'Working with Heath was one of the purest joys of my life... He brought to the role of Ennis more than any of us could have imagined - a thirst for life, for love and for truth, and a vulnerability that made everyone who knew him love him. His death is heartbreaking.'
Ang Lee
'Heath Ledger was a courageous actor, and a great soul... He gave us the gift of sharing his fearless and beautiful love—of his craft, and of all who worked with him—for which all of us will be eternally grateful.'
James Schamus
Tributes
An Actor Whose Work Will Outlast the Frenzy
A Rough-Edged Actor Who Carved an Indelible Image
With love to Heath's family and friends, to Jake, and to all of us.
Includes picture from AP.
80 comments:
My friends - this 'post' is to continue our feelings from the previous thread. There were so many wonderful comments there and I know how hard it is for some PCs/phones to cope with so many. So I hope you will continue to express your feelings and give comfort - to me if nobody else!
Has there been anything on TV this evening?
WDW have you read the AO Scott tribute in this aft's on line NYT?
What wonderful words from Ang and James.
WDW, do you have a link to the Ang quote?
Still reeling and reading all the tributes like the one Pia mentioned in the NY Times.
Pia, yes I read it, it's wonderful. I'm not up to doing a proper post, or I'd have put it in. I may add a link to it.
Sorry, Get Real, forgot to add the link. It's in there now.
I can't read any of the tributes, just seen the Washington Post and NYT. That'll do me until tomorrow. But, if there are some good articles out there, it would be good if folk could post some links here - and so I can read them when I feel a bit better.
Thanks WDW. If I see any other tributes I can link I will let you know. A lot of it has been on tv or in the local papers like NY Times, The Post, etc.
Thanks Get Real - I've added the links to those two articles. I love the image of Heath being protected after the Oscars by the full force of Gyllenhaals.
The sadness continues to hang over me like a black cloud. I just can't come to grips with this tragedy. It really feels like I have lost a friend, I can't bear the thought that he is no longer part of this world even though he will live on in our memories.
dani
I torture myself by listening to BBM soundtrack today... but strangely, i kind of found some peace from it... or maybe it's because I've been reading everyone's heartfelt tributes and thoughts....
Dani - so good to hear from you. I feel the same.
I've not been able to listen to it yet, Winterbird. I've had the INT soundtrack playing on my MP3 all day, it helped a bit. Feel really lonely after spending time with my OT for his birthday but then having to leave him in London.
WDW how hard to let go of a warm beloved body in this time. esp. because of the loneliness of Heath's death. o how I hate to say that phrase! or see it!
hey consolation of Jake. it's been a steady in my life Jake's my steady. he always delivers.
just sayin' ((((((kate))))))
Thanks Pia. I've always found comfort in Jake before, maybe I should look to him for that again. It really is hard being alone this evening and normally it doesn't bother me at all. But then I guess, we're not alone.
(((WDW and all of you here))) Thanks for posting the links. Ang's words are so poignant,such a sensitive man as he obviously is, he must be really cut up about Heath's loss too.
Winterbird, I've been listening to the BBM soundtrack all day too, as well as some of my favourite songs that remind me of Brokeback like Fix You, That's No Way to Say Goodbye and Stuck In A Moment. Music has always been the one thing that's always got me through times of trouble and this is one of those times. I never thought I could be so affected by the death of someone I never even knew...But then I never thought I could be so affected by a film as I was by Brokeback Mountain,so I guess it's only natural that this feels a thousand times worse. And there's nothing we can do to fix it, I don't know how we're going to stand it either, but I'm so comforted just by knowing we're all in this together. Thank you, all of youxx
What a beautiful statement from Ang and James.
You are def not alone this evening WDW. We are all here with you. Propping each other up, so to speak. I think that this will become even more important in the coming days. I am afraid the coverage is going to get ugly. You know up in Michelle's face and everything. I hate that we have to deal with that just to get some information on the matter.
I was so touched to read that Heath's Hollywood friends haven't been able to respond as it's too raw. It's going to be tough for Michelle but I hope it won't be too ugly and she'll get so much support. Sigh.
Gorgeous, heart felt words from Ang and James. You could tell that Ang was really struck by Heath's performance as Ennis. It's beautiful to hear such tributes, but heartbreaking too, because they shouldn't be happening, Heath should still be here. How could I feel so much grief for someone I never knew? But I felt like I knew him. WDW, thanks for offering people a place to come and deal with this devastating loss.
That's No Way to Say Goodbye, what a great song. I haven't listend to that yet. I have listend to Suede's The Next Life, a lot today. Music is very important to me. It always helps me heal. Another good one is off of the Moonlight Mile soundtrack. Comin' Back to Me by Jefferson Airplane.
Thanks for coming here, Christie. I felt like I knew him too but that's because he had that gift, as Jake does.
I love that song, Bird Girl.
This is the first time I've come over here since the news broke. Thanks for paying tribute WDW
My heart is breaking!
Trekfan
Trekfan, I've been thinking about you... take care.
I'm not so good tonight so I'll get off to try and sleep. See you all tomorrow and everyone take care xx
((((Jake))))
Goodnight WDW.
"The bed was a mattress on the floor with plain white sheets, and the apartment was not decorated."
This sounds like a piece of decor in "Candy". I just hate that he accepted to do that movie and research for that role!
http://www.theage.com.au/cgi-bin/common/popupPrintArticle.pl?path=/articles/2008/01/23/1201024993878.html#
I thought I couldn't cry any more tears today until I came here tonight,read your post WDW, read the wonderful tributes from Ang and James and all the so sad but beautiful things you've all written here.
The photos you chose,WDW,have just broken me. That reunion picture which I have always so loved is just too sad to bear tonight.
I have to go now,sending love to you all, prayers for all the people Heath loved and special prayers for ((((Jake)))) to help take away the pain.
Goodnight everybody,stay close.
Nadine xx
I love you Heath, always will. May you rest in peace my Romeo.
Goodnight everyone... we all need some rest after today.
Thanks WDW for this safe place.
Hi K..thanks for posting..those wonderful tributes...from Ang and James...I have nothing much to add to all the posts here...it is just surreal and sad beyond the written word. On reflection...after letting this tragedy sink in..the Bard's words from Hamlet came to mind..."Goonight sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest" It seems to fit...hugs to all who mourn...
Michele
Some really nice recollections of Heath from his everyday life. What a super guy:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/23/remembering.ledger.irpt/index.html
^^ Let me try that link again:
www.cnn.com/2008/
Movies/01/23/
remembering.ledger.irpt/index.html
There are a couple of news source reporting Jake is flying to NYC to help Michelle, including the herald sun
That reunion picture which I have always so loved is just too sad to bear tonight.
Oh Nadine, I felt exactly the same when I saw the pic (sorry, WDW, I meant to say earlier). The elation of that moment in the film, when Jack and Ennis were in each other's arms again and everything was alright...I know everyone who loved Heath would give anything to be able to hold him again and knowing that can never happen now...there are no words...
Goodnight all,thank you so much for this place WDW, and all of you who call it home. Love to all of you,to our beautiful Jake, and evryone who is mourning Heath xx
Sorry about the deleted post above - it double posted for some reason. thanks for that link Winterbird. (((Jake, Michelle, Matilda)))
Lovely tribute. The Hug picture between Ennis-Jack (Heath-Jake) is perfect. The emotion Jake brings to that scene that you see in this picture is amazing. It shows Jack just trying so hard to hold onto him.... just like we all feel now.
I don't trust reports that Jake and Naomi Watts are traveling to comfort Michelle. They might be true, but I don't trust these sources. And Naomi had to have been devastated.
I think the "trigger" for Heath's depression was Michelle taking Matilda away to Sweden.Gemma Ward said he was depressed at Christmas and really missed his daughter very much. I don't see why he couldn't have her with him part of the time.
Poor Heath. Devastated at the separation from Michelle and trying to fit in and be "cool" on the club scene...and not comfortable about his situation at all. It's heartbreaking. He was clearly a very fragile person.
According to TMZ (yeah I know)
Jake is on set in New Mexico, very upset and not wanting to speak with any media. They've closed the set.
www.tmz.com
Jake isn't some media whore who wants to be on camera and exploit stuff. Jake is probably a wreck right now, trying to concentrate on his role and dealing with his grief.
I mean, if we are having trouble concentrating or working or whatever, and we are distracted with grief for Heath, imagine how Jake must feel about trying to work, while he's dealing with this.
The media loves a spectacle and they love to stir up fake controversy. I hate them! What do they want? Film of Jake collapsing and sobbing on the floor? Do they want him on camera complete with red swollen eyes, choking back sobs?
Thank goodness that isn't his style. Jake is class all the way. So was Heath. Both of them have natural dignity and a sense of what is right.I love them both so much!
for Heath Ledger
Thank you for all you left us.
Thank you for making brave choices and standing by them.
Thank you for refusing to let others define you.
Thank you for turning your insides out for us to see.
Thank you for diving to depths we fear, careless of your own safety, each time barely making it back to the surface for air, sunshine and a toddler's smile.
But then the Joker lured you into the water.
When did you begin to suspect the worst?
Dearest Heath, no man can reach the bottom of an abyss
and live.
Medicine is no match for evil.
So now, sleepless prince, you may rest.
Know that your daughter is safe with a big family of good and wise guardians.
Go gentle into that good night.
Rest. In peace.
------
Hugs to all and special thanks to WDW for the forum to post this.
Libby.
Just checking in quickly before I go off to face the real world. Thinking of you all (((hugs))) I just wish those who were close to Heath would be left to cope with their grief in peace :( Special love and hugs to (((Jake))))
Hi everybody - thank you for those wonderful comments over night and the love and feelings for Heath and Jake. I really, really hope Jake is left alone to try and come to terms with his grief. I echo your comments entirely Anon 2:58. Thanks for all the links as well.
Hugs to you all and to Jake xx
I agree with anon 2.58 too. Jake is not interested in putting his face in the media when Heath's family are grieving so much. He can grieve in private and deal with his loss in the way he feels is right. We don't need to see that.
Seeing the pictures of the concrete footprint left by Matilda at her home in Brooklyn, just broke my heart. The whole thing is still so raw and I feel numb, still not wanting to believe it's real. How can this be true?
Morning everyone. I'm feeling calmer today, but bone-deep sad.
Nice post WDW. The tributes to Heath all over the net are just wonderful, he was obviously loved and respected all over.
Jake may find working helps him keep going at the moment. I hope the security on set keep the reporters away from him.
Love to all. xxx
Just coming in to leave love and hugs for everyone here. This place feels sacred - thank you WDW. Be brave loved ones!
btw the AO Scott tribute has been reprinted in our local paper and it was good to see Heath's picture on the front page. May the The truth, power and beauty of BBM's message be recognized and endure in India too.
Peace sweet Heath!
Morning everyone... calmer today? I hope so.
For a moment or two this morning, i forgot that Heath is gone and then it hit me hard again... it just seems unreal, still.
I hope Jake is allowed to grieve in private {{{Jake}}}...
I mean, if we are having trouble concentrating or working or whatever, and we are distracted with grief for Heath, imagine how Jake must feel about trying to work, while he's dealing with this.
So true, I was another that went home early yesterday, completely distracted and unable to concentrate, what Jake and everyone else is going through I simply can't comprehend.
It's still unreal at the moment, various lyrics in songs are making me tear up, some are making me smile, eveything at the moment seems linked to Heath.
Kate, thank you for this great place. I know it's been awhile for me to blog, my life has been somewhat hectic, but I feel good here and know you'll always be there for me.
Hi everyone - I'm feeling calmer too and I've seen some great tributes. I don't have to commute tomorrow so tonight means I can have a late night just taking some of it all in. So that will be emotional, but necessary.
As you say, Agent K and Winterbird, the slightest thing can be upsetting for the strangest reasons.
Good to hear that fine article is in the Indian papers, Incognita.
Thanks again for all these wonderful comments and for coming here.
CWG - I will.
Thank God for the sanctuary of this place,WDW. I have just got here after stumbling upon examples of the dregs of humanity!
Doubtless some of you will have already seen that some crackpot religious group (no one could call them Christians-they are the very antithesis of that!)are claiming that Heath's death is retribution for starring in "Brokeback". For Heaven's sake,how sick and twisted can people get when they mistakenly believe they have the monopoly on what God is thinking?!
I also was sickened by TMZ wondering where Jake is and why he won't speak to the press. Heartless morons, the lot of them!I never thought I would bother posting on a site like TMZ but I signed up just because I felt compelled to harangue them for their behaviour,marvel at their lack of insight and compassion in the face of such grief and appeal (probably in vain)for them to find a shred of decency and back off,leaving those who are mourning Heath to deal with their grief in private.
A picture of Jake red-eyed and grief stricken is the LAST thing any of us want to see at the moment (or ever!)and we don't need him to tell us how he's feeling. We just take how we feel and multiply it by a thousand and then we might have just started to scratch the surface.
Apparently there are police guarding ((((Michelle))) and (((Matilda))) and those who are trying to support her in New York. Extra security in New Mexico has thus far protected (((Jake))) from any press intrusion. Long may that continue, God love them.
I hope that the one thing that filters through any police or security cordon is the love and sense of loss we feel for Heath out here and all the love,compassion and comfort we are willing to all the people closest to Heath. It's only natural that those of us in WDW's wonderful Jake-family are hurting and praying for (((Jake))) in particular.
I thought I was calmer today too...but reading all the beautiful tributes to Heath people have posted here has opened the floodgates again - so relieved it's my day off today. As you say though WDW,you'll be steeling yourself to absorb more of the tributes tonight and tomorrow, knowing it is a necessary but really heart-rending task.
We may have to gather ourselves and get on with our own "Real Lives", because whatever pain or tragedy befalls people,the world just keeps right on relentlessly turning - but even those of us who never met Heath but loved him from afar are going through a grieving process of a surreal yet all-too-real kind...and it's going to take a long time.
My love to (((everyone here))) - thanks for listening to my ramblings,thanks WDW for a place to support and be supported by good friend. And my love to (((Heath))) and (((Jake)))who individually, and as a sublime partnership, brought so many of us together here.
Nadine xxxxxxx
Thank you from me too, WDW for this safe harbour. Nadine that was a beautiful post you just made - As are ALL the posts here. That's why this place IS special.
No, we don't want to see a red eyed Jake. We know how he must be feeling. I hope the press give all Heaths family and friends some space. I hope......
(((hugs))) to EVERYONE.
Rosie
x
Nadine, thank you for that wonderful comment. I totally agree with everything you say. I feel the same way as you about all this.
(((Hugs)))
Joe Queenan, one of my favourite writer/film critics paid tribute to Heath as well on the Guardian.
It's not fair, it's not right
wonderful comment Nadine, agree with EVERYTHING you say. It's sickening that Michelle and Matilda have to be protected by police, why can't they just be left in peace?
I thought I was feeling calmer today as well. But then I made the mistake of watching the clip of Ellen someone provided on another board, and totally, very unexpectedly, lost it. Now a sense of sadness has sort of settled. Bone deep, really. Glad today is my day off.
For future reference, and bcz it provided me a measure of comfort, I am re-posting something I found quite eloquent and appropriate that "janjo" from DC Forum posted about the "inconclusive" cause of death. In the days to come I will hang on to this sentiment for dear life, and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
It is exactly how I feel.:
"What ever people are saying, or whatever the truth is about Heath's death, he has nothing, absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. If he was so depressed he took his own life, then he was probably very ill, and deserves nothing but our compassion, if he was so anxious that he over medicated, then he was ill and deserves nothing but our compassion, and even if he was so distressed and unhappy that he was taking illegal drugs as a form of self medication, then he deserves nothing but our compassion.
There are people in the media who will poison anyones memory for the sake of a good story.
I prefer to feel the compassion, and to remember the wonderful man who for ever will be our own Ennis del Mar. "
Thnks to all of you for your comments today. Nadine, I saw your post on TMZ - you tell 'em girl!!
And thanks Winterbird for the link to The Guardian article. I found it very moving, and so true. As Heath/Ennis says in BBM "it ain;t right" :( I'm starting to come to terms with it now and getting over the intial shock, but I'm left with a huge feeling of emptiness and injustice that we've lost someone who gave us so much and who had the potential to give us so much more. What his friends and family are going through, I can't begin to imagine.
I'm finding it a comfort still to listen to my BBM songs and look at the screencaps from BBM. I don't know when, if ever, I'll be able to watch it again, so many lines from the film keep coming into my head and they're tinged with an extra layer of sadness now. But nothing can take away the effect that Heath, through BBM, had on my life, the way it changed it for the better, and for that there'll always be a place in my heart for Heath. Thank you, lil darlin'.
Wow! Amazing comments. I'm just leaving the office now so I'll be with you all soon. Thank you!
Today I've felt some realisation that it has happened, though no acceptance.
I just watched the entertainment news on the BBC and was caught completely unawares by their use of the BBM trailer - in which you hear Jack softly saying that if they're gonna be workin' together, they better start drinkin' together - a line not in the film -with the accompanying music, and I was devastated all over again, worse even than when I first heard.
So I guess I won't be watching BBM for a long while.
Last 24 hours have been horrid. I found out at work and wasnt able to get home or to a computer till now so have felt very alone. Reading about it has now enabled me to cry finally and realise I am not alone in being so upset by the news.
RIP Heath. So tragic I still cant get my thoughts into any kind of tribute that he desrves.
Thoughts and love to his friends and family and everyone out there in the BBM-related community. xxxxx
((LJF)), I'd been wondering about you.
((((Anouska)))) not being able to get to a computer has been horrid. Being with others who feel the same helps.
Still keeps hitting me at odd moments.
Hi - I'm so glad to be back home, and because I'm working at home tomorrow, I don't need to put up a wall. I've already looked at a couple of articles/tributes and the love runs deep from across the movie world - both those who are part of it and those who comment on it. So I'm ready for an emotional night. Thanks again to Ruby for helping me through today.
This will be my one outraged moment of the night: - I browsed the newspapers at lunch today and looked at the tribute in The Indpendent - surely a paper that can be relied upon for its moderation and sense. But there in a snippet about BBM, it said that you can tell what a good actor Heath is by comparing him to his co-star. I may never buy that paper again.
((((LJF))) Good to see you, so good to see you.
What a ridiculous comment, WDW.
Untrue and irrelevant at the same time.
You're right, Anouska, it just really annoyed me - that for one to be good the other must be bad.
((((WDW))) sorry it has taken such sad circumstances to get me back but I feel better at this tragic time to be with friends. Although it's depressing me I cant tear myself away from all the coverage on the web. Why? Looking for an answer I wont find I guess and reminding myself I am not alone.
The ignorance and crass insensitivity of so-called intelligent journalists,especially at a time like this, never fails to amaze and offend me!
Luckily most of the tributes I've read,from commentators,critics and fans alike,have been so poignant and do great credit to Heath ,without scoring totally unjustified cheap points off his co-star and dear friend.
(((Heath))) (((Jake)))
Can we continue to be sensitive to leaving gossip and negativity out of this site? Please?
WDW, that makes me so mad! I think that is the lowest kind of "journalism" to insult one actor to praise another.
Sorry Pia, I won't say any more, but I just had to get that off my chest.
WDW, glad you are home now! :)
sorry if Im being judgey or something like that - but this ia awful hard, isnt it?
how to bear it . . .
Pia, I totally understand. (((Pia)))
It is awful hard Pia I know. (((Pia)))
I think if WDW is upset, we can surely indulge her venting on her own blog for a moment. She has after all been sensitive and supportive of us. :-*
Big hugs to everyone and thank you WDW and all of you for making this a haven.
(((LJF)))) I'm glad you're here.
well also WDW slogs thru the swamp in her hip boots, pulling up what feels right and positive - always with Jakes and our welfare in mind.
I have been wondering WDW how we can be helpful to you in this time it seems like too much to ask that you sort thru this heavy weather on your own.
I am feeling a little better today. I watch Ned Kelly last night after I signed off. I wasn't really sure how I would react to it. It has always been one of my favorite Heath movies. It actually was therapeutic. I cried and cried and cried. He was so deep in his craft. As he always was. Beautiful and gut wrenching…
He will live forever in his work.
My heart is in shambles, I'm not sure what to say but feel I must say something to all of you here, to just be a part of this collective outpouring of love and rememberance.
Thanks to Heath's incredible portrayal of Ennis, and Brokeback Mountain my life has become so much more valuable, things that never made sense to me before have become clear. I mourn the loss of this unforgettable human like a member of my own family, even though we've never met.
I'll pray for his family in my own way as I will also for Jake and all his many friends, and those who have taken him to their hearts.
Eternal Rest Heath.
'slogs thru the swamp in her hip boots'
she does look good in her kinky boots though - if a little scary ;-)
you're right, Pia, WDW puts in a lot of work.
WDW, let us know if you need to delegate anything.
I echo the rallying sentiments to you, WDW, for all your hard work here. But you're grieving the loss of Heath just like the rest of us, and you know, just being in a place where everyone "gets it", is so helpful to me. I hope it helps you too WDW. *hugs*
Add me to the collective, if we can help you, WDW.
Like all of you I am just so great to have this place of people who are supportive and caring of each other, Heath and Jake.
(((Hugs)))
WDW... you work so hard and has done so much for us with this blog - i got asked if you have a day job...
Thanks for everything and you know we all appreciated it.
Just watched the video with Heath's uncles. They talked of his love for life, how much he loved Matilda and would never have wanted to leave her. My heart breaks just thinking of how much he loved her.
I am just watching Oprah and Daniel Day Lewis just mentioned Heath and brought tears to my eyes. He just said that he didn't know Heath but he appreciated his work and feels for his family and friends and hopes they will be left to grieve in the way they wish and with privacy. :'(
Thanks to you ((((all)))) - I couldn't feel it all yesterday due to having to look after Mr WDW and then being so drained. Tonight, it's just me and you and so I'm very emotional and eventhinking about watching BBM and just giving in to it.
Thanks everyone for the offers of help too - I appreciate it - it is sometimes very difficult to fit in the day job and not always enjoyable. So you've seen me in my boots, Pia!
Ruby, you have provided me with untold support - you're always there at the end of the phone or an email - as are you Anouska and Twisted Logic. I'm very lucky.
I hope Jake too feels the comfort of arms holding him up.
The new post tonight is dedicated to four BBM authors who helped me when BBM left me feeling so bereft - it's now our time to help them.
Thank you for commenting Seaweed - it's good to see you again xx
Ditto to all of the above. WDW, you know where I am whenever you need me,for anything at all. I'm so grateful to you for creating this place,which I've come to think of as home. I've had so many good times here, celebrating and enjoying Jake with lovely like-minded people, and now we're going through this sad and dark time of mourning Heath, I'm more grateful than ever for what you've done, and continue to do here. To be able not only to express my feelings, but to know that others get it, and share it, and that we can all lean on and draw strength from each other, is what has got me through the last couple of days. I can never thank you enough.
Oh TL - thank you, but I receive just the same from you all and I couldn't manage without it. We have the good times, so many of those, and now we can help each other through this.
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