Resquiat in Pace
Those whom the gods love die young-- Homer's hymn to Apollo Heath was a man's man, he was sensitive and kind, he was shy and retiring, he was a lover, a father, a son and a brother. He was all the things he brought to his iconic role of Ennis Del Mar and so much much more.
I feel strongly that it is appropriate and essential to note that Heath's portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain" was not merely unforgettable. It was intensely human and moving, also painful and difficult to deal with because his performance was so real and so true. Heath Ledger vanished and Ennis Del Mar came to life before our eyes. Up there on the big screen, was a man we'd seen before; a gay man, a real person, this was not a joke. This was genuinely heartbreaking. And I do not believe any other actor his age could have done such great justice to Annie Proulx's tormented and tragic hero. Heath stated that he;
"took the time to investigate him and to discover what exactly his battles were. What was preventing him from expressing emotion and to love? And one of the conclusions I came to was that he's battling himself." That is a measure of Heath’s talent, young as he was. And his promise. And now that is gone forever but he will also live forever in every heart he touched and be forever beautiful and forever young. Matilda may only have fleeting and vague memories of the man that was her father but his family and his films will keep him alive for her.

{{{Big hugs to you all}}}