Much like 'Behind the Candelabra,' 'Brokeback Mountain' was a film about gay relationships that featured two straight men in the lead roles. We already know about Jake Gyllenhaal, but Heath Ledger's casting as Ennis Del Mar was perhaps an even bigger risk for the producers. Back in 2003, Ledger was known more for his good looks and his appeal to teenage girls than he was for his abilities in grittier parts, but the performance he gave was a revelation.
Everybody knows what happened to Ledger next; he went on to give a definitive performance as the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' before his life was tragically cut short. 'Brokeback Mountain' may be the movie we should remember him for best, as it defined his career and brought him an Oscar nomination. Ledger is survived by a daughter who'd never have been born had he not taken this part; the mother is Michelle Williams, who he met while making the movie.