Heath Ledger  was a talented Aussie actor who ironically began his career playing a gay character in Australia. In 2005-6 Ledger became a permanent fixture in popular culture through his award-winning performance as Enis del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain." The buzz and Academy-Award nomination emerging from Brokeback overshadowed two other releases and brilliant performances from in the same year in "Brothers Grimm" and "Lords of Dogtown". The gifted actor died in New York on January 22, 2008. Months later, his compelling performance as The Joker in "The Dark Knight" was released to critical acclaim and the highest grossing box office draw in history. His remarkable passion, beauty and talent will live on through his films.

 For your consideration is a denim jacket worn by Heath as Ennis Del Mar in the production of the groundbreaking film "Brokeback Mountain". The denim jacket worn on screen has a faux fur collar. This one appears to be one of the jackets used in the creation of the poster art. The poster art is composed from several photos.The images of Jake Gyllenhaal, the mountains, Heath Ledger and the lower portion of the jacket appears to have been created by composing 4 or more photos. Essentially, the core of this photo including Heath and his shoulder is the area of the photo that includes this jacket. Some of the area from the chest seams down along the lake (as well as the mountain reflections themselves) seem to be retouched or created from a sharper photo, possibly from another jacket. One of the art directors from our parent company carefully examined the jacket versus the poster image and showed us where the seams and dimples in the denim matched up and where the art director for the poster likely retouched and added on artwork. One of the details we never would have noticed was how the art director rounded out the collar point to have the same curve as his chin, lip and nose. Once you realize this, you can see that it is retouched but superbly done. It is a masterpiece. For a closer look click here. 

The jacket itself is made by Abercrombie & Fitch. It would make a great display piece with a Brokeback Mountain poster. We have struggled for months about how to price this very special item. While our detective work has been extensive, this is what we have concluded: The Leading Men Collection can guarantee this jacket was used by Heath Ledger in the production of Brokeback Mountain; and very likely to be the primary poster art jacket. As such, we are not positioning this jacket in the same league as the $100,000+ Brokeback memorabilia items, but we will guarantee its authenticity as described with 2 certificates of authenticity: 1 from our reputable point of purchase and 1 from Leading Men Collection. This remarkable item worn by a fallen screen legend in the production of an iconic film is very reasonably priced at just $4,100. 

     May he who has brought us so many moments of joy find peace at last.