Heath Ledger based his portrayal of psychotic villain The Joker in the new Batman movie The Dark Knight on the lead singer of punk rock band the Sex Pistols.
Writer-director Chris Nolan said Sex Pistols vocalist John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten, had been Ledger's inspiration in developing The Joker for the film, which opens in Australia on July 17.
Nolan told Sci Fi Wire online news service: "We very much took the view in looking at the character of The Joker that what's strong about him is this idea of anarchy."
Nolan said he spoke often to Ledger about the negative energy of the punk rocker.
"We wanted to show the pure anarchy of someone who wants to do harm purely for its own sake."
Actor Christian Bale, who plays Batman, denied rumours that Ledger was negatively influenced by the character he played.
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