We’re now just a week away from The Dark Knight being released in cinemas, and many film critics and reviewers have already had the opportunity to see the movie, and give their impressions on it. Most are giving it high praise, but singling Heath Ledger out for his portrayal of The Joker as he battles against Christian Bale’s Batman.
This has in turn lead to many calling for Ledger to receive a posthumous Oscar for the last project he completed work on before he died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in January. The 28 year old actor was said to be very in to the role, which possibly contributed to the depression and lack of sleep which lead to his death.
According to Digital Spy, Rolling Stone critic Pete Travers has backed early calls for Ledger to receive an Oscar, and Academy member and Dark Knight co-star Sir Michael Caine backed claims that his work on the film deserved, at least deserved a best supporting actor nomination.
This wouldn’t be the first time a posthumous Oscar has been awarded to a deceased actor, but it would be the first since Peter Finch won for Network in 1976. So it’s quite a rarity to say the least. I obviously have not seen the movie yet, so can’t say either way, but if early reaction is anything to go on, Ledger will be an Oscar winner come February 2009.
