Op-Ed: Is There A Curse Of The Batman?

The Dark Knight, the latest in a new series of films based on the popular DC Comics character Batman, has had the good fortune of grossing almost $400 million dollars through this past weekend. That good fortune has not rang true for some of its actors.

The Dark Knight received much fanfare months before its release due to the tragic death of Heath Ledger, who plays the latest incarnation of the Joker in the film. Many critiques have noted that this was Ledger's best work in an illustrious, albiet sadly cut short acting career. Ledger was found unconscious in his apartment,in New York City on January 22, 2008. Emergency crews arrived soon after but were unable to revive him. His death occurred while The Dark Knight was in post production. The Dark Knight was released on July 18, 2008 in North America and grossed $67,165,092 on its opening day, beating the previous record of $59.8 million held by Spider-Man 3(2007). Through this past weekend it has grossed over $397 million. On July 22, Christian Bale, who reprises his role as Batman appeared at a London police station after being arrested in connection with an alleged verbal assault on his mother and sister. After being held for more than four hours, he was released on bail, pending further investigation. He has denied these allegations. In the latest incident, Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman was injured in a car accident late Sunday night scene in Tallahatchie County in the Mississippi Delta. He is currently in a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He is listed in serious condition. These incidents are obviously not linked, but we as a society like the intrigue of curses and I must feed the fire some. It should also be noted the the film is dedicated in part to Ledger and to technician Conway Wickliffe who was killed during a car accident while preparing one of the film's stunts.