With a filmography spanning from critically acclaimed projects like The Social Network to donning the superhero suit for Marvel’s The Amazing Spider-Man films, Andrew Garfield has worked with several renowned Hollywood stars throughout his decorated career. But one collaboration that changed his life was with the late actor Heath Ledger.
Ahead of The Dark Knight actor’s untimely demise, Andrew Garfield had the opportunity to share the screen with him in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. During their brief time of collaboration, Garfield learned lessons from Heath Ledger that not only etched a place in his heart but also inspired his role as Spider-Man.
Heath Ledger Left a Lasting Impression on Andrew Garfield
Ahead of Heath Ledger’s unfortunate demise, Andrew Garfield had the opportunity to work with the star on Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009). It was the last film Ledger did before his death, which also starred Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law, and Lily Cole.
Watching Heath Ledger work in the movie, Andrew Garfield was captivated by the actor’s incredible range and talent. But what stunned him the most was his role as the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008). Although Garfield didn’t get a chance to speak to Ledger about Joker, he noted being aware of the actor’s excitement.
“The movie wasn’t out, but I knew how excited he was. I was talking to his friends about it, who had been involved in the process, and they were so jazzed about how people were going to react to him.” Garfield told MTV News.
Heath Ledger’s commitment to his craft and his willingness to take risks left a lasting impression on Andrew Garfield. Thereafter, the Tick, Tick… Boom! actor mentioned developing a desire to bring a similar level of depth and nuance to his own roles.
Garfield Took Inspiration From Ledger for Spider-Man
Considering that Heath Ledger‘s Joker was a part of the fantasy world created by the DC universe, Andrew Garfield patiently waited for opportunities where he could use the character and Ledger’s performance as an inspiration. Finally, the moment arrived when he was cast as MCU’s Spider-Man in The Amazing Spider-Man films.
Speaking highly of Heath Ledger’s iconic Joker performance and praising the way he fully immersed himself in the character’s psyche, Andrew Garfield admitted learning things from the actor that he later applied to his own superhero films. Although the roles were gravely different, Garfield claimed to be inspired by Ledger’s approach to his character.
“What I learned from watching him in that movie was that it was so honest and specific. Somehow he made this very broad character incredibly honest and human. There’s so much to be learned from that, because otherwise during the big fight sequences, who cares unless you have a good understanding of who the characters fighting are?”
Certainly, deriving influence from Heath Ledger’s Joker helped Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man to offer a more introspective and emotionally vulnerable take on the classic hero.
The Amazing Spider-Man films are available on Disney+.
The Dark Knight is available on Max.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is available on Apple TV.
