There’s an old saying that the graveyards are full of indispensable men. It’s a sort of funny paradox, and it’s true. And now that Heath Ledger has passed on, he’s become one of those indispensable men.

In an industry that banks on your image and attitude, your sudden disappearance makes a difference. Along with all the sad, mundane facts of death - the simple things, and the fact that he will never see his daughter again - there is the reality that he can never be in a film.

For the producers of The Dark Knight, it means that the Joker can’t show up again for a while. One hopes that, out of respect for the actor, the character will be retired temporarily - like a jersey number on a sports team.

But for Terry Gilliam, it means he has to find a replacement.

How do you replace a unique, irreplaceable human being? The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, Gilliam’s latest project, starred Heath Ledger as a man who undergoes a magical journey. There have been rumors of replace Ledger with Johnny Depp, symbolizing a magical transformation, or possibly even undergoing a massive CGI project.

A member of Monty Python, Gilliam certainly has experience with being resourceful (not to mention being “the crazy one” in a comedy troupe known for insanity). While maintaining his respect for the dead, he has to try salvaging a project that hinged upon Heath Ledger’s presence. I don’t envy his position, but I do hope that Dr. Parnassus is released, and becomes a fitting tribute.

Popularity: 8% [?]