Movie Takes Ledger To New Heights

If Hollywood had an "it" guy, it would be Heath Ledger this winter.

The man of the moment has roles in several holiday films, has been named best actor by the New York film critics, and has received a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the heartbreaking and somewhat controversial love story, "Brokeback Mountain." In rave reviews, critics have compared his work to that of Marlon Brando and Sean Penn.

In an interview Tuesday on The Early Show, Ledger said he signed on for the project with some trepidation.

"I think when I received the script, attached to it was this kind of -- these fears and anxieties that have been kind of manufactured over time from other people in the industry," he said. "But after reading the script, they all just kind of disappeared and it was reduced down to a lump in my throat."

He also was persuaded to do what has become known as "the gay cowboy movie" because of the director, Ang Lee, whom Ledger called "brilliant."

Also starring in the film is actor Jake Gyllenhaal and actress Michelle Williams, Ledger's significant other and the mother of his baby daughter. She also got a Golden Globe nomination, for best supporting actress, out of the movie.

"She's an incredible actor and, of course, an incredible person, and I love her dearly," Ledger said. "I couldn't be more proud of her."

When asked about the intense kissing scenes between him and Gyllenhaal, Ledger deflected the question with a joke: "That's why we had stunt doubles."

Turning serious, he admitted to be being nervous before shooting those scenes. "But, you know, once the mystery was over, it was OK," he said. "So what? It just went back to being a scene and let's just get it done. Let's shoot it."

Ledger is cast in a very different kind of love scene in another movie out this month. He plays the swashbuckling Casanova in the film of the same title. His co-star is Sienna Miller.

"It was obviously a lot lighter," he said, admitting that was part of its attraction. "It was shot in Venice. It was a beautiful city. It's full of pasture and wine and gondolas. I knew it would be a perfect kind of tool to unwind after being so wound up on 'Brokeback Mountain.'"

With all the acclaim surrounding the Ang Lee film, is Ledger gearing up for a possible Oscar nomination next month?

"I certainly have no expectation," he said.