Heath's not happy with Australia, it seems. Good news for us (see second item), Candy will be released in the US.
People News
Ledger said to be balking over trip home
By UPI
Apr 4, 2006, 19:00 GMT
SYDNEY, Australia (UPI) -- Actor Heath Ledger is reportedly still so steamed about the behavior of Australian paparazzi he may skip the Sydney premeiere of his film 'Candy.'
A spokesman for Dendy films told the Sydney Sunday Herald 'a few things have come up,' when asked if the actor would return home for the film`s opening.
'It`s still up in the air as to when or if it will happen,' the spokesman said.
Sources told the newspaper Ledger was still very angry about being sprayed with water pistols by paparazzi at a Sydney red carpet event. Ledger`s girlfriend, Michelle Williams, was also said to be \'very distressed\' by the incident.
Ledger put his Australia home up for sale after the spraying and told friends he planned to move overseas permanently.
Ledger`s co-star in 'Candy,' Abbie Cornish, has said she planned on doing a quick Australian tour when the film opens May 25.
THINKFilm is Sweet on the Movie Candy Directed by Neil Armfield
Apr 3 2006
Heath Ledger and Geoffrey Rush Star in Candy
THINKFilm has picked up the North American rights to Candy, based on the acclaimed novel by Luke Davies. Candy marks the feature film directorial debut of Neil Armfield, the noted Australian stage director.
Aussie actor Heath Ledger (Oscar nominee for Brokeback Mountain) stars as Dan, a charming poet who falls hard for Candy (played by Abbie Cornish). Candy's a gorgeous, middle class art student who has an interest in the bohemian lifestyle Dan embodies.
Candy really wants to be accepted and goes as far as to shoot up heroin in order to prove herself to Dan. Ultimately their mutual addiction to heroin takes on a huge role in their romantic relationship.
Candy also stars Geoffrey Rush as Casper, a wealthy businessman who looks out for Dan and Candy. Noni Hazlehurst and Tony Martin play Candy's parents.
In a press release issued by THINKFilm announcing the acquistion, theatrical division head Mark Urman stated: "Candy beautifully captures both the exhilarating highs and the maddening lows of youthful folly. Not only does it confirm Heath Ledger's standing as a brilliant leading man, it also establishes Abbie Cornish as the next important international star to emerge from Australia."
Candy producer Emile Sherman added, "It's great to be working with THINKFilm on the US release of Candy. They have responded to the film in exactly the way we hope viewers do -- as a unique portrayal of the addiction of love and everything we do to get it to last forever."
Source: THINKFilm
If today is your birthday
There will be plenty of surprises. Most of these will be welcome and all will turn out to positive in the end. But the greatest surprise will be how easily you bring a successful conclusion to a long and arduous ordeal. Happy birthday to Heath Ledger, 27.
