It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 12 years since the sudden passing of Academy Award-winning actor Heath Ledger. And though his legacy seems to be highlighted by one of his final performances as a psychotic, anarchist clown in “The Dark Knight,” many will fondly remember him for his variety of roles, including his Academy Award-nominated performance in the award-winning film, “Brokeback Mountain.”
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And though the film might draw some snickers and the odd, tone-deaf joke, even 15 years after its release, co-star Jake Gyllenhaal recalls a time when Ledger was not here for those stupid comments. In fact, Gyllenhaal recently described to Another Man a high-profile appearance that Ledger turned down because it would involve poking fun at the Oscar-winning drama.
“I mean, I remember they wanted to do an opening for the Academy Awards that year that was sort of joking about it,” Gyllenhaal said. “And Heath refused. I was sort of at the time, ‘Oh, okay… whatever.’ I’m always like: it’s all in good fun. And Heath said, ‘It’s not a joke to me – I don’t want to make any jokes about it.’”
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As mentioned, “Brokeback Mountain” has become a cultural milestone for a variety of reasons. However, one of the more distasteful ways that the film is remembered is in the various jokes made about the story of two cowboys falling in love. There’s no need to rehash them, but suffice to say, most film fans can recall numerous jokes being told about ‘Brokeback’ and certain scenes in the love story.
“Brokeback Mountain” was released in 2005 and went on to win multiple Oscars, including Best Score, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Director.
