Newly-resurfaced footage of Heath Ledger doing press for his 2005 film Brokeback Mountain is doing the internet rounds, and the clip is further proof that the late actor was one of the best to ever do it. You can watch below:
Ledger starred opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in the Oscar-winning film, which is set in 1960s Wyoming and explores the forbidden love of two ranch-hands forced to deny their true feelings for one another.
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In the slightly grainy footage, Ledger is asked by a reporter what his response would be to those branding the film ‘disgusting’, and after letting out an audible groan, the actor thoughtfully articulated the perfect response.
Ledger began by saying that anyone harbouring homophobic views is ‘immature’ and urged them to ‘get over’ the fact Brokeback Mountain is a love story about two men.
He said: “I think it’s a real shame. Well, I think it’s immature, for one, really immature. But I think it’s an incredible shame that people go out of their way to voice their disgust or negative opinions about the way two people wish to love one another.”
Ledger continued: “Come on. At least voice your opinions on how two people show hate and violence and anger towards each other, isn’t that more important? I think so. It doesn’t really concern me. I think it’s a shame. But I also feel like it’ll surprise people.
“Unfortunately people are very quick in life to label something they’re uncomfortable with. It transcends a label. It’s human. It’s a story of two human beings, two souls that are in love. Get over the fact that there’s two men – that’s the point.”
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The Academy Award-winning star then concluded: “We’re showing that love between two men is just as infectious and emotional and strong and pure as it is with heterosexual love. And if you can’t understand that, then just don’t go see the movie.”
Brokeback Mountain was released almost exactly two years before Ledger’s untimely death in January 2008. That same year, the doting dad’s final film – The Dark Knight – hit cinema screens, earning him worldwide posthumous acclaim for his role as the Joker.
The Australian died aged just 28, having accidentally overdosed on prescription medication while the movie was in post-production.
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Ledger had gone above and beyond in dedicating himself to the role, even locking himself away for weeks as part of his preparation for the character.
The star also kept a diary at the time of filming, the contents of which were later shared with the documentary-makers behind 2012's Too Young to Die.
In the documentary, his dad Kim said Ledger isolated himself to get into the deranged psyche of the character.
He explained: "He pretty well locked himself up in a hotel room for weeks. He galvanised the upcoming character. That was typical of Heath. He would do that. He liked to dive into his characters, but this time he really took it up a notch."
Featured Image Credit: Jordan Roche/YouTubeTopics: TV and Film