Ledger should be at center of 'Dark Knight' commercials

In the wake of Heath Ledger’s death, Warner Bros. Studio found it had a huge problem on its hands. The marketing for their major summer release, “The Dark Knight,” has largely been centered around Ledger’s Joker. With Ledger’s death, the studio had to question whether to continue the campaign or abruptly end it.

Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, executives seemed to indicate that the viral campaign will be continuing for now. I think that’s the right decision.
Ledger was a gifted actor. I think it’s only appropriate that one of his last major roles – a role in which he seems from all signs to have excelled – should be celebrated.

Because the campaign began long before the tragedy, nobody can claim Warner is trying to cash in on the death. While I’d advocate them toning it down for the time being, I don’t think they should be afraid to put the Joker front and center.

“The Dark Knight” looks to be a movie largely about the character, and the ads shouldn’t hide that fact. To do anything else would just be deceiving the audience.