Part 6/11:

A key challenge lay in making this effect genuinely frightening and convincing. Nolan’s team shot the scene over two days, executing 22 takes, alternating shots with and without the pencil. These were then digitally composited, allowing Ledger’s head to be safely impacted without the actor’s safety being compromised. The physicality was achieved through practical effects—a rubber slug attached to Ledger’s head—combined with precise timing and slow-motion techniques.