Heath Ledger and Isaac Brock Receive PETA Award

After much anticipation, the new music video for Modest Mouse’s “King Rat” was released this week—and it was worth the wait. The video, which was directed by Heath Ledger, is great not only for its artistry (I am always in favor of a touch of the Gilliam) but also for its message. It highlights cruel (and illegal) whale poaching by depicting a boatload of whales who capture and slaughter a pod of humans.

Our friends at ecorazzi have the whole story, but this wasn’t Heath’s only foray into whale protection. Heath was also a member of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society advisory board and, according to ecorazzi, had expressed “extreme interest” in playing the role of Captain Paul Watson in a film about the captain’s life and work.

Because so many people have already been touched by this video, we’re presenting Heath—care of The Masses, who finished the project he directed—as well as Isaac Brock and the rest of Modest Mouse with Compassionate Artist Awards for opening so many eyes to the violent reality of whaling.

Written by Amanda Schinke