Death of a dream

HTB told me about the demise of Heath Ledger over breakfast this morning (he gets up after me and heard it on the radio). It all seems such a waste, therefore, a tragedy. Unreal. It was like a slap in the face. Then I got to thinking, why has this hit me? I mean, I can’t compare my feelings with that of his close friends and family.

Then I realised why I felt so upset by it. Ledger came to epitomise youth, beauty and integrity for me and many other people the world over. Sure, he was hot, but eschewed teen flicks to take part in more independent and controversial films like Brokeback Mountain and Monster’s Ball. This was somebody who took acting and film seriously, and was not satisfied just to cash in on a “himbo” image. It is not just his death that I mourn, but the death of a dream, of youth and optimism. 

Heath Ledger was a truly talented actor, who appeared to have the world at his feet. However the fact that he overdosed on prescription medication (intentionally or otherwise) shows that nobody is immune from the inner hauntings of their own subconcious. So many people suffer from stress and sleep problems, there can be so much anguish inside people, no matter who they are.

My heart goes out to his family.