Heath Ledger was always one of my favorite actors long before his iconic role in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (10 Things I Hate About You, anyone?), but it’s obvious that his turn as the Joker in TDK was one of, if not the most amazing roles he’d ever performed. So it’s cool to see this glimpse into his process making the internet rounds again, as his father, Kim, shows a documentary film crew Ledger’s Joker diary, which he used as a tool to prepare for the role.
Part scrapbook, part outlet for Joker stream-of-consciousness, the diary is a beautiful glimpse into the process of a talented actor who died too soon. In the video, his dad describes the lengths to which Ledger went for the Joker:
He pretty well locked himself up in a hotel for a month or so, to sort of galvanize the upcoming character in his own mind. That was typical of Heath on any movie. He would certainly immerse himself in the upcoming character. I think this was just a whole new level.
Rest in peace, Heath, and thank you for all your amazing work.
(via The Daily Dot)
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