Heath Ledger refused to answer questions about his split from girlfriend Michelle Williams during an appearance at the Venice Film Festival yesterday.

Press at the I’m Not There media event were ordered only to ask questions about the film but even then, the notoriously private Heath wasn’t too chatty.

An onlooker told Us Weekly: “He kept his head down a lot and I think he was hoping not to be asked too much.”

“He had his hat tipped a little low and didn’t really make eye contact with anyone. You could tell that he didn’t want to be there.”

“Heath clearly had a lot going on in his head. Sometimes he was just staring off to the side, clearly in his own world.”

The couple, parents of almost 2 year old daughter Matilda, are said to have split up a few weeks ago after a more than three year relationship.

Larry Williams, the dad of former Dawson’s Creek star, told the Australian Daily Telegraph: “We have known about their troubles for a while but it’s always a very difficult thing in life when these things happen.”

“I know Heath and Michelle still care about each other deeply and are very committed to being great parents to their daughter.”

“I feel tremendously for her and for him, and hope they will find what they want in life.”