This music video for Modest Mouse's "King Rat" was just recently released. And it's not just any music video. This video was the vision of/directed by the late Heath Ledger (RIP HEATH A KNIGHTS TALE FOREVER).
The video is making a statement against whale hunting...a very strong, graphic/disturbing and gory statement. But that's the best way to draw a feeling from someone in our fast paced society I think. Sometimes you need to see a person getting harpooned to understand the gravity of whale hunting.
Saddly, Heath died before the video could be completed. But I think he'd be pleased with the final result. It's a powerful video.
From the video description:
"In January of 2007, while visiting his homeland of Australia, Heath Ledger presented Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse with an idea to direct a video for their yet-to-be-released song King Rat. Heaths vision, brave and unapologetic in its nature, would marry his love of bold and original music with his impassioned stance against the illegal commercial whale hunts taking place off the coast of Australia each year.
Always one to operate from his heart and take a stand for what he cared deeply about, Heaths intention was to raise awareness on modern whaling practices through a potent visual piece without having to say a word. It was his way to let the story, in its candid reversal, speak for itself.
The video was fully conceived down to the last detail but unfinished when Heath passed away in January of 2008. We completed the video in his honor with the support and advocacy of Isaac Brock.
Proceeds from iTunes video downloads in the first month of release will go toward Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization organization committed to ending the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. We encourage you to visit their site in you are compelled to make a larger donation or volunteer your time. http://www.seashepherd.org
The King Rat video was directed by Heath Ledger, co-directed and illustrated by Daniel Auber with lead animation by Norris Houk, animation by Jade Taglioli and produced by Sara Cline of THE MASSES.
THE MASSES and Modest Mouse are proud to present King Rat. We hope Heaths work inspires you in the same way his passion and bravery inspired us."
Always one to operate from his heart and take a stand for what he cared deeply about, Heaths intention was to raise awareness on modern whaling practices through a potent visual piece without having to say a word. It was his way to let the story, in its candid reversal, speak for itself.
The video was fully conceived down to the last detail but unfinished when Heath passed away in January of 2008. We completed the video in his honor with the support and advocacy of Isaac Brock.
Proceeds from iTunes video downloads in the first month of release will go toward Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization organization committed to ending the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. We encourage you to visit their site in you are compelled to make a larger donation or volunteer your time. http://www.seashepherd.org
The King Rat video was directed by Heath Ledger, co-directed and illustrated by Daniel Auber with lead animation by Norris Houk, animation by Jade Taglioli and produced by Sara Cline of THE MASSES.
THE MASSES and Modest Mouse are proud to present King Rat. We hope Heaths work inspires you in the same way his passion and bravery inspired us."
Spread his legacy! Fight for a cause!
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