ledger modest mouse

Update: Apparently Spin’s initial report wasn’t completely true. THR reports that the video directed by Ledger wasn’t animated by Terry Gilliam, but instead helmed by illustrator Daniel Auber, a member of Ledger’s art collective the Massive.

Before his death, Heath Ledger directed a music video for the indie rock band Modest Mouse, animated by filmmaker Terry Gilliam. The music video is for the track King Rat, a bonus track from the band’s 2007 release We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank. There had been rumors that the video would never be completed or released, but a spokesman for the band recently told SPIN that the video will be released “soon”, but did not specify a date.

One has to wonder how much of the video was completed under Ledger’s direction. Either way, I’m interested to see it based on the sole fact that it was animated by Gilliam. Thanks to /Film reader Andrew G for the tip.

  • TapZepol
    Modest Mouse flippin' rules! Sorry, they're my favorite band.
  • I'm doin' the cockroach, yeah.
  • freemachine
    HOLY FUCKING SHIT!!! (and I never curse on /film) I'M SO FUCKING STOKED TO SEE THIS!!!!
  • gah
    how could this video not be awesome?
  • freemachine
    Awesome doesn't even begin to describe the greatness of such a project! This will be legendary!
  • The timing seems perfect to me. if they'd rushed this out, i don't think it would have felt right. and i don't think they should have waited much longer, because we all want to see it.
  • freemachine
    Yes, the expectations on this video will be unparalleled, even on the Watchmen scale. Still, I think it's been a sufficient amount of time for this video to stand on it's own two legs, without Heath's untimely passing casting a shadow over it.
  • math
    Heath + Gilliam = AWESOME
    Heath + Gilliam + Modest Mouse = AWESOME OVERLOAD
  • johnny
    oh good, for you, another heath ledger exploitation
  • How is it an exploitation? This is a piece of work that he created before he died and was always intended to be released, it's not like it's only coming out because of his death.
  • This is going to be huge when it drops. Indies will love it until it gains commercial airplay... then it will become passe.
  • Kazmarth
    My dreams have come true! One of my favourite actors of all time directing a music video with one of my favourite directors of all time for my favourite band of all time. this will be AWESOME!!!!!
  • yes it will be huge but that doesnt mean it will actually be amazing.
  • dagreenman18
    SO AWESOME! I NEED THIS NOW!!!!!!
  • I had no idea Ledger directed a music video. That's really cool....
  • I didn't even know this song existed. I have this album and searched for it on iTunes and couldn't find it. I saw it's a bonus track, but for which version of the album? Anywho, I found it by other means and fucking love it! I'm surprised it wasn't on the basic album.
  • Dan W
    It's most likely on the japanese release. I find that there are always extra songs on albums made for the japanse release. John frusicnate's new album for instance.

    I'm excited for the video and the song
  • Matt
    He's directed several, for Ben Harper, for N'fa. He also conceived, shot and starred in a music video for Nick Drake's Black Eyed Dog.
  • Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I heard Ledger directed a scene in TDK. That Nolan was so impressed with him, that he let him do his own directing. Was supposed to be on the DVD specials...but you know Nolan.

    A little copy and paste

    "-The videos shot by the Joker were in fact shot and mostly directed by Heath Ledger. For the first video, Wally Pfister came in and checked the lights, the sound guys set up a few extra mics, everyone hid around the corner and they let Heath play. Ledger had been planning to direct and was an incredible collaborator with a great mind. Nolan trusted him implicitly. Ledger's work on the first video was so fantastic that Nolan wasn't even there for the second video shoot with Anthony Michael Hall. He gave Ledger the camera and said "do whatever you want." Apparently every take Ledger did was different, but always in line with the story and always fantastic. Where are those on the dvd, Mr. Nolan?!!
    "
  • This should be interesting. Can't wait.
  • n'fa's video is quite good. ben harpers reminds me of something from the 90's. not a fan of that one. still interested to see what this new video looks like
  • Karl Hungus
    Wow I remember when modest mouse was good, those pre-epic days. And rather than jump on the Ledger bandwagon like the rest of you douches, I don't think it's interesting at all.
  • I'm sorry you don't like Modest Mouse anymore. I, on the other hand, think they are amazing. We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank was a phenomenal album. I'm sad that this song was not included on it.
  • Tap Zepol
    Hail King of The Non-Conformers! We Douches are so pale from living under your shadow! Why do we have to like the same things. Why can't we be special like you?! What curse! O cruel Maker, why?!
  • Godot
    Correction: The Masses ->> www.wearethemasses.com
  • I am beyond excited and I haven't enjoyed Modest Mouse since 'Good News for People Who Love Bad News'.
  • Interesting.
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