Comments on: How far is too far? http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/ The Blog of CJ Levinson Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:52:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: museditions http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-451 museditions Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:42:14 +0000 http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-451 cj, I'm sure you have this story in Aus. As I read that the toxicology report was released, and his death was ruled an accidental overdose of perscription drugs, I was particularly moved by his family's statement in the sidebar of this report: http://news.aol.com/entertainment/movies/movie-news-story/ar/_a/ledgers-death-an-accidental-overdose/20080206102509990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001 What a lovely and loving tribute from those who knew him best! And their expression of thanks to his fans was touching as well. <strong> CJ: Thanks for the link, Muse. The story was just breaking here last night, so I hadn't had much chance to see it beyond the details... it's so sad what happened, but it's a relief in a way now that it's known it was accidental. All the speculation about drugs and suicide were damaging his memory and he didn't deserve that... his family don't either. It's a wonderful tribute they've given as well. They've found so much strength during all this... hopefully now they can be given time to grieve.</strong> cj, I’m sure you have this story in Aus. As I read that the toxicology report was released, and his death was ruled an accidental overdose of perscription drugs, I was particularly moved by his family’s statement in the sidebar of this report: http://news.aol.com/entertainment/movies/movie-news-story/ar/_a/ledgers-death-an-accidental-overdose/20080206102509990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

What a lovely and loving tribute from those who knew him best! And their expression of thanks to his fans was touching as well.

CJ: Thanks for the link, Muse. The story was just breaking here last night, so I hadn’t had much chance to see it beyond the details… it’s so sad what happened, but it’s a relief in a way now that it’s known it was accidental. All the speculation about drugs and suicide were damaging his memory and he didn’t deserve that… his family don’t either.

It’s a wonderful tribute they’ve given as well. They’ve found so much strength during all this… hopefully now they can be given time to grieve.

]]> By: philretrospector http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-449 philretrospector Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:40:40 +0000 http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-449 Sadly missed, It's hard to express in words his loss to film, but it must pale into insignificance the loss he is to his family & loved ones. I made this musical tribute to the late Heath Ledger, featuring Gustavo Santaolalla's 'The Wings' vs Charlene's 'I've Never Been To Me'. I hope he'd approve. God Bless. http://youtube.com/watch?v=sWVMDi3nKA8 <strong>CJ: Indeed, it's hard to imagine what his loss really means... his performance in <em>Brokeback Mountain</em> might be a defining moment in film, but that must mean little to the people who miss him so much right now... Thank you so much for your tribute. It's lovely; a beautiful song, and it looks so beautiful in black & white... rest in peace, Heath. </strong> Sadly missed, It’s hard to express in words his loss to film, but it must pale into insignificance the loss he is to his family & loved ones.

I made this musical tribute to the late Heath Ledger, featuring Gustavo Santaolalla’s ‘The Wings’ vs Charlene’s ‘I’ve Never Been To Me’. I hope he’d approve. God Bless.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=sWVMDi3nKA8

CJ: Indeed, it’s hard to imagine what his loss really means… his performance in Brokeback Mountain might be a defining moment in film, but that must mean little to the people who miss him so much right now…

Thank you so much for your tribute. It’s lovely; a beautiful song, and it looks so beautiful in black & white… rest in peace, Heath.

]]> By: cherikooka http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-450 cherikooka Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:29:31 +0000 http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-450 His death seriously sucks. I totally dug him. <strong>CJ: It's so sad, isn't it? He brought the screen to life and gave us so much joy. At least we can remember that.</strong> His death seriously sucks. I totally dug him.

CJ: It’s so sad, isn’t it? He brought the screen to life and gave us so much joy. At least we can remember that.

]]> By: marnini http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-448 marnini Thu, 24 Jan 2008 23:54:05 +0000 http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-448 That was a truly beautiful tribute. I must also add that the Johnny Cash song playing is one of my all time favorites. It is sad that the average person looks at fame and think it must be glorious. But yet the famous once they climb over the rainbow many times wish they could return to average. I will be coming back to look at this tribute again. Thanks, Maribeth <strong>CJ: Thanks, Maribeth. It's a lovely video, isn't it? When I saw it I felt like it said everything I couldn't, and that song is so beautiful... a wonderful tribute. I couldn't agree more about fame... people have this idea of what it must be like to be famous but it's never that. Some people want to be celebrities but it didn't seem to sit well with Heath... that's what makes this even sadder, that he couldn't escape it. In the end celebrities are just people... we seem to forget that sometimes, that they hurt just like everyone else. I just hope his family can find some peace.</strong> That was a truly beautiful tribute. I must also add that the Johnny Cash song playing is one of my all time favorites.

It is sad that the average person looks at fame and think it must be glorious. But yet the famous once they climb over the rainbow many times wish they could return to average.

I will be coming back to look at this tribute again.

Thanks, Maribeth

CJ: Thanks, Maribeth. It’s a lovely video, isn’t it? When I saw it I felt like it said everything I couldn’t, and that song is so beautiful… a wonderful tribute.

I couldn’t agree more about fame… people have this idea of what it must be like to be famous but it’s never that. Some people want to be celebrities but it didn’t seem to sit well with Heath… that’s what makes this even sadder, that he couldn’t escape it. In the end celebrities are just people… we seem to forget that sometimes, that they hurt just like everyone else.

I just hope his family can find some peace.

]]> By: Bharat Iyer http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-445 Bharat Iyer Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:28:17 +0000 http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-445 I was shocked when I found out about Heath Ledger. It is so saddening when someone passes away at a young age. I feel sorry for his family, especially his daughter. This is so unfortunate. I have only seen one of his films, A Knight's Tale, which, though not exactly a cinematic masterpiece, was a very entertaining film and Heath's acting abilites were clearly visible. As for the media, it always has a tendency to go overboard which is just further fuelled by the masses lapping up everything they offer. I have pretty much stopped watching news channels. Their primary concern is causing a sensation. The news channels here are unprofessional, have no comprehension of the term objectivity and use cheesy headlines to catch attention. The other day I was channel surfing idly and some news channel was interviewing a lady who apparently discovered her husband was being unfaithful to her and along with her daughter-in-law and daughter went to her husband's mistress' house and started abusing her and hit her. Correct me if I am wrong, but that is not news. They were showing footage of the actual scene and were calling the mistress a shameless women. They said everything except directly calling her a whore. A family's domestic problem is none of national TV's concern. I also fail to understand how the people involved allow the media to go nuts like this. I'd never give an interview about my domestic problems. I have way too much self respect to do that. I was also most disgusted with the way the Indian media was villainising the Australian team. They were also using headlines like Cocky Aussies Routed in the Battle of Perth. That is in such bad taste. <strong>CJ: Thanks, Bharat. It's very sad, particularly when it's someone so young and with such a young daughter... I feel like I watched Heath grow up and followed him in Hollywood. He was only 5 years older than me and I guess that's why it's struck such a chord... very sad. The media definitely goes overboard sometimes but I can't help but feel that we play a large part in it as well... I mean, if we didn't buy the magazines, if we changed the channel, they'd get the message that this behaviour isn't acceptable. Of course that won't happen; people are curious about that lifestyle, so there will always be a market for it... but I can't help but think we should bear some responsibility when something happens as well... or at least show some respect. Your news story sounds similar to many of ours... the media seem to think that important stories are also public interest ones, and while some stories might be newsworthy, that doesn't mean they should take precedence... there always seems to be a story here about a child who's gone missing, and that's sad, but we rarely see Aboriginal children, or children of lower income families. It's selective journalism... how can we ever get a fair view of the world if that's what the reporting is like? We had our share of outcry over the Sydney Test as well. Most of it was rubbish. I have to say though, I love cricket but I'm not a big fan of the way the Australians play. It was going to happen at some stage and it was unfortunate that it marred such a brilliant match. I was glad India won the third Test; it's good for world cricket. Hopefully we'll get a good final match and the series will be what people remember, not the controversy... although maybe that's wishful thinking.</strong> I was shocked when I found out about Heath Ledger. It is so saddening when someone passes away at a young age. I feel sorry for his family, especially his daughter. This is so unfortunate. I have only seen one of his films, A Knight’s Tale, which, though not exactly a cinematic masterpiece, was a very entertaining film and Heath’s acting abilites were clearly visible.

As for the media, it always has a tendency to go overboard which is just further fuelled by the masses lapping up everything they offer. I have pretty much stopped watching news channels. Their primary concern is causing a sensation. The news channels here are unprofessional, have no comprehension of the term objectivity and use cheesy headlines to catch attention.

The other day I was channel surfing idly and some news channel was interviewing a lady who apparently discovered her husband was being unfaithful to her and along with her daughter-in-law and daughter went to her husband’s mistress’ house and started abusing her and hit her. Correct me if I am wrong, but that is not news. They were showing footage of the actual scene and were calling the mistress a shameless women. They said everything except directly calling her a whore. A family’s domestic problem is none of national TV’s concern. I also fail to understand how the people involved allow the media to go nuts like this. I’d never give an interview about my domestic problems. I have way too much self respect to do that.

I was also most disgusted with the way the Indian media was villainising the Australian team. They were also using headlines like Cocky Aussies Routed in the Battle of Perth. That is in such bad taste.

CJ: Thanks, Bharat. It’s very sad, particularly when it’s someone so young and with such a young daughter… I feel like I watched Heath grow up and followed him in Hollywood. He was only 5 years older than me and I guess that’s why it’s struck such a chord… very sad.

The media definitely goes overboard sometimes but I can’t help but feel that we play a large part in it as well… I mean, if we didn’t buy the magazines, if we changed the channel, they’d get the message that this behaviour isn’t acceptable. Of course that won’t happen; people are curious about that lifestyle, so there will always be a market for it… but I can’t help but think we should bear some responsibility when something happens as well… or at least show some respect.

Your news story sounds similar to many of ours… the media seem to think that important stories are also public interest ones, and while some stories might be newsworthy, that doesn’t mean they should take precedence… there always seems to be a story here about a child who’s gone missing, and that’s sad, but we rarely see Aboriginal children, or children of lower income families. It’s selective journalism… how can we ever get a fair view of the world if that’s what the reporting is like?

We had our share of outcry over the Sydney Test as well. Most of it was rubbish. I have to say though, I love cricket but I’m not a big fan of the way the Australians play. It was going to happen at some stage and it was unfortunate that it marred such a brilliant match. I was glad India won the third Test; it’s good for world cricket. Hopefully we’ll get a good final match and the series will be what people remember, not the controversy… although maybe that’s wishful thinking.

]]> By: museditions http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-447 museditions Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:05:09 +0000 http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-447 Lovely post, cj. I was saddend by the passing of your countryman at such a young age. I was looking forward to seeing him in more films. I don't know if I'll go to see the new Batman or not--not sure if I was going to anyway, as they've gotten increasingly darker. I so agree with your points about the media vultures. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a major celebrity. I don't anticipate having the opportunity to find out, but it's forever life changing, and the pressures must be enormous. <strong>CJ: Thanks, Muse. It's hit people very hard over here... we have such a small film industry that we tend to follow our actors and directors more closely than other countries. We've watched someone like Nicole Kidman grow up on our screens and it was the same with Heath. That so many people felt like they knew him, if only in a small way, makes it so much sadder. I'll probably see the new Batman; I was looking forward to it as I've liked Batman since I was a kid, but I can't imagine it being the same now... every part of it will seem like a sign. The big problem with the media is that public demand chooses what they cover. If people weren't so interested in celebrity stories I doubt there'd be anywhere near the coverage, or at least they wouldn't be so aggressive. But I suppose it's natural that we'd be curious about that lifestyle... I'm with you, though, I can't imagine what it would be like. I wouldn't want to.</strong> Lovely post, cj. I was saddend by the passing of your countryman at such a young age. I was looking forward to seeing him in more films. I don’t know if I’ll go to see the new Batman or not–not sure if I was going to anyway, as they’ve gotten increasingly darker.
I so agree with your points about the media vultures. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be a major celebrity. I don’t anticipate having the opportunity to find out, but it’s forever life changing, and the pressures must be enormous.

CJ: Thanks, Muse. It’s hit people very hard over here… we have such a small film industry that we tend to follow our actors and directors more closely than other countries. We’ve watched someone like Nicole Kidman grow up on our screens and it was the same with Heath. That so many people felt like they knew him, if only in a small way, makes it so much sadder.

I’ll probably see the new Batman; I was looking forward to it as I’ve liked Batman since I was a kid, but I can’t imagine it being the same now… every part of it will seem like a sign.

The big problem with the media is that public demand chooses what they cover. If people weren’t so interested in celebrity stories I doubt there’d be anywhere near the coverage, or at least they wouldn’t be so aggressive. But I suppose it’s natural that we’d be curious about that lifestyle… I’m with you, though, I can’t imagine what it would be like. I wouldn’t want to.

]]> By: Colourful Vision http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-446 Colourful Vision Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:51:18 +0000 http://cjwriter.com/2008/01/24/how-far-is-too-far/#comment-446 Very nice tribute, CJ...Thanks.. and it is very sad dying prematurely like this....It might not be suicide like the media has been suggesting but still ..In my opinion the media always goes too far for their own interests... Rest in peace... <strong>CJ: Thanks, CV. I was shocked when I heard the news and felt like I needed to write something. It's terrible when anyone dies at 28 but it's so sad when it's someone so talented, who has touched so many people. Some parts of the media have shown restraint but all the speculation just seems distasteful... I suppose it's human nature to be curious, but seeing the photographers clambering on top of each other to get photos of the body leaves a very bad taste in my mouth...</strong> Very nice tribute, CJ…Thanks.. and it is very sad dying prematurely like this….It might not be suicide like the media has been suggesting but still ..In my opinion the media always goes too far for their own interests…

Rest in peace…

CJ: Thanks, CV. I was shocked when I heard the news and felt like I needed to write something. It’s terrible when anyone dies at 28 but it’s so sad when it’s someone so talented, who has touched so many people.

Some parts of the media have shown restraint but all the speculation just seems distasteful… I suppose it’s human nature to be curious, but seeing the photographers clambering on top of each other to get photos of the body leaves a very bad taste in my mouth…

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