Death and Disappointment

R.I.P. HEATH LEDGER
(4 April 1979 - 22 January 2008)

Something is seriously wrong in the state of Hollywood: It was with great sorrow that I discovered the news on Heath Ledger's death last night; an inicident that happened somewhat all of a sudden, and out of the blue. However, it has now been revealed that the young actor struggled with severe drug problems and had suffered from a heavy depression after the break-up with ex-finacée Michelle Williams, increasing said drug abuse even more. He'd been to rehab last year for treating a heroin addiction, which hadn't really helped, and lately his condition had got worse; continuously declining. He was introverted and would not seek help, causing friends like Jake Gyllenhaal and, naturally, Michelle Williams to worry a great deal. And yesterday, he apparently took an overdose of sleeping pills, either by accident or out of free will, no-one knows. Such a sad fate, such a pointless, dreadful, miserable waste. And a terrible loss for his family and young daughter. What is even worse, though, is this tendency amongst the upcoming Hollywood idols like Heath to get absorbed in a wirlwind world of dope, alcohol, random loveless sex, wild partying, stripping at night clubs, battling for children with various partners (Britney, for one, is probably guilty of all) and so on; strange affairs which were previously scandalous behaviour has now turned into every-day topics in the newspapers' gossip columns, and we don't even blink when reading about it. It is an escalating trend, a critical issue, and it's a perfectly common and "normal" (for these people, at least) habit that is no longer shocking nor surprising. People actually have to die before we understand how massive these problems have become, and how inhumane the pressure on the young stars is. What they go through, on a daily basis, and how the paparazzi is a nerveracking threat to them every second of their lives. They exist in a crazy community, that's pretty narrow too, and it's now beyond dangerous. Brad Renfro died earlier this month, also he from drugs, then there's Anna Nicole Smith and her likes, all these presumably senseless - but in truth, perhaps they're rather genuinely unhappy - individuals who turned to the easier solutions and who were captured by a destructive lifestyle they didn't know how to get out of, one which eventually became their demise. I feel so sorry for these people. Of course, most of them do really stupid things as well; quite often; Britney's obituary has already been written, news agency AP recently stated, and I can't say she didn't earn it. But then again, with what she's been forced through, what should we expect - and how could she have been any different? The demands are ridiculous. The idea of the perfect human being rules in this business; within Hollywood itself and other places following its traditions; ironically procuring the exact opposite, which is outrageous living, mental illness, physical pain; mostly self-induced, although the forces that drive the celebs or wannabe-celebs in question are not necessarily created by themselves, but most likely by the ones they consider their own "idols"; whom they've seen being granted success and thus want to resemble. Which is, in most cases, a misleading and dubious plan. For some unfortunate souls like Heath Ledger, it ends in utter tragedy. If one thing, he will have stated an example that his colleagues must attempt not to copy. And perhaps those who have already got into this complete mess will take notice and find some warning in what's happened to him. I, personally, will forever remember this very talented actor for his unique, gripping portrayal of cowboy Ennis in "Brokeback Mountain", one of my all-time favourite westerns, and - in particular - for his role in "A knight's tale" which was brilliant; with Heath starring alongside many of my favourite actors and with music by no other than Queen. Unfortunately, I have not seen so many of Heath's other filnms, but I will definately get to watching them now; the best way, I find, to honour his memory. May he rest in peace and may young Hollywood finally learn to get a grip on themselves. We don't need this kind of news, and we certainly can do without this kind of losses.

Road to the Oscars: Moreover, maintaining focus on the film industry, the Oscar nominations were made public this week and to my great disappointment, "Atonement" stars Keira and James received none. This is quite shocking, considering the absolutely amazing performances they gave in this film, and especially if you consider the competition; the people who beat them to the final rounds. One I can live with, though: Viggo Mortensen is nominated for "Eastern Promises"; unexpected but most deservedly. May no other actor come close to winning. If James McAvoy is being neglected, so groundlessly, the least they can do is give the prize to the only other person worthy of receiving it. Hang on, Gerry isn't even mentioned. Oh, am I surprised? Think not. To hope that "300" or "Grindhouse" would win anything at all, at such a "serious" award show, filled with hypocrisy and "politically correct"-nonsense, was rather naïve I suppose. George Clooney, Philip Seamour Hoffman and Cate Blanchett are nominated for the umpteenth times, hurray. Did I say politics? Maybe the jury is filled with fanboys instead? Furter noteable mentionings; "3:10 to Yuma" is nominated in all categories of sound and music, which is bizarre but excellent, "Enchanted" is - probably because it's one of very few musicals of the year - nominated for no less than three songs; which is, I believe, all the songs that were in the film. So, chances are it will win at least one! Me hopes! And last but not least: Saoirse Ronan is nominated for best Supporting Actress for "Atonement", good on her, and apart from that the film is nominated in all possible categories except for the ones dealing with Keira and James; a.o. Best Film, and if it doesn't win that, these judge people should be labelled insane. Still, all the nominations it has received are wonderful - as appropriate choice - but all in all, the show itself remains unfair. Johnny Depp has been nominated for best actor, for his third year in a row or something like that, and we all know he's not going to win this time around, either, so I don't understand why they even bother nominating him - only to make is fans miserable when he's deprived of his so-well-earnt award once again. I conclude, as I do each year, that soon I have to establish my own Oscar-equal event to honour the actors and actresses I love and the films I feel deserve the most credit. I never agree with the people in charge, anyway. How dare they ignore the true masterpieces? Why must they consistently give the Oscars to the "safe bets"; the ones who're so obvious and so boring, you don't even remember. Gerry as Leonidas for an Academy Award, or Amy Adams as Giselle, or Russel Crowe as Ben Wade, that'd be something. Otherwise, the show goes untiringly and ever so relentlessly on; and I will watch, as I always do, with a lump in my throat and aggression growing in my stomach. Go Viggo! Go "Atonement"! Fingers crossed that Johnny Depp may at last be granted a golden statue of his own; I dare not even believe I can hope.