Midwestern Gothic

Hi, folks. Talk about sitting on a doozy! Nick and I were perusing through the Midwestern Gothic archives last weekend and we found a box marked “Interviews: Unused.” Curious, we opened it and inside we found a heap of old field recordings that one of our first reporters, Blake (check out his sole surviving photo to the left), had done starting back in 2001. I don’t know why these were never used on the site, or for that matter who the genius was who decided to scrap them, but after mixing some tequila and tonics and taking a listen, Nick and I knew these had to be shown.

So we mixed some more tequila and tonics and we watched LOST on dvd and we painstakingly transcribed the recordings (which were pretty much all loaded with background noise) and added some pictures (to make it easier on your eyes) and now we’d like to present the first in a series of lost and utterly brilliant interviews given by the late great Blake. Enjoy.

Lost and Found #1: Heath Ledger, 2001

Interview by Blake.

(Shuffling of papers, clicking of tape recorder buttons, noise in background)

BLAKE: Hi folks, Blake here for Midwestern Gothic and it’s a beautiful September 10th, 2001. We’re on location at one of the most recognizable structures in America, the Trade Center and we have the great honor of interviewing a native son of Australia and perhaps the biggest sweetheart America’s seen in a decade, Heath Ledger. Hello, Heath. How are you?

(noise as Heath sits)

HEATH: Fine, great.

BLAKE: Well, thanks for agreeing to meet here. And I must say, for the viewers, it was your idea to come to the World Trade Center, right?

HEATH: That’s right, I just really get a positive energy from the place, it really just makes me feel alive, like nothing bad could happen to me. I have a real passion for architecture, and these buildings scream: “We’re big, we’re strong, nothing could tear us down.” They really embody what’s in my heart and soul.

BLAKE:Well, can I just say what a tremendous year this has been for you? A Knight’s Tale was a surprise hit of the summer and I believe you recently wrapped filming Monster’s Ball with Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton, right?

HEATH: Yes, that’s right.

BLAKE: Wow, I mean, it must be great for a young and gifted actor like you to be being offered these meaty roles. Does it make you feel good to know you’re going to be doing this for a long, long time? That, like the World Trade Center here, you’ll be standing tall and proud for years and years to come?

HEATH: You know Blake, it does. Monster’s Ball was the biggest challenge of my career. Unlike my previous hearth-throb roles, I play Billy Bob’s depressed, suicidal son. Being full of life, hell, practically immortal, nothing could prepare me for this. Suicide is something that’s never crossed my mind. I think you really saw the culmination of my acting abilities.

BLAKE: Interesting, interesting. So what else do you have going on?

HEATH:Well, I just started filming The Four Feathers, with Web Bentley and Kate Hudson.

BLAKE: What can you tell me about that?

HEATH: Well, it’s a story about cowardice, about doing the right thing as opposed to doing what people think you should. I mean, it really rings true to me. I personally would never take the easy way out. I believe we talked about suicide before, and, like drugs, I just don’t see the appeal. I mean, I’m a blessed man and these types of roles really make me think twice about my life, about how good I have it.

BLAKE: Sure, of course. So you’re saying you never have dark thoughts?

HEATH: Well, everyone does, sure. But to act on them, now that’s a totally different story.

BLAKE: But what if you were offered a role so dark and disturbed it changed your outlook on life?

HEATH: (laughing) That’d be some role, eh? No, seriously, I can’t imagine one that would.

BLAKE: What would be your dream gig, you think?

HEATH: I would love to play a superhero, or maybe a villain. I like the Riddler, he always seemed like the type of villain I’d like to portray.

BLAKE: Like Jim Carrey?

HEATH: No. I mean, I respect him, he’s a helluva funny guy, but I’d make it much darker, more serious.

BLAKE: So, what else do you have going on? Reading any good scripts?

HEATH: Funny you should mention it. There’s been some talk from my agent about some script that’s being passed on by a lot of people.

BLAKE: Oh yeah?

HEATH: Yeah, involving two gay cowboys in the 50’s and 60’s.

BLAKE: Gay cowboys? There’s a topic we haven’t seen in Hollywood yet.

HEATH: I know, right? But, I don’t know if it will ever get made, it’s a bit touchy but I would love a chance for a role like that. Really sink my teeth into it. But, who knows.

BLAKE: I see. Can you give us any insider information on who you’d like to see play your partner in the film, if it ever did get made?

HEATH: I’d really like to see Tobey Maguire or maybe Gerard Depardieu, they’re both incredibly gifted actors and I’ve been itching to work with them. Actually, I’ve met with both and we’ve made authentic audition tapes, just in case there ever is a chance that this thing’ll get made in the future. (laughing) We’d be ready, all right!

BLAKE: Audition tapes? How authentic?

HEATH: As authentic as you can imagine, Blake. I like to challenge myself.

BLAKE: Um, interesting.

(interruption by Steve Irwin who’s taking a tour of the building nearby, noise as Blake swivels in his chair and notices him)

BLAKE: Well if it isn’t Steve Irwin! Ladies and gentlemen, what a wonderful surprise! I’m here with Heath Ledger, filming a live interview about his up-and-coming career. Hello, Mr. Irwin!

STEVE: Hello, Blake-o!

BLAKE:(laughing) Gets me every time. Steve, since you’re on record with us, mind sitting down to answer a few questions?

STEVE: I don’t see why not.

(Steve sits down next to Heath)

BLAKE: Have you and Heath met?

STEVE: Of course, Heath mate, how’s it going? Heath was a regular visitor to the Australia Zoo growing up, even taught the tike to wrestle salties when he was a tot.

HEATH: God Steve, it’s been what? Five years?

STEVE: Crikey, something like that.

BLAKE: Heath and I have been discussing his acting career and love of architecture. In fact, he suggested we interview at the World Trade Center. What do you think of the place?

STEVE: Crikey, Blake. I’ve never seen a skyscraper so lovely. And so tall and strong! I reckon a fish’ll kill me before these things falls down.

(all laughing)

BLAKE: Yes, undoubtedly. But we know that won’t happen, right?

STEVE: No, no, only kidding.

HEATH: Like me, I see you living a long and great life, Steve.

(Steve puts his arm around Heath)

STEVE: Right you are, mate.

(rest of interview lost)