The Hamlet in Heath Ledger
As images of recently deceased actor Heath Ledger ends the In Memoriam segment of the 2008 Oscars, one cannot help but think that Hillary Swank’s introduction that included a mention of those who have gone too early from whom the best is yet to come can only pertain to the promising young actor.
“To sleep: perchance to dream” One may also remember the famous “To be or not to be” monologue from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which includes the line “To sleep: perchance to dream” in relation to Heath Ledger’s death.
Although the Shakespearean lines allude to taking one’s own life, it has already been proven that an accidental overdose of prescription drugs was the cause of Heath’s death. In Heath’s case, Hamlet’s lines take on a more literal meaning, since it has been surmised that his actions were governed by his desire to be ensconced in the embrace of sleep.
For, just like Hamlet, Heath was beset with a racing mind that would not let him rest. Wikipedia reports that a New York Times November 2007 interview had the actor stating that his work has been interfering with his ability to sleep, and has been quoted to say, “I probably slept an average of two hours a night. … I couldn’t stop thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going.”
Heath Ledger’s Last Film Heath Ledger’s last film, The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus, was still being shot when the Oscar nominated actor died, leaving the production’s future in question.
However, it has been recently announced that actors Jude Law, Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp will take on the incarnations of Heath Ledger’s character in the film dedicated to the actor. Stuff.co.nz wrote that Colin Farrell has declared that he “felt it was important for people to see the actor’s final performance.”
And so, as Horatio aptly put it upon Hamlet’s demise, “Good night, sweet prince. And flight of angels sing thee to thy rest!”
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i know how that felt - wanting to sleep but can’t. i suppose it’s still not safe to take sleeping pills.
its too bad he went so early, but if its your time, its your time and nothing will stop it from coming.
this is beautiful— I think that this is the best way so far in coming to grips with the loss of this very talented, sensitive, beautiful, one in a million kind that comes once every 50 years (as he was described by another actor and a friend)actor.
Heath was very dedicated to his craft, not for the fame or money of it. It was a very short but fulfilling life even though he was just about to burst into a much brighter star. His death makes us, especially the young, think about death and live, reminding ourselves that death is inevitable.
Even though rumors surrounding his death and even life have been quite controversial, he wasn’t in danger to himself or others by having DUI records, being in a brawl and other misbehaviors. He was really young to die and it is admirable that he has achieved so much in that short life. A sweet prince he really was.