Ledger mania

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Another superhero movie. Don't they just make the perfect summer releases? But this one seems to be the most awaited of them all, not to mention the most successful release in recent film history. With due respect to Heath Ledger, I wonder if this movie could have possibly gained the same hype, had it not been for his untimely death. Every one who has seen the movie, does nothing but to sing praises of Ledger's acting. Being one of the more serious actors of the industry, its not like I expected him to mess up this role. But I've seen almost every preview, every poster and the reviews he is getting sound a little too exaggerated. Weepy movie watchers, emotionally charged co-actors hail him the Joker ever. Most of this over-appreciation has to stem from his death.
To praise his acting is one thing, to brand him the best Joker ever is just....

Nicholson's Joker was everything the Joker was supposed to be, and so much more! A supervillian with the power to instill a mixed sense of humor and fear, a pairing that is the first of its kind; and Nicholson outdid himself in what was one of his rare displays of acting talent. The comedy element came as a relief in the otherwise too dark movie, without going over the top. Moviegoers argue that Ledger played his part to perfection. But what people refuse to see is that his character was always written up as dark and intimidating, and play that well, he did. But its a pretty easy part to play. Imagine any other actor with a single serious bone in him, reprising Ledger's role. See how easy it is?!..
The gossip rags are abuzz with news of Ledger being up for a posthumous Oscar. The odds of him winning it are plenty. If not for best actor, then I assure you he will bag "special awards" at the various award ceremonies. Another news making its rounds on the grapevine is that of Terry Gillian accusing Warner Bros of 'shamelessly capitalizing in on Ledger's death'; and of course, their denial of the same.
Had it been Nicholson who kicked the bucket instead of Ledger, the latter would have been subject to a volley of comparisons, each one concluding that Nicholson was the better Joker. Today a man needs to die to prove his worth. Not having seen the movie yet, I will gladly eat my words should Ledger live up to the all the ballyhoo.
Here's a video currently making its rounds on the web: