Michael Jai White Talks About How Heath Ledger Was On Set of The Dark Knight
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“You think you can steal from us and just walk away?” “Yeah.”
"I'm putting the word out. $500 grand for this clown dead. A million alive so I can teach him some manners first."
“Alright.. so.. why don’t you guys give me a call when you wanna start taking things a little more.. seriously. Here’s my card.”
Ah ah ah, no need to 'blow'... this out of proportion
hahahhah hehehe i thought my joke's where bad
Did your balls drop off?
To this day, heaths joker is the only acting performance I've ever seen that made me forget who is playing the part
Check The Salton Sea. Vince DOnorfio is great in that.
Well said..here’s another, Downey = Tropic Thunder
Yes it’s so hard to see Heath in that character. Bruh think about it, that’s “Sir Ulrich Von Liechtenstein “ 😂.
Daniel day lewis- gangs of new york
Jamie Fox in Ray was one of the best I've ever seen.
Imagine if Heath was alive today. He’s career would’ve rocketed through Hollywood’s roof, and if he ever returned to a movie as the joker, it would be the most anticipated return of a beloved film character
Beloved film character LOL He was the villain however. Return of the most Menacing Villain sounds better in context
@@misterbobby8913 so... The points the people like heath's character, not that he is menacing.
@@misterbobby8913 I don’t think you know what beloved means.
Imagine all the Nolan movies that have been out since. Which ones would he have been in?! RIP
@@oswaldogarcia4144 he would def be in dark knight rises. Feel like he would be in dunkirk or interstellar too
The Dark Knight casting was so perfect, even smaller roles had great actors and let alone Heath's performance.
literally everyone were so great in that movie.
YES THE ONLY FK UP WAS IN THE LAST MOVIE FOR CATWOMAN. EX DISNEY WANNABE HARD - SO WEAK.
@@anonsmith3459 naw she was killer & it sucks for u to hold on to her disney performances, if you never seen those previous performances it wouldnt she’d be excellent
@@TheJAWcrew Killer? 🤣 She was TRY HARD. Thee most forgettable Catwoman EVER. I've seen her in other films by chance still doesn't have the gravitas or grit to play Catwoman. You obviously don't know crap about the character.
I got a crush on Jim Gordon high-key. He really just was young Jim Gordon and I love that his character was integral with Bale as Batman
When you watched Dark Knight, you didnt think "Wow, Heath Ledger is really playing an awesome Joker." You thought "Holy shit, that's the JOKER!"
agreed. I even tried to imagine Heath, but I failed. Nicholson's Joker deserves equal recognition imo. Both performed to the best of their abilities.
I thought the character was a great psycho, but never thought of him as The Joker. Nicholson WAS The Joker to me.
@@willieholmes1483 I believe they are both equally The Joker because of their outstanding performances. To me they are both equal.
@@willieholmes1483 I grew up watching the original Batman. Even the very old one that Bruce Lee appeared in.
PMA DOOD, so did I. I just watched an episode a couple of weeks ago. I hadn’t watched it since 1988. Looking at it, I see why I quit watching it.
Props to Nolan for hiring MJW for a character who never throws punches or kicks.
ThePubBub Tyler Perry has done the same. ;)
I like when he fights. He's like a Black Jason Statham.
what a casting too, feels very natural and genuine
@@ProAverageGuy No....Jason Statham is the white MJW.
@@Certain no, MJW is the white Kelly Clarkson and Jason Statham is the black Aretha Franklin
The fact he's saying the set was chill and Heath wasn't extremely into his role like Jared Leto was speaks volumes.
Jared Leto also isn't that good of an actor.
@@dhruvmalhotra9316 for a completely different movie he was a dog shit joker
@@daddynanners3944 (Ozzy Osbournes voice) who the f%#* is Jared Leto???
I can only speak for myself but every film I've ever seen with Leto in it was ruined by Leto being in it.He just isn't a top quality actor...mediocre at best.I find his acting so forced and contrived that he destroys all illusion in the scene you're watching.He was only in Blade Runner 2049 for about 3 mins total and I have to fast forward him everytime...terrible.
Leto is so cringe.
I can honestly say that Heath Ledger as the Joker was just legitimately terrifying. I remember looking around the theater watching The Dark Knight at people’s reactions at the Joker scenes and they were in awe and scared of this character. Just one of the greatest performances of all time captured on film. Brilliant stuff.
First villain role heath had done as far as I'm aware and he crushed it - he rivals Anthony Hopkins' Hannibal Lecter for best villain as far as I'm concerned he was legitimately that terrifying those scar stories -damn!! And the interrogation scene is pure poetry fun fact he ask Christian to hit him for real in that scene
Especially the scenes when he had his blade out. First time watchin I couldn’t tell if he was going to slice everyone up. He was a maniacal genius and that’s what made the movie so much better. Firstly because the joker always bests the Batman. And most importantly that in the end, the villian wins which we usually never see
@@S0L12D3Yup. The Joker truly won. Batman and Gordon lied to everyone so they would think otherwise and blame Batman instead of Dent.
It was the perfect combination of Ledger's performance and Hans Zimmer's leitmotif for the Joker, I reckon. One without the other would have been good, but not as great as it turned out.
@@werewolvesdeathmetalIdk, the writing was really good too. Lots of themes and philosophy made entertaining
-You think you can steal from us and just walk away? -Yeah...
That was so funny when he said "yeah"
This line alone epitomizes the failure of the current DCEU like the Dark Knight probably has to be one of the darkest superhero movies ever and dead in the middle of one of the most intense scenes Nolan found a way to make me pause and laugh my ass off and then continue and be on the edge of my seat as soon as I hit play again. Would give anything to have warner brothers give him the keys to an entire universe and just let the man play
I'm putting a word on 500 pound for this clown dead a million alive so i can teach him some manners first
-whats with the suit? -you bought it. *heath ledger*
@@michaelfleming4994 Sit. I want to hear prrrroposition
Michael Jai White has been in movies for so long. He deserves to be a bigger star than he is
He's not a great actor... He's good but not great enough to be in more movies. Not enough range too... Sadly. I like him a lot too. I still watch spawn sometimes.
@@chinaman1 He doesn't need to be in Oscar role, just another superhero one would be good. I think Blade fits him perfectly, other people have mentioned Jon Stewart's Green Latern or Biship from X-men.
HerrBratwurst the rock is in 50 movies a year. I think MJW could get more.😂
HUH
@@chinaman1 Nicholas Cage says 'Hold My Beer'
Michael seems like a legit good guy. He doesn’t seem so caught up in his stardom or his physical abilities. Interviewing him must be a real treat compared to other celebrities
True. He seems really nice and cool. For a physically powerful guy, it seems totally cool that he is HUMBLE and not macho. 😄
He's really humble and thoughtful. Reminds me a lot of Denzel Washington.
Yeah a really good guy, hes been around for a long time too.
He also made Heath Ledger sound like a decent guy so extra kudos for that.
I don’t think he’s that humble brags too much that he can kick everybody ass like Bruce Lee, Steven seagul , Jean Claude , chuck Norris he says there not fighters just actors he can beat everyone of em even tho he’s an actor himself
It's nice to hear these stories about Heath Ledger. Everyone who worked with him seems to agree what a kind, gentle soul he was.
And the fact that the method thing he was following for this role didn't get over his head, it's just amazing. Nowadays actors use that crap to treat everyone like sh*t. Ledger was a class act.
The Dark Knight is the first movie that I've ever been in theaters where everybody clapped in applause at the end. It's a perfect blend of great acting talent, story, drama, and action. The best comic book inspired movie ever made.
The important thing is you’re still alive.
I always try to start the slow clap at the end of movies just to see if the crowd will join in.
Yes agreed
Without question. I loved it so much i watched it 3x in theaters to show my support.
Batman (1989). That movie got a standing ovation. I should know because I was there.
This makes me love The Dark Knight even more now
ikr? Same here.
are you talking about the movie or about Michael Jai White?
@@theunusualdispenser9474 Why can't it be both? :)
@@savagenature1 Why can't it be both? :)
I know right? Just when you think you couldn't love it even more.
I like how he backed up the fact that he didnt commit suicide cuz the joker. He worked with him for months and actually got to know the guy. One of the best movies ever
It was an accidental overdose. He never committed suicide.
@@jasontaylor5096how do you know it was accidental?
The "story" I remember reading was, as you hear him say, he locked himself in seclusion in a hotel for 6 weeks, diving into the depths of the character he was creating. In doing so, he developed insomnia, and after the filming, he was in medication for his insomnia and "took too much" (overdosed). But again, that was the "story" they gave. Never heard the word 'suicide' ever mentioned.
@@TheDownUnderDudes aight bro sorry lol
@@BWMN69 That's the "story", it's actually that he and his wife separated and had odd set hours for his last ever film. That's apparently why he really had problem's sleeping, for his actual overdose I'm pretty sure had mixed anxiety meds which became toxic
The more I hear Michael Jai White talk in various interviews, the more I like him. He seems like a super chill and humble dude...Always respectful with his words towards others.
Except Steven Seagal, but I think you can excuse that one under the circumstances.
@@bagser1 Lol...that's true. He doesn't like fakes !!
@@ceedaddy The story I heard was that Seagal would intentionally hit the stuntmen in every take and Michael was not down with that at all (nor should anyone be, that's scummy behaviour). Apparently by the end of filming Michael was looking for any excuse to knock him out. Luckily for Seagal he didn't try any of that with either MJW or Isiah Washington otherwise there would have been fireworks.
@@bagser1 Yes, I heard that story too. Seagal seemed like a bully on set. Arrogant and thinking he was better than everyone. White said basically he'd beat his ass just because of that.
@@bagser1Bruce did the same to stuntmen..
So Micheal is saying that that the most intense movies I’ve ever seen in my life, was a chill low stress production
@F*CK youtube yup and it was an all-star cast so I'd imagine Chris Nolan wanted to bring out the best in everyone. can't force that at all
I was like; WOW!!😲
The set must of felt so safe and relaxed all actors were able to put out their A game. The chemistry must of been lit and it just pushed everyone to perform even better.
I heard it was similar on the set of Breaking Bad as well. Your work environment should be fun and relaxed not super stressful and unpleasant.
makes sense though...if you think about it there's no reason for extra intensity on set
“Oh, and the suit it wasn’t cheap. You outta know you bought it.” I die every time I hear that line 😂
Me to I say it all the time ledger the best joker hands down until some one comes and do it better but I don't never see that happening
Did you notice that he said to them come back to me when your more serious about this or something and when he kills one of them he says why so serious
Brandon B : What’s funny is picturing that fool at the tailor getting fitted. 😆😒
Kristopher King Joaquin just did it better
You live*
The Dark knight has to go down as one of the greatest movies of all time. Everything about it is phenomenal 🙌
Never seen it, but I will watch it now
@@woodybostic1128 wow!!!
You must be a kid still
Not even close. Even Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker was better than Dark Knight.
@@H.K.5 Joaquin's joker was supposed to portray the becoming of the Joker, Joaquin did an amazing job at becoming just that but Joaquin cannot touch what Heath did in being the Joker I think is what you meant to say.
Eric Roberts said something similar about working with Heath. He said Heath would blow them all away with this intense Joker performance, but as soon as filming stopped, he'd start asking the other actors, "How was that? Was that okay?"
Cool to hear some behind the scenes stories about what Ledger was like on set
@VictoryRoad04 There's an interview by Larry King with Aaron Eckhart where Eckhart describes working with Heath in the hospital bed scene. Very interesting. It is on KZhead.
VictoryRoad04 There’s also plenty of BTS videos recorded by people back when they were filming like in Chicago where you can see Heath skateboarding on set.
He was just a solid guy
@@SuaveJoker he was just a solid guy
I know. I wish we had more on the dvd. I'm sure they is alot of crap somewhere. they need to show that because so many people miss and wanna see heath ledgers performance
I can’t believe how much this movie and heath ledger are still talked about to this day. It’s still talked about like it was released a year or 2 ago
And that's the genius of his performance. An everlasting impression on us. My favorite movie character ever!!
I always knew Joker had this potential, but Heath Ledger was the only one to fully satisfy it. Even with Joaquin Phoenix I felt like we only saw a glimpse of the real Joker towards the end. Hopefully we get a full on performance in the future.
As one of the biggest Batman fans in the world, i must say that this comment is so true and i haven’t realized until now. It’s so true. In 2 years, it will be 10 years since its release. Unreal.
It was a great performance, and Movie.
Best movie in the last 30 years with one of the greatest acting performances of all time, its no wonder
Someone: "Heath Ledger was so consumed by his role as the Joker that it drove him to kill himself." Michael Jai White: *slams table* "Enough from the CLOWN!"
I don't believe that. It's ridiculous people say that
@@_nay__ I’m so triggered anytime anyone says that ridiculous sentiment. Thanks for not being a moron girl
Yea, even MJW explains in one of his VladTV interviews that it was either due to accidental drug overdose, or him being on sleep and anti-anxiety meds that didn't mix well, not because "oh he went insane and killed himself on purpose." He even said he wasn't even actually a "method" actor as many people love to claim, instantly coming out of the Joker character between takes and being cheerful, light, making conversation, making jokes and laughing (not dark "joker jokes" either) etc. He was working on that Doctor Parnassus movie at the time of his death, was having sleeping because of the filming of it was taking place during odd hours, so he was on sleep meds and it didn't mix well with other meds he was taking, plus maybe taking too many because you start to build up a tolerance and take more to try to get the same effect (but your body still has the same toxicity limit, regardless of your "tolerance" building up. This is also often why, as a separate example, many heroin junkies accidentally overdose because they are getting less of a high than before, so they take more to try to get the same effect, but your body still has the same toxicity limit as before, and you overdose without realizing. He wasn't a heroin junkie, but it's just an analogous example to reference in terms of drug tolerance and how it works, how people slowly take more to try to get the same effect as before and can overdose by accident.)
@@DeathBringer769 exactly it was mixing pills 💊 with alcohol 🍺 that is the worst thing anyone can do, most people die from overdoses because the liver and kidney are maxed out with filtering drugs then you give it a pint of hard liquor in less than 2 hours. Well your done 💀... Moral of the story pick one, alcohol or pills NEVER DO BOTH SIMULTANEOUSLY
It was an accidental overdose
That was a great segment. Never heard anyone talk so candidly about Heath just being an actor who really enjoyed his work.
“Look at me” that line when he changed his voice videoing that Batman imposter gave me chills like holy shit
Matty313 LOOOK AT ME!!! I snapped my head back to the screen. Nasty Joker moment for me.
you're right. I am a fan of horror films and it is difficult to scare me, but what Heath Ledger did with his voice and his acting made my hair on my head move with fear.
Makes it even cooler when you find out Nolan gave him a camera and let him come up with that scene on his own
Such an underrated bit. It feels real every time.
Made it feel like it was playing on live leak
When Nicholson played the joker, you saw Nicholson, then the joker. When Heath played him, you saw the joker first, then Heath.
Aaron Banks Underrated
What is crazy about this as I watched it with my girlfriend at the time in the movie theater and I was a huge fan of the movie A Knight's Tale also starring Heath Ledger and we seen the movie twice before I realized it was him that's how good he was just genius
False i saw another good actor taking the joker role. The joker did not have scars from his nouth he wasnt as dark the joker from the comics (depending on what age joker) was comical always laughed wasnt as brooding acted as if everything was a hilarious joke not like life was a dark joke jack was closer to the comic joker than health but health delievered an all out more real dark real worldy joker. where as jack stayed a bit closer to comic origin and personality
Nope. Jack was the Joker. Don't try to rewrite history.
@@lm4585 yep jack was definently a top tier joker especially for his time
So Heath Ledger's legendary performance was chill on set. And Jared Leto's universally panned Joker "spent months getting into character and terrifying his castmates with “gifts” such as a live rat to Harley Quinn actress Margot Robbie, bullets to Deadshot actor Will Smith and a dead pig to the entire cast during rehearsal." Not to put other actors down but I thought that was very interesting. Heath Ledger worked with everyone on set to create a legendary performance. His playful personality made him the joker.
Those stories were grossly overstated. And Leto's performance was great. The movie was trash and he was in it for like 5 minutes. Put Ledger in Suicide Squad, in that costume, with that script for just 5 minutes and it would have been underwhelming too... Leto in Snyder cut (acting the same way he did in SS) is probably the best Joker v Batman scene ever shot...
@@spliffnotes8359 Leto was terrible
Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix used method acting to better their performances, Jared “Hunka Hunka Hunka” Leto used it as an excuse to be a dick to his co-stars for the sake of “getting into character”.
@@spliffnotes8359 Not only is that incorrect, I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
…This was absolutely an articulate and honest reflection of Heath & the entire vibe on the set of The Dark Knight that seemingly was buried in morose mystery …I dig this guy Michael for relaying his experience
The atmosphere on set was the complete opposite of the movie itself. The dark knight is one of the darkest, most intense movies I’ve ever seen.
Spawn and Joker just chillin together. Lol
Now that's a scary thought
I don't think Spawn could stomach being in a room with the Joker
@@thebonecollections4478 it would be awesome though lol!
@@kcx-kx8qd no lack of awesomeness there at all
Lol! Spawn isnt a fan of clowns...he hates the Violator. But I could see him chillin abit with Ledger Joker.. i mean who wouldn't want to chill with that Joker
Michael Cain was quoted as saying he'd never been so terrified by a character as much as he was by Heaths joker
LICKSTERxx - want to hear a trick? If you want to say “Michael Caine” in Michael Caine’s voice, say “my cocaine”
Yes he sure did say this during an interview I seen it
He first saw him at the party scene coming off the elevator. Caine’s reaction was real
@Batman The Dark Knight Sounds like somebody didn't get the reach around they were promised
@@LICKSTERxx LOL! Zing! 👍
Love that he immediately recognized the Tom Waits tone in his voice.
I thought that was so cool too :)
If you know Tom Waits, you’re great in my book.
Heath was the best actor and nobody could ever play joker like him. Genius
Micheal: **debunks media** Media: *ENOUGH FROM THE CLOWN*
dude you deserve more likes ahahahaha
Hahahahaha
😂😂😂😂😂🤣
Time for a magic trick!
Media: *YOU THINK YOU CAN DEBUNK OUR STORIES AND JUST WALK AWAY???* Michael: Uh.... yeah 🤷
Michael Jai White always looks intimidating on film but the dude is chill af !
Piss him off and he'll kick you into tomorrow though.
he's a pro
Daniel Lin many people are like that 😂
Daniel Lin bit too chill. He bored me
It's called acting
A friend of mine worked on the set of the Patriot in Charleston and she talked about how incredibly kind both Heath and Jason were.
Heath was so good in the role and blended into the character so well that combined with the brilliant makeup work, I couldn’t for the life of me recognize him as Heath for YEARS. When I was 8 years old, I knew who he was, but I still couldn’t make the distinction. And I think that’s incredible
I have never heard this actor give an interview, but he seems to be so down to earth and nice. All confidence without any arrogance. That seems so rare.
Which is funny because his character is the exact opposite.
Ya that's true first interview I've heard with him, listening to people that are absolutely certain about how to speak in a real decent manner makes you really feel comfortable to listen. Actors like jai white, Keaneu reeves heath ledger, will definitely be remembered.
He's been around in the game for a very long time. Saw him go interviews for Spawn yearssssss ago, still the same chill dude. A rarity in Hollywood
Check out the Black Dynamite movie and the special features. You know dude's got a real sense of humor.
Yeah I just thought it was arrogant when he said he would beat up bruce lee easily. He later readdressed it.
This dude has the best voice I’ve ever heard.
Very relaxing
I think Ted Levine from Silence of the Lambs you know Buffalo Bill and Sam Elliott by far as the best voices ever
Marc Pena Lmao Sam Elliot, yes. Ted Levine’s voice still scares me 😂
James Earl Jones
Twin Rivers Of course! He’s the GOAT!
He was such a humble and kind person that it’s just so sad we don’t have his presence with us anymore...
I loved asking my wife if she had seen Knight's Tale and her response was like "OMG I loved that movie but I haven't seen it in forever" and then showing her the legendary quartet of Ledger, Addy, Bettany and Tudyk.... That jaw drop made a solid pop.
No brokeback mountain 😮
Man Michael jai white hasn't aged since Spawn, he just got buffer
🤣🤣keen observation man 🤘👍
Yeah man look at the size of his fuckin forearms lol
The guy is fucking ageless dude, look at him.
Called being BLACK
Oh boy...here we go
I wonder if little Gamble ever got that nickel for his Grandma? 🤔
Gamble dead, bro.
I read this is jokers voice
Buttered Toast ENOUGH FROM THE CLOWN!
you mean 'Gambol'?
I don’t think he did
Heath was one of the greatest most talented actors there was. And he was still young. Would have been awesome to see what else he would have played. RIP brother.
Michael Jai White and the Joker having a blast on set, just shows you how epic this whole movie was..
Michael Jai White is awesome. This was my favorite interview and seeing White talking about Heath Ledger and how much he respected him was nice.
Zach Kabia at least he likes something and has a true passion for it, unlike you trying to be negative lol
@@thebatman4080 the problem that Raghu is everywhere on superhero stuff and writing essays
"Soon, little Gamble, here.. won't be able to get a nickel for his grandma!"
Enemy Ghost ENOUGH from the clown!
Lol one his best lines haha
Joker: Ahhh ta ta ta ta lets not blow this outta proportion
You think you can just steal from me and walk away ?
@@user-ns5of8ct2c Yeah.. lol
that chill environment that let all actors & producers work with one another to create their ideal of the perfect character is what made it so successful. they put trust in everyone.
Heath’s performance literally gives me goosebumps..
*“What do you believe in!?”* *“I believe whatever doesn’t kill you, simply makes you … stranger!”*
That 'magic trick' where Joker makes the pencil disappear? My jaw hit the floor. Such a crazy moment.
Jeremy Maritz I totally bugged out the first time I saw it seem to the point I was laughing at myself
I remember i was only 15 when i saw it in the theaters. The pencil trick scene alone is better than the other portrayals of joker.
When I saw that scene for the first time, I grabbed my neck and was like holy....... Everyone in the movie theater was like ohhhh
Annnnnd it’s gone
At that moment everyone was laughing when I saw in theaters...
Micahel only had a small part with his non discript role and yet he recognizes that Heath was a true professional. A pro isn't afraid to consider other opinions or ask for help in refining his technique and skill inorder to be the best. Still waiting on Spawn 2....
MJW would still be perfect for the role too. That’s a rare feat.
I remember liking it a lot back in the day, but the live action spawn movie has aged like MILK. It's one of the few times I think a reboot is absolutely warranted,because people can do so much better than the 90s corn-fest it turned out to be.
Truly a performance of a lifetime.. i only wish the world got to see more. RIP to the legend that is Heath Ledger.
Heath Ledger was an incredible person.
For anyone that doesn't know why Michael was in such easy environment when filming on set to this is because Christopher Nolan is actually quite relax and calm guy. He know what he's planned & doing. And knows what kind of actor he hired; talks to them about what he wants as a character to them weeks/months before even get them on the set. Doesn't pressure the actor to be something else 24/7 then complain about it after. Nolan is very chilled and well respected. I've seen some of his interviews, he's mannerism is just what you want as a boss or leader of any job. His tone & calm approach to staff; to his projects/movies, it actually makes you want to go extra mile for Nolan. Makes you wana practice again & again before the cameras roll just to get it perfect for Nolan.
It's great to hear the actors enjoy making the films I enjoy seeing.
That explains why literally half of his movie are above 8.5 ratings like interstellar, inception, Batman trilogy etc.
@@groot7844 Yeah....if you watch his interviews or audio commentary, it really makes you wana work for him for free; just to experience the movie/acting industry
@@zabi1185 Yep Totally agree 200%
Basically he's the exact opposite of Quentin Tarantino.
Love Michael jai white even named my youngest Damon jai after seeing Michael in Spawn and have loved him ever since.
Micheal is great, and it's so refreshing to hear that one of my favorite movies had such a positive vibe behind the scenes
More guests like this please. Brilliant from MJW
I think the real problem is it was known Ledger was a fan of "method" acting, and even used it to help find the character... but there's a lot of aspects of personality and set protocol we mentally impose on anyone who uses "method" acting because of other notable examples of the craft, like Daniel Day Lewis or Dustin Hoffman, that aren't necessarily true universally to all method actors. Daniel Day Lewis, the most notorious example, NEVER breaks character throughout the entire filming process... to a point of it being pretentious (in my opinion), where there are very specific protocols that must be set in place, like not looking the actor in the eye... or having to speak to them in a certain way, or address them only as a character name, or in Daniel Day Lewis's case (who was playing a cripple) having to be literally CARRIED by people on set from location to location because he refused to use his legs. But truthfully? Not all method actors are like that, I would even argue most are not that extreme. The only time Health really used method acting to delve into the joker was in pre-production to really get to the roots of the character and find his mannerisms, voice, and ect. before filming. By the time he had shown up to set in full custom and make-up Heath had already mostly figured out the mental headspace of the character and was really just playing with the mechanics of the voice and delivery at that point. On set the man was behaving no different than he would have been on nearly any of his other films, he was just having a whole lot of fun doing it and being what he was, an actor. Also, he died because a chemical reaction of two medications interacting with each other that he took to help him sleep... he was not self destructive or even debilitating depressed at the time of his death.. he was dealing with minor depression brought on by insomnia. Its kind of annoying when people say "Joker killed the actor"
Joker killed Heath.. R.I.P And Trump 2020
PhantomSavage I’m glad you broke it down this way regarding the way he died
Elijah Robinson hear, hear 🙏🏾
So very true. I really dislike those misconceptions myself regarding his method acting and "cause of death". Same with the Aurora shootings. The guy wasn't claiming to be the joker at all. Dude had orange hair. Media spoon-fed us that crap for sensationalism which is so disrespectful to the victims and their families. But this movie was a treasure and one of my all time favorites. Such a masterpiece.
Insomnia is slowly dividing me n no matter the success I jus don’t feel happy wen I should be n, nvm
I had to see it in theaters twice. It was amazing. I wasn't expecting how good it was going to be. Back when cell phone videos weren't filming everything on sets for spoilers.
I miss heath, imagine what he would have done since the dark knight. Great actor and human being
Even thinking about Heath's Joker when he says: "LOOK AT ME" scares me....lol RIP Sir!!
Everytime I hear that scene it gives me goosebumps.
@@maxstryeski8148 same here
That change in his voice was so drastic and so sudden, the only thing I can equate it to is a parent changing their voice when you're in trouble. Like, trouble trouble. That's the power of fear you're feeling!
That scene where he videotapes himself with the Batman impersonator will never be topped- and the laugh at the end? That gave me goosebumps...
RIP Heath Ledger. Good to hear how he was on set and he wasnt "consumed by playing this dark character". So much potential, he is missed.
How I miss Heath Ledger. Gone way too soon. R.I.P Heath Ledger. When Michael was talking about his death, and how he was on and off the set, one thing came to my mind. Media will say whatever just to get a story. I can see why some celebrities punch the media or cameramen.
like he was pill popper when he died...f..ktard journalism
What a great clip. One of the best movies, it’s incredible it was also a chill environment and Nolan wasn’t stuck up. Amazing.
I noticed that MJW likes to be in superhero gigs. Whether as a supporting/side character or as a main role. Spawn, TDK, Arrow. He's getting older, but I wouldn't mind him playing another superhero or comic book character role.
John Stewart = Green Lantern
@@oscarsox8612 Yes, yes, and more yes.
@@kungfuman82 he has the look, the physique and the voice to play him
True
Don't forget mortal Kombat. Just wanted to throw that into this fun mix of cool characters ;)
Michael Jai White provides a lot of insight into what it means to be a working actor during this interview. Thank you, sir!
*The thing about Heath was his humbleness. Throughout the whole course of his life and into his acting career. The documentary ‘I Am Heath Ledger’ perfectly illustrates him as truly one of a kind*
From all I hear Heath was not only a great actor and professional, but also a super awesome human being and a wonderfully generous, down to Earth soul. We all truly lost a great person way too early when he died. Same thing with Anton Yelchin. Tragic accidents.
he made MEMENTO and PRESTIGE before TDK, what did she mean with "He wasn't the man he is now?" / "Did you see the genius etc etc."... he was already a genius pre Batsy.
And Insomnia with Pacino and Batman Begins.
Think she meant how he wasn't as popular as he is today... The Dark Knight trilogy made him a household name... Now with film fans we knew him because of Memento... but MOST people didn't know of Christopher Nolan before the Dark Knight trilogy
@SuperPunch76 Personally I'd go either Prestige or Inception
Because Roxy is stupid. He was a genius when he was born
She’s literally has no prior knowledge about his film career besides his involvement in the Dark Knight and other movies past that lol
This is why joaquin phoenix gets so irritated by interviewers. People are always expecting some pretentious answer from actors about how “deep” they got into the characters and stuff but at the end of the day they’re just acting.
it's because losers like Jared Leto (who should be crucified for this) talks about how 'deeply troubling' it was and the hours of therapy he had for his, in actuality, bit-part role as the Joker. He sells this narrative, everyone sees that and that's why everyone hates him
Man Joaquin's Joker has become such a placeholder for some snowflakes' romanticism of depression and anarchy. I've went through depression, but I hate why these people feel like it should be venerated. Also yeah when it comes to actors and famous people, commonfolk just LOVE creating legends about them lol.
@@thano9465 yeah, that’s why people hate Leto...Nothing to do with his looks and talents. Lol
@@dd9518 I wouldn't say that. Actors are still insanely talented people, just as important as the people behind the scenes. If anything the takeaway should just be that the whole production is a job at the end of the day.
@@thano9465 Well Jared Leto is a cult leader in real life he actually has a business in that very creepy lol! An he was the same guy that took a bunch of followers in a desert somewhere, on some ritual nonsense, and he was among the last people to find out about the Covid-19 pandemic!
I must admit, I was one of those guys who when they said heath was gonna be the joker I had serious doubts. And I had no problem after seeing the movie admitting that I was wrong and it was a genius casting and performance.
He's right, about that last question. After Heath finished *The Dark Knight,* he went on to Todd Haynes' "biopic" about Bob Dylan, *I'm Not There.* Which is a marvelous, beautiful performance. That released in late November 2007. Where was The Dark Knight? Still in post. Then, he went on to do roughly half of *Imaginarium.* His overdose was in January 2008. At this time, *Dark Knight* was STILL in post. It wouldn't be released 'til July 2008. It's so easy to forget this chronology. But Michael Tai White is spot on here. Many people are mixed up about this. Heath had the time of his life doing the Joker, then a great time on the Bob Dylan movie...though he was starting to feel fatigued (you see it in the movie; it's actually appropriate, as all the Dylan incarnations are supposed to be tired individuals) & was starting to medicate for sleep. His performances in both *I'm Not There* & *Imaginarium* are among his very best, up there even with his Enis del Mar. But just because *Dark Knight* came out afterwards, too many people mistake it for his final performance & read too much of his death into it. It's really, really unfortunate.
I worked with Heath on ' two hands ' in 98. He was exactly as described . Very chill and respectful . Hated falseness .
twomindz79 fascinating ! On what level was your work with him ?
@@nenad8600 I was an extra for the scenes shot at Bondi beach. The part where he goes for a swim and loses the cash. We bonded over the footy. I am victorian and he from west Oz. He was a fanatical eagles supporter. A few other guys invited him out to a gig that night. He came along . Didn't stay long but was friendly. He was just your average 20 year old at the time.
Damn thats just so cool, well at least you met him once, I'm a big fan of his especially in the patriot with mel Gibson
twomindz79 what a nice memory to have and cherish, what a movie also !
Yeah, me too. Cool mate!
It is sad that ledger never got to reprise the role. RIP.
And the third Nolan film would've been a lot better. Nolan kinda had a plan for the third one, and then had to throw together a mess of a film with Bane and Talia....
Let's make him into Hologram
Tragic.
@@Paulafan5 I'm pretty sure they were going to tie the main villain in with Ra's al Ghul no matter what. Joker would've been a cameo at the most.
@@HyraxusPrimus agreed
Nolan was Nolan even back then. He had a decently big reputation, and was well respected/hyped up. He just got even bigger after The Dark Knight and Inception. But yea, after Memento, I knew people that were hyped up to see ANY of his movies from then on. I remember getting dragged to Dark Knight opening night in IMAX because my friends were huge Nolan fanatics. I'm really glad I went because it's still one of the best movie theater experiences I ever had. Good memories.
You do realise that whole concept is relative, cos you just repeated the idea that the dark knight and subsequent movies he made made him more famous😅
“He’s not the Christopher Nolan that we know now.” Wtf? He had already done Memento, The Prestige, Insomnia, and Batman Begins, four excellent and critically acclaimed films. I’m embarrassed for her, I really am. Being late to the party is one thing, having completely missed it is another.
Yea what on earth was she talking about
Did he also do Inception? She didn’t come across well at all
Yeah shows how clueless she is hey
@@crusader8308 Inception came after, but the interviewer is completed ignorant that he was very highly regarded already.
I agree with you that Nolan ready had some great films but I think it was The Dark Knight that really put him on the map. After TDK he was known by people that aren't even really that big of a fan of movies
People really do like to think the joker consumed heath and that's why he died. It's a great narrative but it's untrure he was already deep in to the next movie. He mixed the wrong combination of pills one day , it was an accident.
people want to create folklore and shit.
Can you say without a shadow of a doubt, that the role had no psychological impact on him? Maybe to the point that he needed pills? I’m not saying that is definitely what happened, but you can’t outright deny the possibility.
@@Smallvillefreak heath was a known drug user way before the dark knight. Smoking marijuana and taking pills and smoking cigarettes. The dark knight did not make heath turn to pills did it have an impact on his thinking maybe but that can be said for any actor .
SneakerFetish420 No but it did make him take even more pills when he started having trouble sleeping.
@@texasxgrrl thats excatly my point he wanted to go to sleep not kill himself. He took an Ambien it didn't mix well with the other things in his body it slowed down his breathing and he died. He also died in a known drug user home at the time one of the olsen twins apartment in Soho. She would be more to blame than the role/film. Many people die of accidental overdose as it is implied it was an accident.
I wanna hang out with Michael Jai White, he seems like such a down to Earth awesome dude to hang with. Also Black Dynamite is one of the best comedies of my generation, fite me!
+1 for Black Dynamite :)
@@bloodymarvelous4790 +1 indeed. I love that movie so much.
Its refreshing to hear that Ledgers adaptation of the character, he really cared what others thought of it on set. He may have owned it but cared enough of what his fellow actors thought of it to make the part work... God he did such a great job playing the Joker.
becoming a fan of these podcast's excellent work guy's and what an interesting perspective from Michael Jai White whilst working with Heath Ledger during the Dark Knight film
That's so awesome RIP Ledger. Michael Jai is so down to earth too.
Wow. What an interview. I loved MJW. Now I love him more. What a boss.
I remember the pen trick scene. Was the Jokers first official opening scene. I was in awe at his performance.
Love hearing behind the scenes talk🙏💯
"Do work son"
Love this dude ! Loved Spawn . He’s an underdog in our industry but that always leaves room to be on top ! 🤩 much respect bro
I totally agree bro
Agreed. I remember seeing him in, The Toxic Avenger and it was crazy to see.
Undisputed 2 was bad ass also
I had no idea he played Spawn. That was SO long ago and he looks so young for his age. I had to even search on Google if he was talking about the same movie I was thinking.
Not just in Spawn or Undisputed, don’t forget the good old Blood and Bone. He’s a complete badass, ever since he got to fight Scott Adkins and even play with Heath Ledger.
I wish Heath Ledger was still around. I loved his characters. The guy was incredible. I loved the comedy A Knight's Tale. He was also great in the Patriot as Mel Gibson's son. Lords of Dogtown. So many good classics.
I love the character Heath played and from everything I watched he was a spectacular person miss you Heath
My biggest take away: Michael Jai White knows who Tom Waits is.
Chris Ash that was nice to hear
Caught me off guard as well.
Read this comment as soon as that part in the video came
Tom Waits is pretty super in his own right. MJW probably listens to Frank's Wild Years or some Swordfish Trombones regularly.
Same lol
“He spent hours in makeup, and he’s not even scheduled for a scene today? He just did this for us?” “Coming from the guy who played Spawn, HELL NO”
That was in the video? I must have missed it.....
Vikashar i don't get it
@@xX6SLA6YER6xX @3:19
Tbh, he probably did it for himself tho. He wanted to stay in role, practice even for days he's not in frame
@@rch3290 MJW is talking about them filming the mob table scene. They filmed one half of the table first, which means the other half still has to be present and say their lines so the filmed half can react. Ledger had all his makeup and costume on despite not being filmed, he did it so the guys being filmed could be more authentic. When MJW says 'hell no', he means that he has played a character that has to wear lots of makeup and prosthetics, and he would choose to not do it when not being filmed because it's a huge pain in the ass to spend all that time preparing for something you're not being filmed on. To be fair to Michael, his costume was probably very uncomfortable to film in.
This was a VERY interesting interview. Not only the insight into Heath Ledger personality, but Michael Jai White. Always loved his over the top Bad Guy performances, but wasn't expecting such a warm personable human being.
Thanks for clearing things up Mike. Can't believe you grew up here in BPT.CT!
Michael Jai White simply just as humble as a expected, thanks for this interview.
The MUC NEEDS to cast this guy as Bishop for the X Men movies
For Bishop, I was thinking LL Cool J
@Rosencrantz Cast Mike as Bishop and get MJW as the MCU Luke.
@@mcoleman6893 too many good actors to end up with LL in the MCU bro cmon lol
X Men movies are so trash
A Knights Tale is one of my all time favorite movies. I make sure to watch it at least once a year.😊❤
Ive probably watched this movie 50 times, yet every time I do, the Joker doesn’t look like Heath Ledger at all. He looks at least 10 years older, his prominent facial features that would identify him are gone, and he has an intimidating presence and look in his eyes. Plus, the voicing is excellent. The joker’s voice is deep yet slightly nasal and he has a full american (possibly even southern) accent despite being played by an Australian. I get why people weren’t that enthusiastic about him being cast at first, based on his earlier films, but it turned out so fucking good instead. Keep rippin in Heaven, Heath, you’re a legend
I wish Heath didn't die.... Imagine how far he would've taken the Joker role in the future movies.. Joker was bound to return coz he wasn't killed off in TDK. Such a waste..... Sigh..
Imran Becks I wish he didn’t die period, movies don’t really matter compared to the man’s life.
He lost his mind and unfortunately overdosed because of it. The Joker is a hard role to play and Ledger proved that.
@@michaelarojas it was an accidental overdose, he said himself playing the joker was the most fun he ever had
@@rubym6530 you don't know what was going through his mind though so I'm sure the role affected him to some degree.
Michael Rojas he was a professional actor I’m sure the role had little to no impact on his actual life outside of filming
A Knights Tale was my favorite movie as a kid... I looked up to Heath ledger so much, I loved the brothers grimm. All his movies he brought such passion to the role.. RIP Heath, you made a personal impact on my life.
Part of why it was such a great movie. The chill environment. No expectations.
TDK was one of the rare movies that I went to see twice. I was just in awe and the 2 hours 30 mins seemed to be a blur.
No one can replace heath ledger !!! Literally no one, no one can do a better role than him (as Joker). "Why So Serious"
Joaquin Pheonix
@@mistahac Good one.
Mistah AC Joaquin Phoenix was amazing, but i’d say that those are different jokers. We shouldn’t be comparing them. Out of the classic jokers, Heath was the best, without a doubt.
Sameer Tanveer can’t hate on Joaquin Phoenix tho
remember the joker had multiple names they were either two or three that he went by it looks like Joaquin’s influenced Heath’s, Or at least that’s the way Todd Phillips set it up and he almost seems to confirm it without saying it but if you put this movie bump it up right before Batman begins it fits very nicely