Heath Ledger - Bale: `Ledger Was Intense As The Joker But Mellow As A Man'

HEATH LEDGER's THE DARK KNIGHT Co-star CHRISTIAN BALE has finally opened up about the tragic death of the Aussie actor, calling hisfriend's final full performance "incredibly intense".

Bale, who plays Batman to Ledger's the Joker villain in the much-anticipated sequel, feels sure the late actor's performance will help stamp his reputation as an incredible talent.

Bale tells the new Details magazine, "He (Ledger) was incredibly intense in his performance but incredibly mellow and laidback.

"Certainly there was this great anarchistic streak to it (performance as the Joker) - just getting dirtier than anybody's envisioned the Joker before.

"Naturally it was something I wanted to share with him. I can't do anything else but hope that it will be an absolutely appropriate celebration of his work."

Ledger died from a accidental drug overdose in January (08).