Fate of the dark knight movie

[hobub]

Due to Heath Ledger's untimely demise, the fate of how to promote the latest movie in the Batman saga is in question. I wonder, should his last film character be one of the most violent sociopathic villains of all time? Jack Nicholson was too far established in recent pop culture to have it stick so well to him but I remember when Cesar Romero died, he was noted as being best known as "The Joker" in TV's Batman. Even though he was quite an accomplished movie star of the silver screen. I guess it was just that he was on both sides of the huge culture/counter culture changes of the 1960's and once he was The Joker, he WAS "The Joker".

Personally, I think they should release the movie as scheduled on time and promote it as originally intended. I think this should serve as a final tribute to Ledger who, like johnny depp before him wasn't above testing his abilities with different types of character rolls to avoid being a stereotypcal Tom Cruise-like hero. He WILL be remembered as The Joker and what a better lasting tribute to any actor to be remembered through such a character who transcends the tests of time. Even the badest of bad guys.

[Mikey]

Speaking just for myself, i'll always consider Cesar Romero both the Joker and AJ Arno ---from the Disney Kurt Russell flicks (made well after he was the Joker).

I don't think a actor is judged or remembered by his last appearance...

I think they're remembered more for their best work--- and each fans interpretation of what was their best.

I think if he did a great job as the Joker and people will remember him for that, then that's totally cool.

[Meule]

I bet he'll be more remembered for his part in Brokeback Mountain (Oscar nomination) than The Joker

[Goblin19]

Yeah, Brokeback Mountain got him an Oscar nod (I thought he should have won) and was a cultural phenomenon, so he'll at least be remembered for that, as well.

[megoscott]

The story going around---that the Joker part disturbed him so much it caused the insomnia that led him to the prescription drugs that ultimately killed him---will dominate how the movie is viewed and remembered. It's a powerful, intense performance that will forever be linked with his death. It'll certainly be a lot less "fun".

[Sideshow Spock]

I think the media has kinda overblown the whole "losing himself in the dark, demented Joker" thing.. in this recent clip, he describes playing the Joker as the "most fun he's had, and probably ever will" playing a role..

YouTube - Heath Ledger talks about the Joker

Just from the brief clip, he certainly comes across as someone who's having some.. issues.

As for the movie, the only thing that will likely be affected is the marketing campaign, which was obviously Joker-focused. The studio will be adjusting that accordingly. The movie is completed, and I can't imagine why content or release date would be changed.

[Bo8a_Fett]

I can't see it affecting the movies release that much ...after all they have poured loads of spondolaks on it...what with the Joker being a big part of the film they can't help but put the character out as part of the advertising.

[Adam West]

I have seen a couple of trailers and movie clips from the film and Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker is the most disturbing villain I have seen to date in a comic book based super hero movie.