Christian Bale denies that the pressure placed on Heath Ledger in the making of the film The Dark Knight contributed to the late actor’s untimely death. Ledger portrayed the Joker in the latest Batman sequel. Rumors ran rampant that the depths Ledger went to for the role were way over the top, and had co-workers advising him to get counseling. No matter the reason behind his passing, it is tragic and deserves respect. Bale’s view on the subject is considering Ledger’s talent over his methods.

The accidental overdose of prescribed drugs was a shock to everyone. His refusal to talk to the crew and co-stars out of character of the Joker has been criticized. Bale, who is Bruce Wayne aka Batman, for the second time claims that Ledgers mental state should not have been affected by the grueling demands of the Joker.

“It’s not for me to tell anybody or to pretend to have insights beyond what I absolutely know, but my instincts are that the idea Heath was disturbed by playing The Joker is ridiculous,” he explained in an interview. “Heath was somebody who, like myself, acted for that immersion in a character. It’s not an unusual thing.”

One of the other issues the film is facing is the leading lady. Katie was replaced by the talented chops of Jake Gyllenhaal’s sister. When Bale was questioned about the Chris Nolan film and working with Maggie Gyllenhaal as apposed to Katie Holmes he seemed to give Maggie a better review. Claiming that she was doing a “fantastic job” in the role as Rachel Dawes, as Katie’s was only “good.”

“How have you found working with Maggie different than working with Katie?”

Bale: I don’t really analyze it all too much. Katie did a very good job and Maggie is doing a fantastic job. I don’t want to get into comparing the two. Obviously Maggie brings her own substance to the role. But you’re saying it like it’s something tricky, but it’s really not. It’s been quite, it’s been as seamless as is possible to be.

I know, I know. It is probably just me reading into it too much. But poor Katie damned with faint praise. The Dark Knight is one of the summer’s hot movies and is expected to be more than just a typical comic book thriller brought to the big screen.

[SuperHeroHype]