Before Death, Heath Ledger Named His Favorite Film: No, It’s Not the Cult Classic 'The Dark Knight'
The actor revealed what film inspired him the most.
Heath Ledger is remembered by viewers as one of the brightest and boldest actors of his generation. He chose risky roles, played marginals, rule breakers — from the Joker to the cowboy from Brokeback Mountain. But his favorite film of his entire life was not a thriller, not a drama, not an arthouse. It was The Wizard of Oz.
Why The Wizard of Oz
Ledger said that he adored the "magic" of this film - its hand-made special effects, fantasy costumes and images that were created not by computers, but by makeup and acting energy. He believed in the power of real cinematic language, where emotions are more important than technology. It is no wonder that he himself starred in films where visual madness was intertwined with real drama — The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
The connection between the Joker and the Wicked Witch
Ledger believed that a strong villain is always a mirror of pain and grotesqueness. His Joker became an icon, just like the Wicked Witch played by Margaret Hamilton once was. And it's not just makeup — it's the power of an actor's transformation that works for centuries.
Ledger and the magic of being yourself
The Wizard teaches you not to ask for change, but to accept your essence. Ledger also chose fragile, complex heroes. He was not afraid to play in The Dark Knight, did not hide from his feelings in Candy and was vulnerable and ironic in 10 Things I Hate About You.
He left too early, but, like his favorite film, he himself became a classic.
