‘I Am Heath Ledger’: When Will Movie About Joker Actor’s Life Before His Death Release?

It’s been nine years since Heath Ledger died but the actor is still remembered by his fans. Ledger, who is best known for portrayer Joker in “The Dark Knight,” passed away in early 2008 as a result of consuming a myriad of drugs. Now, we will get a glimpse of his life prior to his tragic demise.

A documentary called “I Am Heath Ledger” offers a closer look at the Oscar-winning actor’s life. Made by filmmaker Derik Murray, the film shows never-before-seen videos shot by Ledger himself. The “10 Things I Hate About You” star aspired to be a director and would frequently be seen holding a video camera or polaroid in his hand. In fact, many friends and family members of Ledger fondly remember the handsome actor with a camera in his hand.

READ: Jared Leto opens up about the challenges of playing Joker after Heath Ledger.

“Heath was the most alive human and if it wasn’t on the edge, it didn’t interest him,” Ben Harper, a musician, reminisces in a newly released trailer of “I Am Heath Ledger.” “There were always camera around – video camera or a polaroid camera or the film camera. That’s what I think when I think of him – with the camera in the hand,” said Christina Cauchi, a model, about the critically-acclaimed actor.

The video also reveals that Ledger always wanted to be a director and acting was just a way for him to become one.

Ben Mendelsohn, an actor, said, “Before ‘Brokeback Mountain’ came out, it would be unthinkable to have a romantic tragedy involving two gay cowboys.” When few heartthrobs dared to take a role of a homosexual character, the then 25-year-old artist didn’t hesitate to play such a character.

The documentary is peppered with interviews of his close friends, colleagues and family members. Towards the end of the video, Ledger’s sister, Kate, remembers telling her brother that he would be nominated for an Academy Award for a role. “He just smiled,” Kate recalled.

“I Am Heath Ledger” will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 23 and then hits select theatres on May 3. Following its theatrical release, the documentary will air on Spike TV on Wednesday, May 17, at 10 p.m. EDT. The movie releases digitally and on DVD on May 23.