Health Ledger, a Knight's Tale in Hollywood

Congratulations to Heath Ledger for winning on Oscar as Best Supporting Actor as The Joker in “Batman the Dark Knight" at the 2009 Academy Award ceremony.

It is with pride that Heath received this award, and like many Australians, it is difficult to understand the passing of one so young and talented. The Joker would have been one character in a string of memorable future performances.

I will not remember Heath for his role as The Joker, but as William Thatcher and his alter ego Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein of Gelderland from A Knights Tale, a memorable movie about a poor peasant boy taken under the wings of a knight who changes his stars, always remembering to follow his feet. It is a touching movie with strong, memorable characters, featuring Mark Addy, Paul Bettany, and Rufus Sewell. A Knights Tale is one of my favourite non-horror movies with a very definite feel good factor throughout.

It is A Knights Tale that first brought Heath Ledger to my attention. It is one of the most watched movies in my DVD collection. If you have not had the opportunity to view it, I recommend you do. You may also wish to pick up a copy of The Sin Eater, also starring Heath, and a number of actors appearing in A Knights Tale.

So, to the late Heath Ledger, a sober congratulations from a proud Australian.