Actor Heath Ledger is best known for his performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight. However, the late actor was also known for his role in the 2005 Western drama film Brokeback Mountain. Directed by Ang Lee, the movie stars Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, as two cowboys from Wyoming and their complicated romantic relationship.
During an interview to promote the movie, Ledger openly expressed his views on alleged homophobic reactions to the subject material. In his response, the actor blasted homophobes and called out one shameful Hollywood practice that he was asked to continue. Here is what Ledger had to say to homophobes after Brokeback Mountain.
Heath Ledger stood up against homophobia during Brokeback Mountain press tour
Heath Ledger appeared as Ennis Del Mar in the 2005 neo-Western romantic drama film Brokeback Mountain. The film received critical acclaim and is widely regarded as a turning point for the advancement of queer cinema. As a result, it is admirable that Ledger deeply cared about LGBTQ+ representation.
During an interview to promote the movie, Ledger was asked about some people considering its subject material focusing on a gay romance to be disgusting. However, Ledger had a fitting reply to the homophobic reactions to the movie.
Well, I think it’s immature, for one. I think it’s an incredible shame that people go out of their way to voice their disgust or negative opinions about the way two people wish to love one another.
Ledger made the above statement (via Upworthy), expressing a strong dismissiveness towards the homophobia surrounding the movie.
The Dark Knight actor implied that it was shameful that people in Hollywood would go to great lengths to criticize a film that was meant to celebrate love even if it wasn’t a standard heterosexual relationship. Ledger further noted that people should voice their opinions on anger and violence in society before they make distasteful comments on love.
Heath Ledger refused to let the Academy make jokes about Brokeback Mountain
During a separate interview, Ledger’s Brokeback Mountain co-star Jake Gyllenhaal reiterated how deeply the late actor cared about the representation of minorities in mainstream media. Gyllenhaal revealed that Ledger went as far as to stop the Academy from making a joke about the movie.
Someone wanted to make a joke about the story or whatever, he was like, ‘No. This is about love. Like, that’s it, man. Like, no.
Gyllenhaal made the above statement (via WioNews), explaining that Ledger was extremely proud of the story the film was telling and did not want to tarnish it with crude jokes.
The actor further stated that while he was onboard with the Academy making jokes about the movie, Ledger’s comments made him realize its demerits. Ledger was also nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his role in the movie but ultimately lost the award to Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Brokeback Mountain is streaming on Paramount+.
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