Photo Courtesy of Miramax Actor Heath Ledger charges into a passionate desert battle in his new epic film "Four Feathers," which opens in theaters Friday. The story is about the emotional conflict of Harry Feversham, a British soldier who is called to the Sudan in North Africa in the late 19th century to battle Sudanese Arabs rebelling against the empire.

Heath Ledger rides on instinct and courage in "Four Feathers"

Heath Ledger is not just a cute accent. However, when interviewing him along with 19 other young reporters during a conference call, he is only a cute accent. Ledger shared some of his reflections post-"Four Feathers" about courage, a desert that makes the Sonoran Desert look like Costa Rica, and the things he could care less about.

In "Four Feathers," the 23- year-old Australian actor plays a heroic character, yet again. When asked about the similar parts he has played, he said, "It's purely coincidence."

After "The Patriot" and "A Knight's Tale," Ledger beats more people up to prove a point about bravery.

"I related to the fact of courage being an internal quality, being as simple as listening to one's instincts and following through with them," Ledger said. "He stood up against the regimental and systematic lifestyle that he grew up in, and all these military expectations from his father, friends and wife even. He stood up and walked away, which I think is courageous."

Ledger may agree that standing up for certain beliefs is courageous, but when asked if he has ever been put in the same position as his character, he just laughed.

"No, I have never gotten that sort of pressure, nor have I ever received a feather from someone," he said.

"Four Feathers" deals with the timeless issue of how war affects individuals. The movie is based on a war that takes place in the Sudan, but much of the filming took place in Morocco. On screen, images of the environment were awe-inspiring. Ledger, from a continent that has its own share of desert said, "It was hot and sweaty, but I love the desert. It was beautiful."

Many viewers have considered that the movie may have been produced because of the unstable condition of the United States' foreign affairs. But, the star completely dismissed the insinuation.

"Politics are purely a backdrop for the story and the movie is such an epic," he said. "It is a journey, and at the end of the day the story is so very small. It's a story about human emotions."

However, he said the movie will not give hope to the citizens in our armed forces that may face war.

"If anything, the movie will make people totally question it," he said.

Indeed, his character deals with various emotions, though the real struggle is during the battle scenes.

Ledger discussed the preparation that his role required.

"Physically, none, because I am really lazy," he said.

"Mentally, we spent four weeks in London dissecting the script and each character's life."

It may seem an exasperating feat but the young celebrity gives much gratification to the director, Shekhar Kapur.

"It was awesome to work with Kapur. He is incredibly excited and incredibly passionate," he said. "He nurtures your performance."

His performance, to many fans, has been deemed his best yet. Ledger found it a gratifying experience, but as far as his outlook on progressing as an actor goes, he leaves it up to his fans and other professionals in the business.

"I don't know how I have grown. That is a question for the people observing my work," said Ledger.

When the actor thinks about his life after "Four Feathers," he is unsure of his direction.

When reflecting on the work it takes to get parts in big movies, Ledger cringes. He thinks auditions are boring.

"I hate them. It is the most awkward position you can be in. You are asked to pull yourself into this piece of material knowing that you are not performing to anyone, but you're being tested and judged and watched and it's just a very insecure and vulnerable position to be in."

But that is only a miniscule aspect of the job. After all the hard work of making his current movie, the most rewarding experience for Ledger?

"Finishing it," he said.

Now that the movie is ready to be released, Ledger said he thinks his work is complete. In terms of the audiences' reactions and critics' reviews, Ledger said: "I generally don't care what people think about the movie. I have seen it and I liked it and am proud of it. My job is pretty much over from here. There is nothing I can do from this point on."