Stereogum has posted the new Modest Mouse video, directed by one Heath Ledger. Weird, right?
The Mouse have a new release out today, No One’s First, And You’re Next, and the lead single, “King Rat,” was given the animated video concept by Ledger… FROM THE GRAVE.
Um, no. Actually, it was started before Ledger’s tragic passing in January 2008, but since the video was not complete, The Masses stepped up and finished the clip. Here’s the press release:
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 off 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.
The video was fully conceived down to the last detail but unfinished when Heath passed away in January of 2008. We completed the video in his honor with the support and advocacy of Isaac Brock.
End Hits: I’m a sucker for a whale with a periscope.