have to go back and redo voices as well?

[Dr.Zoidberg]

The police ruled out foul play in death and investigates the possibility of a drug overdose.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by Windmill360°

Don't they have to go back and redo voices as well?

Yeah, generally over half (perhaps even over 2/3) of the final dialogue in a Hollywood film is done via ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement). ADR is done in a studio during post production--essentially, once the film is "picture locked" (i.e. the video is completely done being edited), they sit the actors down in a studio and have them essentially say their lines again while watching their performance on a monitor. They do the best they can to sync up their voice to the way their lips move on the screen.

I'm not sure if the Batman production is already to the ADR stage, but it probably isn't--which presents a lot of problems. They may end up having to use more of Ledger's original audio than they would like (which, even with high quality mics, is generally pretty crappy), or they may get someone else to do the Joker's voice via ADR for the whole film.

The second option might actually be viable for this particular movie, because his character has a weird voice to begin with. If this was Brokeback Mountain, they'd be in a whole mess of trouble, because they'd have to try and find someone who could emulate Ledger's actual voice.

[Jack.Kerr]

Originally Posted by ProdigyDub

That's wrong. It's not only started, but it's finished. They're in post. Hollywood movies, especially action flicks, generally take 1+ years to do post-production. Seeing as though the movie is coming out this summer, they've likely been done filming for months.

Now, sometimes they have to go back and re-shoot specific scenes if they can't find a take that is suitable, and obviously now that will be very difficult to do for any scene involving the Joker. But principle photography has been wrapped probably since September, if not before.

Hadn't been keeping up with the Batman filming schedule (not a fan), but the initial news report was clearly incorrect.

Just heard an update that said he was in New York to begin filming for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Simple mistake.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by Jack.Kerr

Hadn't been keeping up with the Batman filming schedule (not a fan), but the initial news report was clearly incorrect.

Just heard an update that said he was in New York to begin filming for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Simple mistake.

The schedules of these things are rarely made easily accessible to the public, so it's easy to get mixed up.

[Thespiralgoeson]

The Dark Knight is finished filming and is in post-production.

[LonghornDub]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

The Dark Knight is finished filming and is in post-production.

Little late there, but thanks for the support.

[MavsFanFinley]

Such sad news to come home to and hear. He was so talented and too many of them die young.

On CNN they were mentioning that he'd had a busy travel schedule recently (from Australia to London to NY).

So the sleepling pills are not a surprise unless it was suicide. I've read so many articles about how his daughter is the light of his life and he sounded like such a proud dad that I'd hate to think he took his own life.

[SaltwaterChaffy]

One of the most talented young actors in Hollywood.

This sucks.

[skylive321]

still the most charming young guy i've seen on screen in a while. And that charismatic personality shines in 10 things I hate about you.. If you havent watched it, DO. it'll answer the fascination people had with this guy. I just read an article about him playing Joker a couple of weeks ago.

[MavsX]

RIP

[mary]

I don't watch a ton of movies, so I don't have an opion of his acting talent.

But it is obviously devastating when somebody so young is taken from his/her family.

My thoughts go out to them.

[Nash13]

A little late, but The Dark Knight finished shooting in mid-november last year. I saw an interview with Ledger in early november saying he finished shooting his scenes. It was also documented that he suffered from insomnia b/c he found it to be so difficult to get into the character of The Joker.

This literally makes me sick to my stomach. I've never been so pumped to see a movie more than The Dark Knight. I thought this movie was going to make him one of hollywood's best. I've never been this bummed over a celebrity's death.

[MavsX]

Originally Posted by Nash13

I've never been so pumped to see a movie more than The Dark Knight. I thought this movie was going to make him one of hollywood's best. I've never been this bummed over a celebrity's death.

i know what you mean man.

[Murphy3]

I never really thought twice about the guy as an actor..but, this kinda shocked me and made me a little sick in the gut..

edited because I'm a funny guy but some lines shouldn't be crossed.

[Dtownsfinest]

Originally Posted by Windmill360°

Don't they have to go back and redo voices as well?

I remember after Aaliyah died they had a simliar situation. She had finished Queen Of the Damned but she ended up being cut from the Matrix 2 all together. With Queen of the Damned her brother who had a soft-tone voice to her ended up taking her place in post production for that film. I don't really see that becoming a problem but damn i'm still in shock. Even a day after his death. I can't see this guy killin ghimself. Not after just having a little girl two years ago.

Originally Posted by Nash13

A little late, but The Dark Knight finished shooting in mid-november last year. I saw an interview with Ledger in early november saying he finished shooting his scenes. It was also documented that he suffered from insomnia b/c he found it to be so difficult to get into the character of The Joker.

This literally makes me sick to my stomach. I've never been so pumped to see a movie more than The Dark Knight. I thought this movie was going to make him one of hollywood's best. I've never been this bummed over a celebrity's death.

I'm pumped about Dark Knight as well but I never thought it would do much for Ledger's career other than show hsi diveristy as an actor. Like Murph, i've never thought much of Ledger as an actor. I respect his career especially even more finding out that he was only 28(seems like he should be in his 30's by now with his extensive resume) but he's just not an actor I told myself I have to go run out and see a movie by him.

[mary]

They're now reporting that they found seven different prescription medications.


It sounds like an accident to me, but who knows.

[Jack.Kerr]

Originally Posted by mary

They're now reporting that they found seven different prescription medications.


It sounds like an accident to me, but who knows.

Interesting quote from him:

"Having a child changes every aspect of your life - for the better, of course. The sacrifices are large but what you get in return is even bigger than the sacrifices you make. I feel in a sense ready to die because you are living on in your child."

Also interesting to note that most articles citing this quote truncate it before he went on to say that on the other hand, a child made you want to keep on living so that you could see the child grow up and always be there for them.

So yeah, who knows. Fair to say though that he had considered his own mortality, which is not altogether to be expected of a 28 year old.

[Big Boy Laroux]

i read that he had been having trouble sleeping for some time. One article even quoted him as having said it was due to the portrayal of the Joker, that it did somewhat affect him. He said he would take 2 ambien, and it would get him to sleep for only an hour!

they're looking to rule out suicide. but depression (if he was depressed) doesn't care how successful you are. He was going to be on top of the world this year. People were already raving about his performance in The Dark Knight, and it's not even out yet!

[ShaggyDirk]

they threw in a brief story about him becoming a grandmaster and working on a movie called The Queen's Gambit. I will have to look into the grandmaster thing a bit before I believe that.

[ShaggyDirk]

http://paulhoffman.wordpress.com/200...chess-part-ii/