There’s been much talk and speculation regarding the Heath Ledger-directed video for No One’s First, And You’re Next‘s “King Rat.” The EP’s out today, and so is Ledger’s clip. As the seemingly playful fish-on-fish animation opens, those hoping (knowingly or not) for something dark to feed into the Ledger legend will be disappointed: A scatting sun, horns from heaven, flying fish, a vessel piloted by an old-timer whale, etc. When the boatload of whales catch up with their actual prey, though, the water turns red and things grow sinister. Some background:
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’. Heath’s 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 of the coast of Australia each year. Always one to operate from his heart and take a stand for what he cared deeply about, Heath’s 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.
It was unfinished when Ledger died in January 2008, so The Masses, “a film and music company which Heath was a partner in,” completed the video in his stead. Take a look, seal food.
The animation’s by Norris Houk and Jade Taglioli. Daniel Auber gets a co-directorial credit. For one month, proceeds from iTunes video downloads will go to 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.”
No One’s First And You’re Next is out today (8/4) via Epic.
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Wow, pretty disturbing but strong imagery, definitely the type of thing you’d expect from someone who just finished playing the Joker
Are we gonna let those sick bastards get away with this?
Gotta Nuke Something
That’s a good name – ground! I wonder if it will be friends with me?
Awesome song, disturbing video. I’m not sure how whales are different from any other animal out there, though…
Im pretty sure they’re the largest animals out there.
dude, whales are huuuuuuuuge…
well it is probably because they are going extinct since they can’t reproduce quickly enough to replenish the population, also because it’s incredibly illegal, but whatever girl you stick it to the man and stand up for the most modest of mice YA GET ME
Love the song but i agree, this video is gross and disturbing. Is that what they really do to whales?????
WHHOOOOAOAAAA!!!!!!!! are you IMPLYING that humans do this to whales???!?1! on the REGS??!?!?!?! thats like humans do these kinds of things to WHALES!!! thats the only analogy, i thought about it long and hard, and that is the worst.
Chowder.
This was pretty cool. I really enjoyed the artwork and the song.
Fantastic music video
I agree with Brad. The artwork was great and I enjoyed the music. Very creative! They are just making people stix as people make fish stix.
Wow, i find the style of the artwork just amazing. Great video, with a great point. And lets not forget a great song by Modest Mouse.
Enough with the nautical themes already! We get it. Issac Brock likes the ocean.
No,man. Issac Brock LOVES the ocean.
I am bono and I approve this post.
Bloody brilliant.
this reminds me of Menomena’s Evil Bee video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BXr_4g0o9M
I liked that a lot. For those of you who thought it was “disturbing” and “disgusting” I suggest treading carefully in the waters we know as teh internetz.
What’s with Jack Nichol-sun
still looks unfinished. am I being unfair expecting more from such big names/money?
kick in the gut, wasn’t it, or harpoon through the heart, if you prefer.
yes, knuckleheads, THAT’s what WE do to whales.
grow up and educate yourselves.
the script of this video uses role reversal well. Ledger’s imprint will also bring some awareness. however does this mean we should never again go fishing/whaling and stop eating seafood? i doubt it. but the sensationalism felt here certainly brought to mind the illegal whaling the japanese do on dolphins who also sell their meat illegal to the market as whaled items.
Video not available in my country :’(
Sad for me, considering Modest Mouse started out in my hometown.
SAME HERE!
it didn’t work for me either and i’m in the us, look up the one on modest mouse’s channel and it should work.
‘King Rat’ just makes me think of rat king, and that’s a whole lotta 30 Rock.
I enjoyed this very much, both the video and the song.
YEAH FUCK DEM HUMANZ UP