At this point, you'll have to bear with me as my only knowledge of American football is David Beckham and that might not be quite the same thing. I do know that these photos of Jake are of him playing a different but equally mysterious sport. So I've done some basic research, and I can inform the better informed that Joe Namath (aka Broadway Joe for a reason I cannot fathom) played most of his career for the New York Jets, he modelled women's underwear in commercials with Farah Fawcett, he wore full length fur coats by the side of the football pitch, and he was fit, muscular, beloved, good-humoured, a hard drinker and a ladies' dream. We've heard rumours of Jake playing a sporty hero before - rumours that dragged and dragged - and this may well be no different but it supports the general widely held belief that when it comes to the portrayal of physical, athletic heroes, you can do no better than Jake. Of course, that doesn't mean Jake wants to do it...
As the NYP says: 'If you ever saw Jake as the Marine in "Jarhead," you know he can bulk up impressively. He can look like a star quarterback. And he is a terrific actor.' I hope the film, should it happen, skips over this phase of Joe's career:
Rendition gets better and better
Thanks very much to a WDW reader for pointing out this little Rendition treat to me. According to someone who has seen a Rendition previewer, Jake's characeter Douglas is no Robert Graysmith - there's a 'make-out scene, not full on sex scene...it's like the second or third scene in the movie. Jake wakes up, shirtless and sweaty, goes to find his hot woman (I honestly don't remember if she even had a name? Regardless, she's Moroccan and really hot) who has just gotten out of the shower, and is wearing just a towel. They exchange some sort of pleasantries, then he pulls her against him, up against the bathroom door. They start kissing, and he runs his hand up under her towel just under her ass, lifting her thigh up and just barely around him, and they make out.'
Yes, you heard right, shirtless and sweaty. Let me say that again - shirtless and sweaty. The baseball photos seem apt for this story as well.
Off topic
A few days ago The Good Girl was on UK TV and a comment was made here about how talented Good Girl actress Zooey Deschanel is. Some people may be aware that I have a thing about penguins and I'm looking forward to the new animation Surf's Up. It turns out that Zooey is (at least her voice is) one of the penguins. In an article in yesterday's Daily Mail, Zooey reflects on her starry childhood. It seems that 'From the age of five, she attended Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences, a private school in Santa Monica favoured by show-business families, alongside such classmates as Kate Hudson and Jake Gyllenhaal.'
Pictures from here, here and IHJ.
So I've done some basic research, and I can inform the better informed that Joe Namath (aka Broadway Joe for a reason I cannot fathom) played most of his career for the New York Jets
ReplyDeleteJoe Namath was probably the first "celebrity" football player in the league (back when sport was sport and celebrity was celebrity and never the twain shall meet...until Joe Namath) and since he played for the New York Jets, "Broadway" Joe seemed appropriate.
Thanks Cyn - That's given it some more colour and context for me :D
ReplyDeleteI can see Jake at his naughtiest playing "Broadway Joe" - who posed for an "outrageous" pantyhose ad wearing pantyhose - this ad's gotta be retrievable, somebody fish it up! -
ReplyDeleteand this, from Wikepedia:
"In December, 2003, Namath gained new notoriety, apparently after partaking of too much celebratory champagne during the Jets' announcement of their all-time team. During live ESPN coverage of Jets' game, Namath was asked about Chad Pennington and his thoughts on the struggles of that year's squad. Namath expressed confidence in Pennington, and then stated to the interviewer, Suzy Kolber, "I want to kiss you. I couldn't care less about the team strugg-a-ling."
Namath expressed confidence in Pennington, and then stated to the interviewer, Suzy Kolber, "I want to kiss you. I couldn't care less about the team strugg-a-ling."
ReplyDeleteHey Pia - thanks for that. I can just picture the grin on Jake's face as he says lines such as these. Whether this story comes to nothing or little, I would love to see Naughty Jake on the big screen. Time to give the boy scout (sorry, eagle scout) a rest??
Soundsd like Rendition's going to give the eagle scout a rest, WDW.
ReplyDeleteShirtless and sweaty. Dont know if my heart can take it!
Oh passionately pia - I couldn't agree with you more! This whole thing has turned me into incoherent mush ;D
ReplyDeleteAnother cold cup of coffee awaits while I address this fantastic Sunday Post, WDW. I grew up in the big day of Joe Nameth. He was quite the sport's celebrity. Since I wasn't a football fan other than admiring the "tight ends" I am not an expert about all aspects of Joe as a "player" on the field. But I kind of like the idea of Jake playing him. It would incorporate a lot of Jake's qualities that we know of and there is no question that he could fill out the uniform rather nicely.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for that scintillating description for what we have waiting for us when Rendition finally gets here. I am breaking out into a sweat myself just thinking about that hot and sweaty, SHIRTLESS Jake.
Hey Dani the more I hear about Broadway Joe, the more fun he sounds. In the UK we have so many so-called football stars but they're all one of a muchness. Beckham is the exception I suppose, he did stand out and the glory days of the early 90s were wonderful - but he left us ;D
ReplyDeleteJoe Namath also introduced the trendy wearing of a full length fur coat on the sidelines during the game. Seems to have a taste for "camp". This plus the pantyhose
ReplyDeletecaper (oh yes he also had his fu manchu 'stashe shaved off by Farrah
Fawcett for a razor comercial - or was it a commercial for shaving cream? Got $10,000 bucks for this
gig.) and mouthing off inappropriately as well as being a sex symbol - seems all is needed is a good script.
Hi positively pia - i saw a few pictures of Joe in that coat - I hear he set a trend for that, very odd. I suppose that $10,000 is a good enough excuse for growing that ghastly thing on his lip :D I wonder how far tis project ahs got, if Paramount are being leaky about it?
ReplyDeleteJoe Namath pantyhose commercial
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23dBG27gnuU
pia - you are a star! Thanks very much :D
ReplyDeleteOMG WDW! Broadway Joe is the only reason I watched football...that plus I live here. Ooh that man was so gorgeous and hot, and sexy.
ReplyDeleteJake would rock him, his charm, good looks, athleticism and his zany personality......Man if this happens I'll just roll over and die happy.
*sass melts*
Welcome back WDW! I'm still recovering from the thought of "shirtless and sweaty" Jake and you go and post those yummy pics of him looking...well, shirtless and sweaty and just so goddamn hot and sexy I'm worried my screen's gonig to burst into flames!!! Like you, I know nothing about American football and had never heard of "Broadway Joe" before (thanks for the info guys, the things you learn on here!) but he sounds like a slightly off-the-wall character that Jake could play really well. To be honest, I don't care who he plays next as long as we get news that he's doing SOMETHING film-wise afrer Rendition.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I have to disagree slightly with you about David Beckham. There was another Man Utd number 7 who was football's first pop star before Becks was even born (and he was a damn sight more talented,interesting, and charismatic imo):George Best. I think Jake would be a brilliant choice to play Best. He's got the dark hair, the twinkling blue eyes, and I'm sure he could do a Northern Irish accent if he put his mind to it. I 've got to admit I wouldn't be overly happy to see Jake in a Man Utd shirt, but I could live with it, I suppose;)
Welcome back WDW -- and thanks for the usual wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Zooey! I would love to see Zooey and Jake do a zany romantic comedy in the Katherine Hepburn/Cary Grant tradition. They would be hilarious and adorable!
Joe was originally from the south, Alabama, I think. His name was Joe Willie Namath and he morphed into Broadway Joe. He was a charming, engaging character off the field and thoroughly loved by many people. Very popular. I remember him in the panty hose commercial gag. He would have been amopng the first to fall out of his chair laughing at Jake's Dreamgirls skit on SNL. Joe was a very colorful character. Fun, sweet and very bright.
ReplyDeleteZooey Deschanel is delightful. I've looked her up on YouTube bcz she has an amazing singing voice. Loved her rendition of "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Will Ferrell in "Elf." She and Jake need to work together again.
Just watched Joe Namath do a musical number on UTube - can definitely see a vehicle for Jake -maybe there's somebody out there clever enuff to pull off a terrific screen play.
ReplyDeleteJoe was originally from the south, Alabama, I think. His name was Joe Willie Namath and he morphed into Broadway Joe.
ReplyDeleteJoseph William Namath was from that part of Pennsylvania that bore some of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game - western Pennsylvania by Pittsburgh. Joe Montana and Dan Marino are also from that same area. There are several others but I can't remember them off the top of my head.
It would be a kick to see Jake take on Joe. :-)
He was also called Broadway Joe because he had at least once quipped "Where there's a broad, there's a way.":D
ReplyDeleteWhooops! He went to the University of ALabama and played under coach Bear Bryant. I knew there was an Alabama connection, but yes, he was born in Pennsylvania, not ALA.!
ReplyDeleteLove the title of his autobiography, "I Can't Wait Until Tomorrow, Because I Get Better Lookin' Every Day!" LOL!!!I think Jake would be a delight in this role, if there is any truth to it.
Before he was "Broadway Joe" of the New York Jets, His Alabama teammates did call him Joe Willie Namath.
I think those baseball Jake pics have made my brain all fuzzy, so I cannot guarantee the clarity of this post.
ReplyDeleteI doubt the Joe Namath movie will happen, but I can actually see Jake in this role. I'm ready to see him in a lighter, wittier, sexier movie. I think he is one of those rare actors that has a huge range...... just my humble opinion, but I'd like to see him move on from the serious/nerdy/geek character. I think he has so much more to show us.....
Morning everyone - couldn't sleep what with all the Jake dreams!
ReplyDeleteI have to thank everyone, especially Bobbyanna, Cyn, pia and Jets fan for all this information and buzz about a man that until yesterday I'd never heard of. Now he is full of colour for me and I would love to see Jake in this or a similar role.
Sass! Ooh that man was so gorgeous and hot, and sexy.
Jake would rock him, his charm, good looks, athleticism and his zany personality......Man if this happens I'll just roll over and die happy. - Your comment really makes me want this to work out!
Hi Twisted Logic - I agree that just hearing anything definite about a new film project would be wnderful right now. But I remember how quickly the whole Rendition thing came about - fingers crossed for that again.
How could I have forgotten George Best with those mischievous eyes. But with him I just tend to think of the bad old days as I wasn't around for the glory times. I wouldn't mind hearing Jake do an Irish accent... ;D
Hi Beckela - I'd love to see Jake do a zany comedy like that - I really want to see him have some fun and I bet his timing would be impeccable.
Hey Birdie - I'm ready to see him in a lighter, wittier, sexier movie. I think he is one of those rare actors that has a huge range...... just my humble opinion, but I'd like to see him move on from the serious/nerdy/geek character. I think he has so much more to show us..... - I couldn't agree more, I really do think it's time for Jake to move on from nerdy roles - there is so much more to him than that.
I'm going to have some appy times exploring YouTube - for Joe and Zooey - thanks Pia and Bobbyanna
^^ when I say 'appy', I think I mean 'happy'....
ReplyDelete*trying to imagine Jake playing George Best*
ReplyDeleteHmm, that didn't work for me :D
ReplyDeleteThis Joe guy looks like a lot of fun - and he looks a bit like Jake, at least in the prettier pictures - BUT I am concerned about where his story goes ... Jake has done a couple of films know with less conventional structures (Jarhead, Zodiac) and I'd quite like to see him in something more (whisper it) mainstream, to the extent it has a defined beginning, middle and end -preferably *without* mainstream cheeziness and obligatory 20 minutes of FX padding. I'm not fussy, am I :)
Ooh, I love Zooey, and Emily, Deschanel.
ReplyDeleteHey the Anouska Triplets! This Joe does look fun but as you say, where would the story end? Biopics do kind of end in rehab, in dire need of rehab or death.
ReplyDeleteMy main criteria for the next Jake movie is that he's in every scene (and he runs around a bit, gets wet, and doesn't die). I am older than 14, honestly....
Ah, all bios end in death, pic or no.
ReplyDeleteRehab is to be avoided, frankly it won't even be an earner for much longer, it's getting so common.
Sorry to see you had a problem with root veg. over the weekend, WDW.
Beckham is the exception I suppose, he did stand out and the glory days of the early 90s were wonderful - but he left us ;D
ReplyDeleteYou want him back? Please?
I agree, while there is probably nothing to this rumor, it would be heavenly to see Jake in a role like Joe Namath. He needs a stretch, and a chance to show off his comedic range.
Hey WDW! I just feel the need to clarify that I'm not old enough to remember the glory days of George Best either, just what I've seen on old TV footage. I think Jake would be able to play him in the latter stages of his life too, he did a great job as an older Jack Twist (I know it's not quite the same but still).
ReplyDeleteMy main criteria for the next Jake movie is that he's in every scene (and he runs around a bit, gets wet, and doesn't die).
Now that we definitely DO agree on!
Chuck in a few shirtless and sweaty scenes and an Irish accent, or Jake speaking in his normal accent in Italian or French or Spanish and my mental age goes down to about 12!
In other news, my dvd player is now multi-region!Yay!! So I've chucked all my principles out the window and ordered the US dvd of Zodiac. I'm justifying it to myself on the grounds that I never saw it in the cinema so I'm only spending the money I saved on that and not actually being exploited by the studio;) It probably won't arrive before I go on holiday next week though, but it should be the perfect way to beat the post-holiday blues when I get back :D
I'm no expert so I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong but as far as I know, Joe Nameth is still alive. I don't recall him having any major substance abuse problems. And some Bio's just focus on the glory days and don't even feel the need to tell what happened in later years. I still hope this is one rumor that turns out to be true!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am another one that caved in and bought the Zodiac DVD. My excuse is that by the time I would have rented it three times, I would have paid for it anyway. And besides, this is the theatrical release - different from the one to be released later. So I feel I must have both. Right?
I'm just glad Jake's name is being floated about for anything at all!!!! It's been more than a month since we've seen a single picture and the rumors of future projects are few and far between! If they announce Jake for a role in a film tomorrow we wouldn't even see it until sometime next year...if we're lucky. I know I sound like a huge drama queen saying he is conspicuously absent and the silence is deafening, but not only do I miss him...I'm scared he might just want to disappear....but he wouldn't do that! It's strange there hasn't been one single sighting. Not one. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he were out of the country saving polar bears. Or something.
ReplyDeleteJoe Namath is very much alive (aged 64). Wiki mentions champagne and hedonism rather than rehab ;)
ReplyDeleteI undersand what you are saying Anon, but let's not forget though what a busy man Jake has been of late.
ReplyDeleteThree movies out in 2005, the first part of 2006 doing interviews and award shows for BBM and filming Zodiac, which must have been exhausting doing a gazillion takes! Then two movies out in 2007, with associate interviews and other publicity, recording commentaries for DVD extras etc.
Then being papped a lot during off-duty times.
I'm not suprised he wants to take the summer off.
Then there'll be negotiations and auditions and whatever else an actor goes through to get the roles. Who knows how many of those he does for each role he is successful at getting. I'm kind of glad we aren't seeing him at the moment. Boy needs his rest. :)
Having said all that - I bet it's a better life than the nine-to-five-ish us regular folk have!!
And, playing devil's advocate as I do love to do...... maybe he has a new romance that is taking up his time!! ;D
Hi Anouska the persistent!
ReplyDeleteChampagne and hedonism Jake can do I'm sure! I like the sound of this project more and more.
Hey Ruby! Part of me is glad too that we haven't seen Jake lately. It makes me feel less guilty about looking at the pap pics, knowing that he can avoid them sometimes if he wants to. And he's going to have to re-surface soon anyway, for Rendition promotion, and I bet when he does he'll be looking even hotter and sexier than ever thanks to having a long relaxing break:D
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I wish he would put in an appearance somewhere before next week cos I do miss him and would love to see some new pics or news of him before I go on holiday cos I don't know how much internet access I'll have and I don't want spend the whole time wondering if he's back yet!
Despite feeling like a sand castle washed away by an incoming wave each time I think about the man, I am convinced Jake will continue to make brilliant career choices amd pursue solid relationships.
ReplyDeleteMy hope as well, pia.
ReplyDeleteThis Namath bio-pic is utterly beneath Jake, just like the proposed Armstrong bio-pic. Jake is a brilliant, Oscar-nominated actor. He has bigger fish to fry. Let McConnaughey play Namath; he's used to playing empty-headed jocks anyway.
ReplyDeleteI dunno. Heath Ledger with his astonishing performance in BBMt is now playing in a batman film. Maggie doing underwear promotion.
ReplyDeleteBoth fine actors. Jake has comic gifts, also a singing range.
The interesting thing about Namath - and I would rather see a fic pic than a bio pic - is that his life illustrates the worrisome shift to celebrity culture as well as the interesting morph of the male into more fluid gender identification.
The angle that bothers me, a bit, is wondering how Jake's SNL drag act influences new role offers. Im sure Jake and Co. can sort this stuff out.
Hi everbody - oh you've all been so busy and I'm late for the chat again - enjoying two days of freedom before I start a new job :(
ReplyDeleteHi Cherita - love your avatar :D As for us taking David Beckham back? NOOOOOO!!!! Is that clear enough. Well, it's not Becks I object to quite as much as .....
Hey Twisted Logic - I want Jake to do all these rewarding and landmark roles but in my dizzy moments (a side-effect of Gyllenhaalism) I realise I'd be OK with him reading a shopping list for two hours.... I am, therefore, grateful to Jake for doing such good roles. Zodiac was such a good film I enjoyed those scenes which had no Jake in them at all.
I don't blame you for buying the DVD - as I have done. If you want to have the theatrical release then it's on this DVD. It'll bide me over... I hope it arrives before your holiday, but if not a treat to come back to.
We'll miss you while you're away :(
Hi Dani - I'm with you with the DVD. I would be unable to walk past it in the shops, despite that cover. I wonder if it'll have the same cover when it's release in Europe?
As Anouska the Stickler wisely informs us all, Joe had a bit of a thing for amber nectar - that reminds me, time for a Corona ;D
Hi Anon 15:09 - I sympathis, I really do. I miss Jake too, as we probably all do, but as Twisted Logic says, Jake is an expert at avoiding paps when he wants to and it definitely means that I feel less guilty too for enjoying pictures when he does resurface. I'll be so happy to see him when he does emerge, I could frame those pics! I do like the idea of Jake saving penguins, sorry polar bears....
Ruby - you're right, our Jake's been a busy boy and I suspect there are lots of things going on behind the scenes re 'the next project' - scripts to read, auditions etc. I'd be surprised if he's spending all this time in MV.
I most certainly agree with you that Jake's lot is probably much easier than our's....
You stirrer, you. A holiday romance perhaps?
Positively pia - Despite feeling like a sand castle washed away by an incoming wave each time I think about the man, I am convinced Jake will continue to make brilliant career choices amd pursue solid relationships. what a great thing to say! I feel like that sandcastle too and yet we all want what's best for Jake.
Hi Anon 17:33 - this isn't the first time I've heard Matt's name in connection with Joe. When I was looking around last night, one site did compare the two - particularly because both liked taking their shirts off :D Hmmmm. I'm glad the other biopic never came to fruitition but I do think this may be more interesting. However, at the moment, it's just another of those rumours which is so interesting to discuss.
Hi pia - I wonder if there's such a thing as being TOO talented? Jake must be having to face some difficult choices now that he's known for being such an all round great actor. I imagine that he's being offered everything going for leading males of his generation. I'm not surprised he and his people need time to wade through it all. My instinct tells me this particular idea could be interesting but, as ever, it would depend on the script.
ReplyDeleteJake is so talented, he's probably swamped with offers! It's a matter of him making decisions on what to do and where to go next. And he appears to be very deliberate. He takes his time. But I have to agree that it does seem strange that aside from someone mentioning seeing him on his mother's front porch in MV a while ago, not one single mention of anyone even seeing him anywhere!
ReplyDeleteMaybe Jake really is "away": polar bears, penguins, pretty girls, etc. Actually, if he were trying to nurture a relationship with a special someone, I think he'd want to disappear and not be followed everywhere by paps. As would she.
Hi Bobbyanna - maybe Jake is actually moving amongst us with fake (hopefully) beard and tache and a mysterious accent. To be honest, I think he could be anywhere. Wherever, I think he's probably enjoying himself and hopefully getting right back into that work ethic ;D
ReplyDeleteIt is hust a rumour but this guy Joe sounds like an interesting person to play. And as a football player and a “heartthrob” he is a guys guy. And IMO Jake needs to play such a guy soon.
ReplyDeleteI know that most people here will disagree but I don´t think that Jake is “offered everything going for leading males of his generation” or “swamped with offers” For example and when I am informed correctly he wanted the role of Spiderman and didn´t get it. And we all remember the comment of James Cameron when he gave the main role in “Avatar” to a complete unknown actor. Something like “we need real men”....and he mentioned Jake among others, whom he described as too soft. Cameron is an idiot but an influental idiot in Hollywood...-:((
From what I have read (old articles and interviews) “Jarhead” was expected to be Jakes “breakthrough” role- a kind of tough guy, but instead he became famous with BBM and a complete different fanbase.. And the next roles in Proof and ZODIAC were “nerdy” characters..
Heath did an excellent choice with “The Joker”. Next year the “average” filmgoer will know him as the guy who kicked ass in “Dark Knight”. And then he can choose between the little artsy films like “Candy” or “I am not there” and the interesting roles with good scripts in blockbusters. There is a reason that an excellent actor like Edward Norton suddenly plays the lead role in “Hulk”....
I love nearly all all of Jakes movies and his characters but if he wants to be a leading man in Hollywood his roles should slightly change a bit, I hope the Douglas Freeman character goes into that direction.
BTW I am sure that Jake and his people are also aware of this - perhaps one reason why he is waiting for the right script and takes his time to choose his next role.
Hi Carla - that's an interesting comment - suggesting (and forgive me if I'm wrong) that Jake's career might not have taken of the way his 'people' intended in the wake of Jarhead. In the past, we know that Jake was turned down for Spider-man and Superman - the latter a couple of years ago. I do believe that now Jake will be considered for many coming roles and, of course, it's impossible that he would be suited for all and he may audition or read for roles which are entirely unsuited but in order to get a feel for a director/project/writer etc. Or - I don't know - maybe he's told to.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree that Rendition could be the next chance for Jake to break free of this geeky, shy shadow and become more of a ero figure that larger audiences can empathise with. Jake's leading man potential is plainly obvious when he's out at special evens - he just oozes charisma and movie stardom. It's just getting the chance to translate that on the big screen. The tiny little glimpses we're getting of Rendition suggest we may be in luck.
As always, now all we can do is wait. :D
Actually Bobbyanna, the sitting on the porch in MV was one of several sightings of Jake in MV. There was a blog sighting of Jake and his Mom on the 4th, someone on IHJ saw them around the same time and the porch sighting was later on in the week and was reported in the NY Post. Also, if you can believe IMDB a sighting on MV the following week and a supposed sighting in NY a week later. I can believe all the MV sightings which are pap free, but NY? He would have to avoid his usual places, if he is then good for him!
ReplyDeleteHi Anon 20:03 - and I heard Jake was spotted in LA with an actress sitting on his knee so it seems to me Jake could be flipping anywhere :D
ReplyDeletePia, I can't thank you enough. The Broadway Joe YouTube you posted brought back so many memories. I usually take 5 years off my age for good behavior, but I couldn't do that with you guys. *grin*
ReplyDeleteI think Matthew M. is an OK actor, but he has neither Jake's talent, nor his range as an actor, period. Plus, well, I got nothing against him or his chest, but he's all ways taking his shirt off. I know that's what he does, but I can't take him seriously, not the way I take Jake G., Heath L., Leo D., Terence H., Denzel W., Russell C., George C., or Robert D. Jr.
I bought the Zodiac for some of the same reasons mentioned in earlier posts; I probably would have paid more, than the $16.95 +tax I paid for it at Best Buy, if I had rented it at $4.00+ per rental, because I know I'd have to rent it more than once.
I was born and raised partly in this cwazy place and can imagine hundreds of places Jake could hang. He did say once in a interview that he sees Heath...all the time. I'm not sure he said all the time, but he did say the paps don't know where to look.
I know I'm no way near famous, but if he can get around here the way I can, and I know he can, he can stay off the radar as long as wants. We have paps here but the general attitude of most New Yorkers towards celebs of his stature, is live and let live.
I can't imagine trailing him on the street or trying to talk to him if I did see him. Hell, I'd probably just faint:)
xoxoxo
sass
"Jake's leading man potential is plainly obvious when he's out at special evens - he just oozes charisma and movie stardom. It's just getting the chance to translate that on the big screen"
ReplyDeleteYes, I completly agree here! And it really looks like the role of Douglas F. could be an excellent start....
Hey Sass - thanks for your comment. I do think that in big cities such as New York or London it's easier not to be noticed - or ignored. London's certainly like that. Mind you, I saw Leo DiCaprio in Beverly Hills and everyone was 'ignoring' him - as did I.
ReplyDeleteHi Carla - bring on Douglas, that's what I say!
All this talk about "breakout roles" made me think. I believe Jake's had plenty of opportunities in the past three years for so-called leading man, breakout roles. I really do think he has been swamped with scripts. But I think the quality of the scripts, and the types of storylines have put him off. He seems to have been on a quest to bring a fresh perspective and find something unique in the films he chooses. And while he might not even be on the table for discussion with some roles, I think when he finds something that interests him, he'll go after it whether he's been offered or not!
ReplyDeleteWith Spiderman, I think Jake's name came up when Toby injured himself.There was speculation he might not be able to do Spiderman II. Could be wrong. Don't forget, Toby is five years older than Jake. He'd already done Cider House Rules, and worked with Ang Lee twice, before he ever did Spiderman. During the time Spiderman was being done, Jake was working on Moonlight Mile, Good Girl, Highway, and just before that Donnie Darko. Jake was on a different track.Your comment about Edward Norton really hit a nerve. It reminded me of what Maggie said about the difficulties in getting Sherry Baby seen. I'll paraphrase, but she said: 'What good is it to make these lovely little gems if no one can ever see them.' Norton recently had a film he'd worked very hard on that he was promoting himself bcz there was no distributor for it. I think with movies like Hulk and Spiderman, etc. the really good actors (and directors)look for some thing unique in either the story or the character that elevates the film into something provocative, to make it more than a lot of explosions a special effects. Chris Nolan is doing that with Batman. I think that's the only reason why Heath got involved, and Maggie too for that matter. When you look like Jake,it would be very easy to get typecast as the sexy, "hot hunk" type guy. I think he deliberately resists that...sigh...just ONCE in a while, I wish he wouldn't! LOLOL!
You can scoot around the Vineyard under the radar, too: the Chilmark beach is for residents only and well monitored. as well as alot of private beachfront.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Jake could play the Scarlet Pimpernel - ? - 1934 - Leslie Howard plays Sir Percy Blakeney, 18th century English effete aristocrat, who is in reality part of an underground effort to free French nobles from Robespierre's Reign of Terror. etcetcetc.
"They seek him here, they seek him there, / Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. / Is he in heaven? Or is he in hell? / That damned elusive Pimpernel!"
Scarlet Pimpernel is a charming wild flower, very tiny, common on MV and Nantucket, opens only in the sun, and since there's lots of fog on the islands. . . .
Sorry to ramble, but o gosh, what to do? "There's no you. . . ."
Hey Bobbyanna - that's very interesting - I definitely think that if he sets his mind on it, he'll go after that role he wants - this is the subject of my new post as it's really interested me - what directors want and what actors want. How do the two come together?
ReplyDeleteI think Spiderman was soemthing of the moment as you say - Jake was going out with Kirsten, Tobey was injured/playing hard to get. And as you say, Jake hadn't yet reached this happy stage in his career. In Rendition Jake will show yet another side and it's going to be fabulous!
Hi Pia what a lovely image of Jake as the Scarlet Pimpernel, I can see him in the leather boots, white flowing shirt and cloak, rescuing the aristos and waving his sword around ;D Sigh. Thanks for that!!
Well I have to say I love a good swashbuckler! Shame the Count of Monte Cristo has been done recently. I love that story.
ReplyDeleteHey Ruby How much do I want to see Jake in a swashbuckler?? I still have my Indiana Jones dream.
ReplyDeleteI love reading these discussions! Thanks all of you. I don't have much to add really(but when has that ever stopped me?) Personally I have no wish to see Jake in a super hero movie, it's just not my thing.And I don't want to see that beautiful face covered by a mask! But of course my taste is irrelevant to what Jake wants to do or what he or his people consider right for his carrer, so if he did one of those films I'd go to see it no question. And I'd buy the dvd even if I hated it.But for now if Jake continues to make films that appeal to me and that I enjoy anyway then that's just perfect for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd btw, I'd have no objections to either swashbuckling Jake or Indiana Jake either!
Hi Twisted Logic - I was wondering about this very subject just yesterday as I realised just how much I adored Zodiac - do I love these films just because Jake's in them or do I love Jake because he makes these films? It's an interesting thought. The vast majority of times, I think the latter is true.
ReplyDeleteHi WDW! It's another chicken and egg question isn't it? But that's why we love Jake (and why I love this site)- cos he's so complex both as a man and as an artist. It's no wonder he's described as "the thinking woman's movie star" cos he sure does make us think about a lot! Not that my thoughts about him make much sense or have any kind of depth, but I sure enjoy thinking them ;D And I love reading other people's thoughts here too:)
ReplyDeletehey Twisted Logic - I love hearing everyone else's thoughts here too - Jake just makes me think! He's good for the brain as well as the heart (and eyes) ;D Sometimes it's difficult for me to make sense of what I'm thinking but it is a lot of fun to be able to think aloud here with everyone :D
ReplyDeleteAccording to someone who has seen a Rendition previewer, Jake's characeter Douglas is no Robert Graysmith - there's a 'make-out scene, not full on sex scene...it's like the second or third scene in the movie. Jake wakes up, shirtless and sweaty, goes to find his hot woman (I honestly don't remember if she even had a name? Regardless, she's Moroccan and really hot) who has just gotten out of the shower, and is wearing just a towel. They exchange some sort of pleasantries, then he pulls her against him, up against the bathroom door. They start kissing, and he runs his hand up under her towel just under her ass, lifting her thigh up and just barely around him, and they make out.'
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so hot, it's like a supernova. How long do we have to wait for Rendition? A great, thought-provoking story, and a little bit of yummy too. The shirtless baseball pics are some of my very favorites too. Jake playing an icon of sexy, Joe Namath . . . I like.
Sorry I don't have anything more profound to say at this very moment. :P
Hi Marina - the description of that scene certainly robbed me of my words and just made me long and long for October - and to find out what's next for Jake...
ReplyDelete