Do you plan on watching The Dark Knight?

[Lester C.]

I was all gung ho to watch this movie. I would view promotional art and youtube clips over and over again. I was really stoked about this movie in a way I haven't been since Batman Begins.

Then Heath Ledger died and I've lost all interest in the movie. I can no longer view the trailer, or promotional art without feeling like I'm viewing a snuff film. I have no desire to see this movie now will probably never watch it and I was wondering what your feelings are on the subject. If you think the creation of this thread comes too soon after Ledger death I apologize but I really am curious if I'm the only one that feels this way.

Finally the reason why this thread does not have a poll attached to it is because I felt that would have been tacky and insensitive.

[Michael P]

With popcorn in one hand and dick in the other.

[Night Swordsman]

No.

Ten Characters.

[Bo Bo]

I'm still eager to see it.

All these merchandise and promotions that they're doing doesn't feel tactless to me because it was planned out in advance.

Now if they come out with a "dead joker" action figure or if he was only supposed to be a minor character in the movie and then they blow it up to capitalize on the news, then I would be put off.

[Agent Helix]

I'm waiting to see if Christian Bale dies before I make my decision.

[Josh S]

I'll definitely see it. Ledger's death is irrelevant in the decision.

[Crimson Avenger]

I'll go see this without any hesitation. Ledger's untimely passing has no impact on my desire to see the movie.

[KevinTBrown]

I'll definitely see it. Ledger's death is irrelevant in the decision.

I'll go see this without any hesitation. Ledger's untimely passing has no impact on my desire to see the movie.

What they said.

[zeppelined]

Ledger's death doesn't make it morbid to see and enjoy the movie. His performance is something he did in hopes that people would see and enjoy it and appreciate the hard work he put into it. Do you really think he'd say, "You know, that was the last work I ever did before I died, but don't go see it." If people refuse to read the last story or novel I write before I die, well, that would suck.

[JeffreyWKramer]

I still plan to see it. The reports I've seen suggest that Ledger's stuff was all finished before his death, so his death shouldn't impact the quality of the film, which - since I barely knew who Ledger even was prior to his death - is really all I care about. I have never been able to really enjoy THE CROW because Brandon Lee died while the film was still being filmed, and you can tell that they had to structure the released film around that. As a result, it doesn't feel quite complete - but that's not likely to be the case with the latest Batman film.

Really, how would watching this film be any different from watching a film by any actor or actress who is now dead? Do you think it's "snuff" to watch a film featuring Humphrey Bogart or Katherine Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe or Henry Fonda or Bruce Lee? If not, then exactly how long after a making a film does a person have to die before it's okay to watch the film?

[Cayman]

I will definitely see it. I'm really looking forward to it.

[scout1279]

While I admit to being a bit uncomfortable with a lot of the Joker promotional stuff right now, I'm still looking forward to seeing the movie. I still watch and enjoy The Crow, and Brandon Lee was killed on the set of that film. It looks like it's going to be a great movie, and by all accounts, Heath Ledger gave a wonderful performance in it. As a fan of Batman and of Heath Ledger's, I wouldn't want to miss it.

[Ben Morgan]

I most likely will

[TCJohnson]

I was all gung ho to watch this movie. I would view promotional art and youtube clips over and over again. I was really stoked about this movie in a way I haven't been since Batman Begins.

Then Heath Ledger died and I've lost all interest in the movie. I can no longer view the trailer, or promotional art without feeling like I'm viewing a snuff film. I have no desire to see this movie now will probably never watch it and I was wondering what your feelings are on the subject. If you think the creation of this thread comes too soon after Ledger death I apologize but I really am curious if I'm the only one that feels this way.

Finally the reason why this thread does not have a poll attached to it is because I felt that would have been tacky and insensitive.

Hey Lester,

Heath Ledger was an artist. The one thing artists want is for their work to be viewed. If he was proud of this work I am sure he would want people to see it.

That and all the proceeds he would have gotten are most likely going to his daughter.

[stamen]

I will definately go at the opening hour. My wife on the other hand, who was already borderline after watching the trailer prior to Ledger's death, believes the movie will be even more uncomfortable to watch. At the moment, she says she is going to pass.

[Lester C.]

I see what you guys are saying I really do. It's just that I feel that if Heath hadn't accepted this role it wouldn't have gotten into his head and it wouldn't have led to the chain of events that caused his accidental death. Knowing that I can't watch it, but I have to admit all the arguments I've read for make a lot of sense. Whereas I'm coming at this from an emotional and illogical angle.

[TCJohnson]

I don't believe Heath ever said that the Joker was the reason he had so much trouble sleeping. I think that is speculation. He did say he had trouble sleeping, but never said why.

Meanwhile....I thought this was interesting:

Farrell: "Playing Ledger's Part Is a Painful Honor"


Movie star Colin Farrell has confirmed he'll be among the stars acting out scenes tragic Heath Ledger never got to shoot in his final film, confessing it'll be an "incredibly painful tribute." The Irish actor, Jude Law and Johnny Depp will help director Terry Gilliam complete the film he started with the late Ledger. The superstar trio will pick up the role Ledger was playing in The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus before he accidentally overdosed on prescription drugs last month. And Farrell admits he was flattered to be asked to help Gilliam complete Ledger's last film. He tells the Sydney Daily Telegraph newspaper, "I will be honored to be part of that. It makes me feel uncomfortable to think about it too much and to get into it really here, but it's an incredibly painful honor... and an honor I wish wasn't bestowed (on me), but an honor none-the-less. It's about getting Heath's work out there... He's too good for any of his work not to be seen, you know, and I'm really keen and looking forward to doing it and just doing the best job I can do." The film, about a magical traveling theatre, also features movie veteran Christopher Plummer. Production on the London set has been suspended since just before Ledger's death.

us.imdb.com

[Agent Helix]

He said a combination of the work on finishing up the Dark Knight and I'm Not There was affecting his sleep schedule, not that ZOMG PLAYEN DA JOKAR TURNED HEM CRAYZEE!!!!!

Though it'd be hilarious if that was the case, actually.

[Crowley]

yeah... why not?

Heath Ledger said he loved playing Joker.

[GigaLeo]

I think others have hit on it already, but I can't imagine specifically playing the Joker is what led to Ledger's death, it was the grueling schedule he kept. I hate to say it, but it could have happened to anyone who puts that much of themselves into their work, actor or not.
I can't imagine not seeing the Dark Knight just because Ledger died. I will admit though, that if the Joker is killed in the end it *will* probably be a little uncomfortable just because his death is still fresh in peoples minds. Even so, I wouldn't have any problems seeing this movie, I don't think it's very different from watching any movie that has actors in it that have died.

[Your Imaginary Pal]

Ledger's death while unfortunate, as I believe this role will make him more of a household name, is not a deciding factor for me going to see this movie. I was going to see it as soon as I saw the end of batman begins. No way I miss it.
Like another poster said, Brandon Lee died on film in the Crow. I managed to enjoy that. Don't see me being too mournful over the passing of Ledger while watching the film. I can see me appreciating his craft and honoring his life.

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

Oh Hell Yeah.

JP

[Magneto_X]

Hell yes.

This and Iron Man make this year a wonderful time to be a comic fan. :D

[TCJohnson]

Hell yes.

This and Iron Man make this year a wonderful time to be a comic fan. :D

And Hellboy II

The list of geek movies coming out this summer is insane!

[Magneto_X]

And Hellboy II

Definitely.


The list of geek movies coming out this summer is insane!

It sure is.

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

Yep, still going.

[Dark Galaxy]

I see what you guys are saying I really do. It's just that I feel that if Heath hadn't accepted this role it wouldn't have gotten into his head and it wouldn't have led to the chain of events that caused his accidental death. Knowing that I can't watch it, but I have to admit all the arguments I've read for make a lot of sense. Whereas I'm coming at this from an emotional and illogical angle.


Hey Lester,

The "Playing the Joker Killed him" is a spin the media put on an offhand comment Ledger had made about his sleeping schedule. While nobody will know the true origin of his sleeping troubles, he simply took the wrong combination of medications for a variety of reasons. If something sounds tragic, and will tug at your emotions, the media will run with it, because it is a "good story" and will (as crass as it sounds) make more money for the info-tainment industry of today.

Like TCJ said, most likely the money will go to support his daughter, and that is a good thing.


As for myself. I will be seeing it the first weekend for sure. I'm super stoked.

[JKCarrier]

I'll probably go see it, unless the advance reviews are overwhelmingly bad. I wasn't actually that crazy about Batman Begins, but I'm hoping that with the origin and setting-up stuff out of the way, they'll have the space to develop a decent plot this time out. Ledger's death doesn't really affect my decision one way or the other.

[cedardryad]

I'm going to see it. I know I'll feel weird when they show Ledger, but what can I do. I planned to see the movie before he died, and it's not like I'm insulting him by watching it now.

[bert]

yep. .

most likely opening weekend.

his death is irrelevent to the film, as he had already completed his parts.

no different than watching a film with any other actor whom had already passed.


I might feel differently if he died while they were filming. . but . . .

[Chiroptera]

I'll be seeing it opening day. If I'm lucky and can get tickets to an advanced screening I'll be seeing it then, then be seeing it again on opening day.

I'm sorry Heath Ledger died, really I am. Death is always sad when it comes before it's time, but I'm not gonna let someone's death stop me from seeing a movie I've looked forward to all year. I don't care if the movie is responsible for his death ( a dubious claim at best) I'm still gonna go see it.

I've looked forward to this movie since the end of Batman Begins, NOTHING would stop me from seeing it.

[rick]

I'm sorry the guy died and all, but that's certainly not going to stop me from seeing the film.

[John Hays]

I'd think that being a fan of Heath's and NOT seeing it after all the effort he put into it and the toll it took on him would be the worse choice, but that's just me.

[Chiroptera]

I'd think that being a fan of Heath's and NOT seeing it after all the effort he put into it and the toll it took on him would be the worse choice, but that's just me.

I quite agree with this statement. It's the last movie he got to work on, if anything it seems to me like seeing it is a final way to honor and acknowledge his skill as an actor.

[Jeff Brady]

I was all gung ho to watch this movie. I would view promotional art and youtube clips over and over again. I was really stoked about this movie in a way I haven't been since Batman Begins.

Then Heath Ledger died and I've lost all interest in the movie. I can no longer view the trailer, or promotional art without feeling like I'm viewing a snuff film. I have no desire to see this movie now will probably never watch it and I was wondering what your feelings are on the subject. If you think the creation of this thread comes too soon after Ledger death I apologize but I really am curious if I'm the only one that feels this way.

Finally the reason why this thread does not have a poll attached to it is because I felt that would have been tacky and insensitive.

*smacks Lester upside the head*

Be sad that a talented human being has passed on in an untimely manner. But let it end there. Beyond that lies madness, and that's where you seem headed.

[Mangaman]

Yeah it should be a cool flick.

Dead actor didn't dampen my love for the Crow.

[Spike-X]

I can no longer view the trailer, or promotional art without feeling like I'm viewing a snuff film.

Oh puh-lease. If he'd died while actually shooting a scene in the movie, that would be an understandable reaction. Otherwise, I think you're way overthinking this.

[LewisH]

Every actor will always have a last film. Sometimes they die of natural causes.
Sometimes they die tragically, like Heath Ledger. If those actors could speak for themselves, I'm sure they would want you to go see their work. After all they dedicated their lives to making the best films and giving the best performances they could. To avoid their work because of the circumstances of their death is, in a way, killing them all over again. To go see the film is giving the artist their due. If the film is successful it becomes a long lasting memorial and tribute to the actor. Every time someone sees that film the actor lives again.

[Rattlehead]

I'm certainly going to see it. I've been stoked for this ever since Batman Begins, and in my eyes, Christopher Nolan has not made a bad film yet. If anyone here has not seen The Prestige yet, ironically a Nolan directed film featuring both Bale and Caine along with Hugh Jackman, I highly recommend it. It's fantastic. Also, to be honest, I really have no attachment to Heath Ledger one way or the other. I hated every movie he's been in that I've seen. I feel sorry for his young daughter, but beyond that, I'm over it. Hopefully he'll do the character justice, but his death won't hamper my ability to enjoy what looks to be a very cool movie. The notion that his protrayal of a fictional character was what caused the end of his troubled life is laughable. He did what he did to himself, and apparently, he was having problems in his personal life long before his started shooting this movie.

[Nick Soapdish]

Yes, in IMAX (I hope) and on opening night.

The tragedy of Heath's death might make it uncomfortable since it's so recent, but I expect that I'm plenty distant from the situation.

[Cam63]

I'll definately be there, both to enjoy the movie and to pay my respects to Ledger.

[Lester C.]

I quite agree with this statement. It's the last movie he got to work on, if anything it seems to me like seeing it is a final way to honor and acknowledge his skill as an actor.

That's not quite true. They is another movie he filmed halfway through that suspended production after his death. If they release it, and sooner or later you know they will, that will be his last and final role. What makes the story both touching and a bit creepy is that you have actors like Colin Farrel offering to act out the scenes that Heath wasn't able to film.

[Hybrid2]

That's not quite true. They is another movie he filmed halfway through that suspended production after his death. If they release it, and sooner or later you know they will, that will be his last and final role. What makes the story both touching and a bit creepy is that you have actors like Colin Farrel offering to act out the scenes that Heath wasn't able to film.

I heard about that.They said that 3 actors would actualy take his place.
Dont ask me how.

And a cant wait to see Batman.
Just a shame there will never be a sequel with the Joker.

[Solaris]

Hey Lester,

Heath Ledger was an artist. The one thing artists want is for their work to be viewed. If he was proud of this work I am sure he would want people to see it.

That and all the proceeds he would have gotten are most likely going to his daughter.


What he said. :)

We were heartbroken when Brandon Lee died while filming The Crow---and saw the film as a tribute to his artistic abilities. In face, one of Finn's middle names, Brandon, is after Brandon Lee.

Heath worked, sweated, and practically drove himself nuts to give this role the "all" that he could. In fairness, I think it only apt for fans who wanted to see the film before, to want to see it even more. This was his life profession, his art, what he wanted to do with his life. I look forward to seeing the artistry he brought to the role.

[Solaris]

That's not quite true. They is another movie he filmed halfway through that suspended production after his death. If they release it, and sooner or later you know they will, that will be his last and final role. What makes the story both touching and a bit creepy is that you have actors like Colin Farrel offering to act out the scenes that Heath wasn't able to film.

If they do that, I hope they get someone good, and handle it well.

*remembers the Peter Sellers debacle*

[Cayman]

If they do that, I hope they get someone good, and handle it well.

*remembers the Peter Sellers debacle*

The replacements are Jude Law and Johnny Depp, in addition to Farrell.

[TCJohnson]

If they do that, I hope they get someone good, and handle it well.

*remembers the Peter Sellers debacle*

If you look above I posted an article about that.

But the director is Terry Gilliam and the actors they got for Heath's part are Jude Law, Collin Farrel and Johnny Depp. You know they will treat it with all kinds of respect.

[Spike-X]

Just a shame there will never be a sequel with the Joker.

They could always get another actor to play the part.

[stealthwise]

Will I see it?

Hells to the yeah.

[Solaris]

I have the feeling that any one of the three actors named will do a good job with the part. :)

Johnny Depp can do anything; Colin Farrell would likely respect it for Ledger dying, and has intensity... I think Jude Law would as well.

[MPagar]

I'll definitely see it. Ledger's death is irrelevant in the decision.


This. His death was a tragic, but that doesn't have any bearing to me still wanting to watch this movie.

At the day of its release I'll have my ass planted in the seat of an IMAX theater.

[diana_fan]

I will see it when it comes out.

Yes, I will feel sad about Ledger's death while watching it. But he was an actor, and by all reports he was amazing in this role, so I will revel in the man's talent as well.

Does it put a damper on the whole thing? Absolutely. But it's not the kind of thing that would come even close to keeping me from seeing the film.

[Hurricane]

To not go see it just because Heath Ledger passed away would, to me, be like crapping on all his hard work and dedication he put toward the performance so that people would enjoy it.

I was planning to see it before he died and that hasn't changed.

Besides, this isn't even his last movie.