Foolish Cat January 25th, 2008

For the past three weeks, since the inception of The Blundering Fool of the Week, all of the winners have received their award based on the literal meaning of a “Blundering Fool”.

But BlunderingFools.com is not here just to call out the cowards, thieves and crazies of the world; on the contrary, we are also here to celebrate those who have risked it all, taken unprecedented chances, and stood up against the crowd for what he or she believes to be right. These are the people who make changes in the world.

It may turn out, after all of the evidence is in, that Heath Ledger represents both definitions; but as of now, Heath Ledger is our Blundering Fool of the Week because of the chances he took in a business that practically insists upon conformity.

By now, the details of Ledger’s script selectiveness have been well-documented, turning down the obvious Kate-Hudson’s-architect-boyfriend-who-loves-babies-and-Audrey-Hepburn-movies roles for things more creative and new. But even if he had taken those “bill-paying roles” and did nothing else of significance, his decision to take Brokeback Mountain needs to be recognized.

Whether you like the movie or not is really irrelevant (though, all political and moral beliefs aside, it’s hard not to appreciate the overall quality of the film) - what is important is the risk taken by all involved, in particular Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.

In show business, like in most industries, the safe route usually leads to decent popularity and a position of prominence. After all, a person who does what is asked and expected of him is a person who is usually well-liked and seen as a team player. A Company Man. In high-profile positions (e.g. show biz, politics, etc.), this type of person typically does well in life, but is seldom remembered when he is gone. “He was a good guy and he will be missed”.

Those who choose alternate routes are often seen as troublemakers or eccentric, and many times this type of person remains stagnant in his industry or is weeded out altogether. But every so often, a trend bucker makes it through and establishes himself as not only a unique talent, but a unique personality willing to risk his reputation and status for what he believes.

I don’t want to put Heath Ledger up there with Gandhi or Einstein - in the big scheme of things, acting really isn’t that important. But that isn’t the point. The point is that when someone paves his own way and succeeds, in any venture, and then is lost too soon, it is a loss that needs to be recognized as more than just a loss of life - it is a loss of creativity.

R.I.P.

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