Loki Rourke, 1991-2009

Not to be morbid, but the Boston Society of Film Critics video below might be the last on-screen appearance of Loki, Mickey Rourke’s beloved animal companion. The Chihuahua was pushing 18 years old and no cause of death was mentioned, though to be honest he wasn’t looking too spry in the brief segment as Rourke and Sean Penn swapped strange remarks in thanking the critics organization. Perhaps the strain of accompanying Rourke as he promoted his performance was too much, the irony being that he died just after the last Oscar ballots were counted and so sympathy votes wouldn’t be a factor in the final tally.

Being a pet owner, I won’t make light of Rourke’s grief, which I am sure is genuine and painful. However, if he wins his speech might weirdly compete with whatever ensues when Heath Ledger wins for Best Supporting Actor, as everyone is predicting.  The BSFC, meanwhile, is pondering sending Rourke a copy of the video with their condolences.