#theFridayFeature — Heath Ledger
“Never give up on what
makes you smile.”
- Heath Ledger
The view on the theatre screen yet feels fresh — the maniac, psychopathic mass murdering clown crashing a billionaire’s party reciting stories of how he got the scar on his face. The madness lingers from his eyes as though the iconic character’s playing himself in the film. Holding a short knife, he walks towards the protagonist’s love interest uttering the words that rose to infamy — “Why So Serious?” Who would’ve known then that his absence would continue to live on… Who would’ve known that his absence was awaited?
First look at Heath Ledger and you notice his broad smile, pretty ironic considering The Dark Knight performance. He had the looks, the physique, the eyes, the mailing address illberunningaround@something.com and that with what it had all began — a dream. I’ve always been in love with people that have expressive exteriors. I believe with no walls outside you are pure and honest within. Heath Ledger, even from the screen gave off vibes that made you want to enter his world and give him a peck on his cheek just for the person that he was. I would never know what he was in the true sense of being but intuition says it all. And intuition rarely lies.
The persona Heath carried said it all. He was an artist in the true sense possessing qualities that nurtured his brilliance nature had blessed him with. Like all, Heath too, was a kid at heart. The expanse of curiosity that he held on to is an inspiration. His excellence was in clinging to the childishness that the common society traditionally abhors.
I’m still a kid. I’m like six years old. But it’s just a matter of wanting to get up, it’s just a big journey. I felt like when I left home that I was on a journey, and I still am.
- Heath Ledger
Humans continually great cease to grow. Would that be reasoned as to why they vanish young?
Heath Ledger’s life comes of as an endless expedition towards explorations, enhancements and endeavours amidst unchartered territories. Like all geniuses, he too found himself drawn towards boundless living and relentless adventures. He would set himself free from the malady of monotony by living life beyond limits and away from control. In my opinion, control is something none are born with. Look at children and you’ll know how much are they in control of themselves. Some preserve their childlike qualities and end up being creative. The rest end up being common.
Unfortunately, ‘creativity’ today is rare. A quality that we are born with.
Heath was a shy individual. His journey in films began with a dream. As it often happens with many, Heath’s dreams too turned into a nightmare right when they embraced reality. He had always dreamt of fame. When life finally placed him in the limelight, he didn’t want it anymore. Another trait of a creative individual — he desires it only until he doesn’t have it. It’s only precious until he seeks. Once the search ends, value is lost. Simply because he lives for the journey and not the destination.
“When anything is blocking my head or there’s worry in my life, I just go sit on Mars or something and look back here at Earth. All you can see is this tiny speck. You don’t see the fear. You don’t see the pain. You don’t see thought. It’s just one solid speck. Then nothing really matters. It just doesn’t.”
- Heath Ledger
It’s amazing and astonishing glossing through lives such as Heath. Like most persons drawn towards creativity, Heath had an inclination towards music, photography and filming. He would endlessly talk of Nick Drake — amazed by his music and the ultimate death being surrounded by dozens of interviews and an array of records. His life had become a 24/7 stage. Heath had sunk into Nick Drake’s skin.
Surprisingly, Heath was fascinated by the foray of musicians who’d met a tragic death at the age of 27, the 27 club. He would find himself similar, always saying that he needed to rush things and hurry up. He didn’t think he’d be around for long. Soon, he began encountering sleeping problems for which medication was prescribed.
“I think the most common cause of
insomnia is simple; it’s loneliness.”
- Heath Ledger
When The Dark Knight came along, all his charms turned around at him. The very same qualities that made him led him towards immortality — only after his tragic death.
If he’d known control, he’d still be alive. If he’d known control, no one would’ve documented his life. If he’d known control, Heath Ledger would’ve been just another name. If he’d known control, he’d be living without remembrance.
“I’m not good at future planning. I don’t plan at all. I don’t know what I’m doing tomorrow. I don’t have a day planner and I don’t have a diary. I completely live in the now, not in the past, not in the future.”
- Heath Ledger
In Heath there’s a tinge of all characters he played. But none of the latter show any nuance of Heath.
Thank You Heath for being an immense inspiration to me and many others. May your soul rest in peace. I miss you man. Return If Possible.
“Shama Kahe Parwane Se,
Pare Chala Jaa;
Meri Tarah Jal Jayega,
Yahan Nahi Aa.
Wo Nahi Sunta Usko Jal Jaana Hota Hai…”
(The flame cautions all to avoid getting hurt.
But some have an urge to explore getting burnt.”)
- Kati Patang, 1971
Well, that’s all for today.
Keep reading, keep sharing and never stop believing!
“Everyone you meet always asks if you have a career, are married, or own a house as if life was some kind of grocery list. But no one ever asks you if you’re happy.”
- Heath Ledger
