Posts Tagged ‘Brokeback Mountain’

Brokeback Mountain is Opera-Bound

June 9th, 2008 / Author: OK! Staff

By now we’re used to big screen hits like Legally Blonde being turned into Broadway musicals, but here’s something a little different.

The New York City Opera has commissioned a top composer to turn Brokeback Mountain, the short story that inspired the movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, into an opera.

The 2005 film, based on Annie Proulx’s 1997 short story about two ranch-hands, picked up three Oscars, plus a Best Actor nomination for Heath.

Now the city’s Opera, one of the world’s leading companies, has asked 70-year-old Charles Wuorinen to adapt it for the stage.

"Ever since encountering Annie Proulx’s extraordinary story, I have wanted to make an opera on it," Wuorinen said in a statement.

It is scheduled to premiere in 2013.

Michelle Williams: “I Can Still Laugh”

March 6th, 2008

Even in tragedy, Michelle Williams can still find the silver lining.

In a new interview with Elle, done prior to the Jan. 22 death of ex-fiance Heath Ledger, the 27-year-old actress spoke of her hyperaware personality that often leaves her feeling like a "walking open wound."

“I have that feeling inside, like when something really tickles or delights me — it’s not singular," she says. "I recognize all the awful things in the world, and in spite of them, I can still laugh."

That feeling, she feels, may have always been with her.

"There’s this Joan Didion quote about being afflicted from an early age with a presentiment of loss," she says. "Did I come into the world like that? Or was I kind of gifted that?”

These days, the Oscar-nominated star could use that trait to push on and focus on 2-year-old daughter Matilda, just like she did when she and Heath parted ways in September. Their breakup surprised many, including directors Todd Haynes, who worked with the duo on I’m Not There and Brokeback Mountain’s Ang Lee.

“They were so sweet together,” Ang says. “I ran into Heath at the Venice Film Festival, and he told me about the split. I just felt so sad. I didn’t know what to say to him. They made a great effort.”

Heath Ledger’s Cause of Death “Acute Intoxication”

February 6th, 2008

Heath Ledger’s death was caused by  "acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine" according to the NYC medical examiner’s office.

Five medications were foundin Ledger’s apartment after his death, including anti-anxiety medications alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium) and Lorazepam (Ativan). The sleeping medication zopiclone (Lunesta) and the sedative temazepam (Restoril).

Heath Died of Prescription Overdose

February 6th, 2008 / Author: cwillett

Heath Ledger died from an accidental acute intoxication of prescription medicine, the New York medical examiner’s office announced Wednesday.

"Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine," the office said in a statement.

"We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications."

Police found a handful of the aforementioned drugs at the Brokeback Mountain star’s apartment on the day of his death, Jan. 22. Among them were alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan), which are anti-anxiety medications. Other drugs present in the apartment were sleeping aids zopiclone (Lunesta) and the sedative temazepam (Restoril).

Oxycondone treats pain, hydrocodone is an anti-cough drug and doxylamine is a sedating antihistamine.

Shortly after this announcement was made public, Heath’s father Kim Ledger released the following statement:

"We remain humble as parents and a family, among millions of people worldwide who may have suffered the tragic loss of a child. Few can understand the hollow, wrenching, and enduring agony parents silently suffer when a child predeceases them. Today’s results put an end to speculation, but our son’s beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts.

While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy. Heath’s accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage.

Our family enjoyed an extremely happy two week visit with Heath just prior to the New Year. Those recent precious days will stay with us forever. We as a family feel privileged to have some of his amazing magic moments captured in film. To most of the world Heath was an actor of immeasurable talent and promise. To those who knew him personally, Heath was a consummate artist whose passions also included photography, music, chess and directing. We knew Heath as a loving father, as our devoted son, and as a loyal and generous brother and friend.

We treasure our beautiful granddaughter Matilda (to our dear Michelle) as well as an unbelievably wonderful network of close friends, forever, around the world. Families rarely experience the uplifting, warm and massive outpouring of grief and support as have we, from every corner of the planet. This has deeply and profoundly touched our hearts and lives. We are eternally grateful.

At this moment we respectfully request the worldwide media allow us time to grieve privately, without the intrusions associated with press and photography."

Following two L.A. memorial services, Heath is expected to be buried in his hometown of Perth, Australia, this weekend.

Jake Still Struggling With Heath’s Death

February 6th, 2008 / Author: OK! Staff

Though it’s been over two weeks since the unexpected, tragic death of Heath Ledger, sources close to Heath’s Brokeback Mountain co-star Jake Gyllenhaal tell OK! that the actor is still struggling with the news.

"Jake’s not snapping out of the shock," a friend of the actor tells OK!. "He’s a pretty upbeat guy, and this is tearing him apart."

The insider adds that Jake — who is godfather to Heath and Michelle Williams’ daughter Matilda — feels guilty for not being there for his friend."He really bonded with Heath and said nothing but amazing things about him as an actor and as a person. I bet he wishes he had known how bad things were… but there’s only so much a person can do."

For the full story on how Jake is coping with the loss of his good friend, pick up the new issue of OK! — on newsstands everywhere Thursday.

OK! Interview: Helio Castroneves

January 29th, 2008 / Author: cwillett

Helio Castroneves raced to first place and into the hearts of millions during his championship run on Dancing With the Stars. Along with the Mirrorball trophy, he earned stateside celebrity status and became another athlete household name. The 32-year-old IndyCar driver, who split with fiancee Aliette Vasquez after his DWTS win, opens up to OK! about his newfound fame, why he won’t be acting any time soon and his plans for Valentine’s Day.

How does it feel being a celebrity now?

It’s different now, but I feel like the same person. I have not changed much. I haven’t gotten a big ego or anything. I’m enjoying it very much. I know that when the next Dancing With the Stars finishes, I will be yesterday’s news! [Laughs] Seriously, I am having fun with it, but it’s kind of weird having people talk about your personal life in the media.

You are part of the celebrity scene both in Brazil and now in America due to Dancing With the Stars. What are your thoughts about being associated with such two strong countries?
People know me now as a dancer from the show and it feels great. I think as long as you know how to conduct yourself, it’s great. In my business, I represent many sponsors and partners and you have to take care of that image so I am happy to be part of both countries in a way.

How has the transition from being famous athlete to famous TV star been for you?
It’s kind of hard now because everywhere I go people ask me, "Can I dance with you?” I tell them I don’t know how to dance and they say, "Well you won a competition so you must know!" But I just follow steps and I don’t know how to do any kind of choreography! At the end of the day, it’s all good.

What are your thoughts on your home country of Brazil getting so much recognition through the entertainment, modeling and tourism industries?
To be honest, Brazilian people are fun people and the country is amazing. It’s full of beautiful people. I love the beaches. Gisele Bundchen made a name for herself in the world of modeling, but there are many other beautiful women in the country! Plus the weather is amazing and the country also has many famous athletes and models as well.

Now that you are famous for winning Dancing With the Stars, have you thought about going Hollywood?
I don’t think I would be a good actor! People enjoyed Dancing With the Stars because I was myself and every time they told me to say something, I would say my own words so I don’t think I could follow a script well! [Laughs] But if I had the chance, I would have to prepare myself well. After Dancing With the Stars, I would never say never!

Who are some Hollywood actresses that you would like to work with and why?
I like people with a good sense of humor, like Jennifer Aniston. She is amazing and is a great actress. I like Friends very much. Also Penelope Cruz would be a great.

What do you like about American entertainment culture the most?
You guys throw in a good sense of humor in everything you do, which is nice, and you also show respect in some areas as well.

Do you have any thoughts about Heath Ledger’s passing?
It was a shock, a shock. It’s so sad and he was such a young and very talented actor. I saw Brokeback Mountain and Heath did a great job. My prayers go out to his family.

With all your traveling, touring and now being the brand spokesperson for [rum-maker] Leblon, how do you relax on your days off?
Believe it or not, I just like to stay home in Miami and hang out with my dog Tuggi [a Beagle], and boy, he is a troublemaker! When I am traveling, my sister whom I am very close to, takes care of him. I am really a homebody. I also work out every day and I do follow a strict diet — no red meat on the days of racing, no pork and lots of salads, fish, fruit. When I feel like having a drink, it’s Leblon of course!

Why did you decide to lend your image and name to Leblon?
It has a lot to do with where I come from, the place, the people and the image of something so clean, fun and exciting. It’s also a great drink and people will fall in love with it like they do with Brazil!

Do you have any plans for Valentine’s Day?
When is it? [Laughs] Only kidding! I’m not sure what I am doing yet. I still have time to plan.

Are you dating anyone now?
No, I am single right now and just having fun.

By Ravi Yande

Daniel Day-Lewis Dedicates Award to Heath

January 28th, 2008 / Author: OK! Staff

Only days after making a tearful appearance on Oprah, where actor Daniel Day-Lewis shared his thoughts over the tragic loss of Heath Ledger, the Oscar nominee went even further, dedicating his Screen Actors Guild award to the memory of the young star.

Day-Lewis, who was honored by the Guild for his performance in the turn-of-the-century oil epic There Will Be Blood, took his time at the podium on Sunday night to speak about the Brokeback Mountain star, who was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on Jan. 22.

In discussing what gives him the strength to continue to act, Daniel explained, "It’s always been the work of other actors that have given me that sense of regeneration… Heath Ledger gave it to me." He then singled out Heath’s performance in the 2001 film Monster’s Ball, saying of Ledger’s portrayal of prison guard Sonny Grotowski, "you wanted to follow him… you were scared to follow him."

As for Heath’s Oscar-nominated turn as gay cowboy Ennis Del Marr in Brokeback Mountain, Day-Lewis told the SAG audience, "he was unique; he was perfect," adding that the final scene of the film is "as moving as anything I think I’ve ever seen."

Backstage, Daniel continued to talk openly about his admiration for Heath’s work. "I admired him very much. I’m absolutely certain he would have done many wonderful things with his life."

Masseuse Called Mary-Kate First

January 24th, 2008 / Author: cwillett

Diana Wolozin, the massage therapist who discovered Heath Ledger’s body, made her first two calls to Mary-Kate Olsen, rather than 911, according to a timeline released by police.

Police estimate that the Brokeback Mountain star probably died sometime between 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday of what authorities say may be an accidental drug overdose. Six types of prescription drugs — including those used to treat anxiety and insomnia — were found at the scene.

Wolozin said that when she arrived for Ledger’s 3 p.m. massage, he appeared to be sleeping, and she began to set up the massage table. When he failed to wake up, she panicked, and called Mary-Kate Olsen — with whom she knew Ledger was close — to ask what she should do. Olsen, who was in California at the time, said she would send over her private security detail, presumably to avoid a public scene. Wolozin called Olsen once more before finally calling 911.

Ledger was pronounced dead at 3:36 p.m.

Church to Picket Heath Ledger Memorial

January 23rd, 2008 / Author: cwillett

Heath Ledger’s compassionate depiction of gay character Ennis Del Mar in Brokeback Mountain has garnered the wrath of the Westboro Baptist Church. The church announced that it will picket the actor’s memorial in the states, and claims that Ledger died because he played Del Mar in the award-winning film.

The Topeka, Kan.-based church is well-known for its anti-gay message, and in recent years has picketed the funerals of many soldiers who died in Iraq, claiming that homosexuals are the cause of the continued war.

A press release from the church announced that members would picket the American memorial services of the actor. “Heath Ledger is now in Hell, and has begun serving his eternal sentence there,” read the release.

“Heath Ledger thought it was great fun defying God Almight and His plain word; to wit; God Hates Fags! & Fag-Enablers! Ergo, God hates the sordid, tacky bucket of slime seasoned with vomit known as “Brokeback Mountain”—and He hates all persons having anything whatsoever to do with it. [sic]”

Westboro runs several Web sites, including GodHatesAmerica.com and GodHatesFags.com. The church is classified as a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League.

AD FPO