In 2007, actor Heath Ledger approached Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock about directing a music video for them. He got started on his video for "King Rat" but it was left unfinished when he died of an accidental overdose in early 2008. The Masses (Ledger's production company) finished the video in his honor, and today the band premiered it.
Brock wrote on the band's MySpace page:
"Always one to operate from his heart and take a stand for what he cared deeply about, Heath's intention was to raise awareness on modern whaling practices through a potent visual piece without having to say a word. It was his way to let the story, in its candid reversal, speak for itself."
In keeping with Ledger's vision, sales of the video on iTunes will benefit the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
