Shooting by Warner Brothers is set to start in 2008 and the word is that they're after big names, and one of them is Jake. Other names linked to the colourful project - with very little evidence it seems to me - are Lawrence Fishbourne, Leo DiCaprio, Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johanssen and Mel Gibson. These days, if Jake wants a role, he just has to keep an eye on the internet and see what's being offered to him.
So what does Jake look for in a role? Here's an old quote from the dim and distant days of Donnie Darko. 'The truth is most of the films that make a lot of money no one remembers, and I'm not interested in making films that no one remembers. Whether it means they hated it so much they'll never forget it, or if it means they loved it so much that they won't. I'm less interested also in how it affects a career. The advice I've been given by a lot of people is: don't jump in too fast, do the things that you care about, and see what happens then.' Reading the rest of that interview, I would like to point out to Jake that I remember the 80s very well and I never heard anyone say 'rad'. It is interesting, this suggestion that Jake, at least then, didn't judge a project for what it would mean for the development of a career.
Curiously, in an article today about Broadway, successful director Lonny Price referred to Jake's hoped for role in Ferragut North. Lonny was asked if he approved of the boy band members and Hollywood names who toy with the stage. However, Lonny does not put Jake in this group: 'Jake Gyllenhaal's a wonderful actor, and I wish him well. The only time I think the Broadway community frowns is when it's just a name to be a name, and they're not skilled and not right for the role. And then that feels kind of cheap. I think movie stars are great. The more that want to come be on Broadway, that's just swell with me.'
Ang's cautionary tale
Ang Lee's Lust, Caution premieres on the same night as Rendition in Toronto (7th September) and this week Ang discussed the film in the New York Times, making comparison with his experience of Brokeback Mountain. Ang seems to suffer during the making of his films and, for Lust, Caution, he says he feared he was going insane. This film explores a whole different side to love, its dark and suspicious side. "Brokeback is about a lost paradise, an Eden. But this one — it’s down in the cave, a scary place. It’s more like hell." But like Brokeback, once Ang had read the story, he couldn't get it out of his head. '"At first I thought there’s no way I can make it a movie,” he said. But he couldn’t stop thinking about it. “There’s a point where I feel this is my story. It becomes a mission.”'
Rufus in Oz
Ang's not the only one to look back on his involvement with Brokeback Mountain. WDW favourite Rufus Wainwright is taking his tour to Australia in early 2008 - after his return to the UK for more dates at the close of 2007 - and the Australian press asked Rufus about the stars who have closed Between My Legs. One gets a special mention: "Jake is gorgeous," Wainwright says. "My boyfriend was very nervous. But we're still together. It was all above the belt." And of singing on the Brokeback soundtrack: "It was an important film. It's always good to screw up the mainstream. I think my job is to partly to screw up the mainstream and let the mainstream screw me. It's give and take." It's good to hear that a CD and DVD of one of the NYC shows is shortly to be released - I suppose it would be too much to hope...
And finally...
Maggie was in Chicago last week for some major public scenes for The Dark Knight - which caused not a little disturbance in the city by all accounts. But next Thursday morning, Maggie (and Hilary Swank) is scheduled to attend the Miss Sixty show for New York Fashion Week. Apparently the show has claimed a 10 am slot - the early hour could be a good thing if Maggie intends to hightail it over to Toronto in time to support her fiance Peter and brother Jake on Friday night.
Includes pictures from Psychologies magazine and IHJ.
40 comments:
Another bit about JLA which says Maggie ha been approached a well.
http://www.movieweb.com/news/05/22405.php
Hi Anon - thanks for that! At this rate it'll be easier to list the names of stars they DON'T want to be in it :)
Interesting idea, the JLA film. It will probably get made eventually, but I can't see huge amounts of money for lots of A-listers. Leo? Jake? etc.On one hand it would be cool of Brandon Routh and Toby Maguire and Christian Bale all agreed to do it supplemented by Jake and Leo, but that is SO unlikely.They may do what I call a "Fantastic Four" kind of casting. The actors weren't all really well known or expensive.
I've been lurking around the DCForum a bit and it was mentioned by Adrian the Canadian mod, that Jake's face has been all over TV as part of the promo for the film festival! And there is lots of chatter on the internet about I'm Not There and Cate Blanchett playing Dylan.Heath, Christian Bale and Richard Gere are also in it, but that's besides the point. I know.Cate is also premiere screening Elizabeth. Wonder if Clive Owen will be in town???
Let's see. Clive, Christian, George, Brad, Colin Farrell, Heath. and Jake.And it's Jake they're headlining on the TIFF commercials. Yeah. That seems fair, actually. (smile.)
One thing. I know Jake might be getting ready for Broadway and he did say he was taking the summer off, but.... I am starting to get nervous. Once Rendition is launched, there is nothing in the hopper. Nada. That really is starting to bother me. I know he takes his time and he's choosey, and so forth. But still.... this scares me a little bit.
Justice League of America? Sounds like a law office! ;)
And WDW - are you trying to kill us with pictures of Jake in all his Spandex glory? I really do try to show some restraint, but this is really testing me. He's the male body beautiful.
I like his approach to his roles, making films that make such an impression on viewers, they never will forget them, and also doing what makes him happy, without regard to making $$$. Brokeback Mountain, Donnie Darko, Zodiac. Rendition will be the same I am sure.
I started the Charlie Rose interview with Ang Lee, and I was just enthralled with Ang's thoughts and comments about the making of Brokeback Mountain. I'll have to finish it up tonight. :)
Hi Bobbyanna - this sounds like way too big a budget. But I just like to see Jake's name bandied about because, like you, I have some concern that a film project hasn't been lined up yet - that we know of anyway. I remember how fast Rendition came to fruition and who knows what the next 6 months will bring. So fingers crossed...
I heard that too about Jake's face being the promotion for TIFF. So there are other actors going to? I seem to have missed all that... ;) Only kidding - quite a lineup. I wouldn't mind seeing some of these commercials.
Jake did say he was taking the summer off - hopefully that means he's ready to get back to work, spurred on by the excitement and adoration of TIFF!
Hi Marina - sorry about the Spandex Jake pics. They went down so well last time I thought we were due a couple more. I love Spandex Jake and they're one of the main reason for doing a superhero post - mind you, Jake could be the villain ;)
Enjoy the Charlie Rose interview - especially as it will probably disappear from YouTube again.
Tell you what, Bobbyanna, Ive stopped worrying about Jake after SNL when I wondered how he was going to top Justin Timberlake. Silly me.
And I guess Rufus W (nothing below the belt) is in the same boat as the rest of us, haha.
As for the B'way venture, it interested me that a director was ambivalent about H'wood "stars" on Bway. Nearby to me is the Williamstown Theatre: many tv and film actors summer in this area, and so the summer theatre features these folks, but the direction, in my mind, has always been poor, and I don't subscribe to this theatre, for that reason. Wonder: what is the problem here? Some of you Im sure understand this better than myself.
Ah so much news of those I love including Chicago, that toddlin' town!
"On state street, that great street, I just wanna say,
They do things they dont do on broadway.. "
Just to think of Maggie and Heath working in a city I love makes my heart go thump thump thump!
And as for Ang - I have fallen head over heals for that man - !
head over HEELS -
My first thought when I read this post was "Oh no, not another super-hero rumour" but after reading Bobbyanna's comment, I'm thinking that at least that would be better than nothing. It IS a bit worrying that he doesn't have anything lined up. And if he's doing the Broadway play early next year, that means that even if he signed for another movie tomorrow, we probabky wouldn't get to see it until late 2008 at the earliest. Damn! I'm feeling really depressed now:(
It looks like our only chance of seeing Jake on screen anywhere post Rendition is Rufus Wainwright's DVD. If Rufus's record company marketing department have any sense, it will be the one with Jake cos it will probably sell a few more copies than it would otherwise;)
Btw, WDW, I don't remember anyone saying "rad" in the 80s, or "duh" which is actually in the movie!
Hi Pia,
I forgot to say that I agree with Rufus' assessment totally! ;)
A Rufus CD and DVD of "that night" would be so great. Got my fingers crossed. I don't know about the Justice League movie but I have to say - you don't need an excuse to post Spandex Jake pics. They are always appreciated. :-)
If I could make a few comments about yesterday (it took me awhile to catch up) - Thank you WDW and also to Carla, for the "emergency poster post". Love that! I pictured you racing here in an EJS van (Emergency Jake Services) with siren blaring and lights flashing. *LOL* I'm crazy about Jake at every stage of his movie career, but I love the so grown-up look of him now.
Thanks to bobbyanna for the film book suggestions. As a lifelong movie nut, I love the behind-the-scenes info, and want to learn more about the film industry. And good luck at the Toronto FF (also to anyone else who is going).
Positively Pia - thanks so much for that post full of love - for Jake, for Maggie, for Heath, for Ang, for a whole city :) You've made me feel pretty good with all that love.
I've never been to Chicago - just its airport like most people - but it's one of the places I really want to go to. I know what you mean - how I love London town and whenever I see pics of Jake there I feel so happe - and of course seeing Jake there too has made parts of the city so special I get tears when I walk past them.
I've seen more than my fair share of big stars on the stage in London but in the UK some of the movie stars are equally stars of the stage - such as Ian McKellern, Derek Jacobi, Daniel Day Lewis, Vanessa Redgrave, Michael Gambon, Anthony Hopkins etc - and now maybe Orlando Bloom. American theatre is a complete mystery to me. But when I see Shakespeare, Marlow or a Restoration drama, it does add some sparkle to have a star in front of me. As you can see from the list - I'm a traditionalist in terms of a good play (although I did get a taste for Chekov once - saw Maggie Smith and Gambon in one play as I recall, Three Sisters??).
Hi Twisted Logic - it would be good if they pick that NYC performance for Rufus' CD - would surely make sense. I'd love to have a record of the show anyway as I had such a good time myself, albeit Jakeless.
I'm going to try and think happy thoughts and imagine there will be a film out in 2008. Jake will only be 27 - he's a spring chicken - surely a summer off will do ;)
Welcome Neely! Thanks for commenting :D
Always glad to meet a fellow afficianado of the Spandexed Jake. I'm glad you liked the emergency poster posts - it was a close run thing but we got there in the end. I do like the EJS! (Although that puts an image in my head of Jake in a fireman's outfit.....better stop that straight away).
It's good to welcome another movie nut as I know so little and expect you all to educate me :)
Y'know, I think Jake could have had a career like Chris Walken, one of my favorites. Jake's adaptable face, physical skills, singing voice, comedic talents, etc. - are a natural for the CW trajectory - plus the intelligence and focus of CW.
But Jake grew up gorgeous. The camera fell in love with him. J fell in love with the canera, Did he? I dunno. But it seems to me Jake's choice is more complex.
Fascinating!
Hey Positively Pia! - I'm going to disagree with you (a rare thing indeed) on Chris Walken - he gives me the heebiejeebies. I appreciate he's a fine actor and I've enjoyed several of his films, but I feel no empathy for him.
It is fascinating what you say about Jake's career being altered because he's a beauty - that must have an effect on how directors cast him. He must be such a temptation for directors and producers - beautiful, intelligent, physically powerful and a great actor to boot. Who wouldn't want him for their leading man? I hope this becomes as clear as day to all when Rendition bursts onto the screen.
I also agree that Jake loves the camera too - how could he not when it loves him so much?
Jake keeps saying that he is still searching. I think this probably applies to his future in films as well as his personal life trajectory. Doncha think that as a kind of dorky looking kid with bad eyesight, yet helped, I assume, by friends and parents, into "leading kid" roles - that he's assumed to be "leading man" material - but - I quietly suggest - maybe that's not his strength.
Just a suggestion, I have no idea!
But now that he is in demand "get us Jake Gyllenhaal!" - seems to me that his choice of fine directors and experinced co-actors is right on the button! Just yearnin, still learnin'
Whatcha think?
And Im still yearnin' just learnin' myself.
Hey positively pia - that's quite a transition isn't it, dorky kid with bad eyesight (I was one of those too, I empathise) to leading man. Although I think Jake was supposed to have been quite a dominating and charismatic individual at school. I see what you mean that maybe the leading man role isn't everything for Jake, but I think he'll make a stunning leading man, not least because he could change our perception of what that is. I don't want Jake to be a character actor (not for a long time anyway) - I want him to make the film his and use the film to develop. It could be so exciting :)
Yes WDW Jake apparently had a leadership role in his school life - and he is Our Leading Man, for sure - and I like what you say, that he might re-define the role of leading man.
One thing I like about Chris Walken, he says "it's all about words" (I saw him do Chekov, in NYC, he was brilliant) And Jake is a reader and I suspect a writer, with interest, apparently, in direction, too, from his comments and, of course, his family heritance. He seems to be soaking it all up.
He may need to go off and cobble hoes in the wildereness for ten years, like Daniel-Day Lewis Whatever. In the meantime, there's Toronto! Im all ears!
Thanks for the welcome, WDW.
That image of Jake in a fireman's outfit - it's OK, go there...go there. *LOL* I'm already learning a lot here. I love the lively discussions. It all moves pretty fast, but that's a good thing.
Hey Positivel Pia - I like the idea of Jake as a reader and writer soaking it all up. In GQ they said he kept a journal. I can just imagine it.
Neely My pleasure - I'm just so pleased you commented. I'm learning here all the time too, and, as I keep saying, it's hard to go off topic as Jake leads us where he will. I like the pace too :) I'm really glad you're here to join in :D
Oh yes, forgot to say Neely - I am liking that image... Almost enough for me to want to see Jake in another big disaster epic ;)
In my opinion, he's the most leading of leading men I've seen in quite some time. He got everything - that classic romantic leading man quality, with a little bit of an independent streak, unpretentious, smart and aware. He's quite a powerful combination. I could see him playing just about any character well, and I'd truly love to see him do theater. :)
Oops!!! "nother Book Alert. All this theatre talk made me remember a book about New York and theatre and one man's impact that is absolutely a-MA-zing. It will give you a wonderful perspective on a very important period that's had a lasting impact. And also, from a cultural perspective, especially for those of you NOT in the U.S., it will tell you a story well worth knowing. Suffice to say,if it weren't for this one man, we'd have very little in the way of either original modern or classic theatre to point to with any sense of accomplishment.Joseph Papp is a major historical figure in American theatre.He was a very progressive political activist and it was that framework that inspired his impulse to make the performing arts available and accessible to the average working person. He founded The Public Theatre. The name of the book is Joe Papp: An American Life, written by Helen Epstein. A wonderful, uplifting story and a must read for anyone interested at all in theatre.Joseph Papp discovered and helped train, did train, actually, Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Kevin Kline, Denzel Washington and so many others. And the plays he developed and produced include A Chorus Line Hair, Streamers, The Normal Heart and many more. He was an innovator who didn't flinch from casting and producing plays and playwrights that dealt with all kinds of subject matter previously taboo on Broadway. He resurrected a theatre scene that had become stagnant and crassly commercial and breathed intelligent life into it again. OK. I'm done.(smile.)
I'm smiling too Bobbyanna and the reason it I've just been rewatching Jake on SNL! So I'be been laughing and chuckling and marvelling at the skills of our leading man.
Thanks for the information on the Joe Papp book - I'm jotting down all of these recommendations in my Jake notebook and if I ever get time I'll hunt them out. I have so little spare time unfortunately. But this sounds a good one - my degree was in literature and the classics so anything to do with the stage gets me.
Marina - that classic romantic leading man quality, with a little bit of an independent streak, unpretentious, smart and aware. that is Jake through and through - definitely aware :)
Um, guys? Those of you who didn't hear duh or rad in the 80s? Are you American? I know WDW's a Brit. I heard those things all the time. Not so much the rad, but, well...I am embarrassed to admit that duh is still a minor player in my vocabulary. So is awesome.
For those who say this JLA dreamcast would be too big a budget, I counter with Ocean's 11 (and 12, and 13, I suppose). How did they pull that off? Anyone know? I don't wanna see Jake as a franchise superhero, but a cameo role might be quite fun, especially if Maggie joined him.
Thanks for another fun post, WDW! Have you slept at all in the past week? It seems you are always here, hard at work to bring us more, more, more Jake. ;)
Hey Cherita - good to see you! No, I don't get much sleep ;) I wish I had more hours in my day. I must say that I do like the idea of Jake and Maggie together in this. I suppose my problem is that I don't care for superhero movies and so I can't understand why a studio would want to put the millions of dollars into a film like this. But I do realise there is a huge fanbase for films such as this and a small role couldn't do Jake any harm - could be fun! For him and for us.
Yep, as a Brit, I never heard 'rad' or 'duh'. And if I could ban the word 'awesome' from the English language I would. It's my pet hate. I had a gym instructor who would say it all the time and once she said 'That was awesomely awesome'. I swear, I nearly walked out. I didn't like the word 'amazing' as it means nothing, but now - for some strange reason - I can't stop saying it!
WDW: you can't stop saying a-MAZ-ing? That's really awkward. . .
g'nite all thanks for great evening chat. . .
G'night Pia I say awkward so many times a day now - it could be my catchword. So those were the Zodiac words, I wonder what the Rendition word(s) will be :)
Good night everyone - thanks for a fun day :) Catch up with you in the morning...
"I didn't like the word 'amazing' as it means nothing, "
Nor did I LOL .... until .....
Sleep tight while I seize the day!!
xoxoxoxo
I learned most of the English I know reading JW posts and comments and watching Jake's films and interviews so...I'm afraid you will hear the world "amaaazing" A. LOT from me! ;)
I love, love, love Rufus! And I confess that I've had some hot fantasies about Jake and him!
Blame it on too much reading 'slash materials' lately! :)
Great job WDW. As always...:*
Pia's compared both Jake and Austin to Chris Walken now so I know she loves her Chris Walken, as do I! ;)
Ang Lee is possibly my favourite director ever - my initial draw to BBM no less ...
I love "awesome" when cute young Americans say it, so stone me :) I don't think it travels, at all.
Hi Incognita and Xenia - thanks for your amazing comments ;)
Xenia - that's so funny that Jake taught you English! I like that. He's certainly altered mine. Just like I try and get Brokeback legendary sayings into daily or business life whenever possible :D
Hey Anouska - I have such a good feeling for Ang too - I'm really looking forward to Lust, Caution. As for 'awesome', I'll be one over when I hear the word on Jake's lips. I know he's said it in interviews (very occasionally I might add) but I want to see and hear him say it :)
Searching for the quote about "a thousand rivers" and tracking down the interview in earlier WDW posts, I came upon this:
"When you know you have someone whose made movies that deal with pretty, I think, challenging themes, and has tackled them with a kind of universality and a compassion that Ang has, I think that you throw yourself into the arms of that person, and you trust them, and you feel safe, and you gotta just go for it."
Recalling these words enhanced the wonderful picture of Jake and Ang, Jake sorta in Ang's embrace. I'd love to have a poster of this gorgeous picture. It has much meaning, for me.
That's an absolutely beautiful line positively pia and supports how I see that picture too - with Ang protecting Jake and Jake feeling safe in that protection.
That magazine with the picture is one of my prized possessions - it would be great to have it as a poster. It's one of my absolute favourite pictures of Jake.
Such a nice thought as one struggles through the working day :)
I'd like to leave an intelligent comment here, but my brain is fried by those cycling pics. Amazingly awesome! ;)
Hello WDW and friends! I'm finally getting around to commenting on yesterday's great post, better hurry, today's will be up soon :-)
I have to confess I'm not a fan of superhero films either and am not sure it would be something close to Jake's heart or the kind of meaningful role he tends choose, but I would watch a film of him asleep for 90 minutes ( how cute would that be?!...God, pull yourself together woman!!!) , so if Jake were in a comic-book adaptation I'd still go to see it.Like the rest of you, though,I'm clinging to the hope that while he's been getting away from it all over the Summer he's also been feeling his way to a decision on what his next film project will be, hopefully for early 2008.
Similarly,despite my apathy towards the genre, I shall definitely be queueing up to see "The Dark Knight" simply because Heath is in it, the photos released so far are so promising and other fabulous actors such as Gary Oldman say he's awesome in it (sorry, WDW, just pulling your leg, I loathe that expression too, but should a certain person adopt it I'm sure I would find it amazing!).
A dear friend of mine from America (a true Diva of slash fic!) told me yesterday that her girlfriend and another friend of theirs, who had been hanging around the environs of the set in Chicago, had met the director of "TDK" and ended up getting parts as extras. They are massive Heath fans so I can just imagine their euphoria and a scene for which they were present featured the Joker cross-dressing! Tickled pink by that!
It's with some relief and pride that I read Lonny Price singling Jake out for praise, not allowing him to be lumped in with the string of "boy-band" actors who have been hired simply to get bums on seats on Broadway. "A wonderful actor" indeed!
I'm another Brit who remembers the 80's with fond nostalgia but cannot remember "rad" or "duh" either!
Add me, too, as a member of the Ang fan club. His paternal "benevolence" (Jake's word)shines out of an obviously gentle and quietly charismatic man and I shall ever be grateful to him that he created the "cauldron" in which the alchemy of Jake and Heath's emotional pas de deux was concocted. I don't think any other director could have coaxed quite the same spell-binding performance out of the two of them.
I really hope "Lust,Caution" makes it to provincial cinemas so me and my fellow hicks from the sticks can go along to see it!
Fingers crossed that Rufus'record company/management team will have the sense to choose the New York concert in which Jake made his short-but-sweet contribution,should they release a DVD/live album. Wonderful as an "ordinary" Rufus gig might be,Jake's appearance would give a recording such cache and have it flying off the shelves.
Had to smile too that Rufus is as besotted as the rest of us, much to the chagrin of his other half...a familiar scenario ;-)
Finally, I hope you don't mind WDW, if I hijack your site briefly, although it concerns a lady with whom, we recently disovered,Jake has aristocratic family connections. On the 10th anniversary of her tragic death I would just like to send up a prayer of thanks for the life of Princess Diana. Like so many others I adored her and miss her still all these years on. Were she still with us, I'd like to think she'd be a Jake fan and a Brokie too :-) May she rest in peace.
Nadine xx
Hey Ruby - that comment'll do fine *) My brain is mush this evening.
Nadine - thanks so much for the time and trouble you put into that great comment. I'm not a fan by any means of superhero movies - having only ever seen two I think - but I'm with you on The Drark knight. How wonderful for your friends! Did they get so see Heath? And how great that they were invited to be extras. Love that story.
I know that they SAW Heath as the Joker,WDW,but I don't think they actually got to meet him (though I'll check that out) or I think I would have heard. In fact, I think we would all have heard the screaming all the way over the Atlantic!
Hi Nadine well just to see Heath, that would be so great. Lucky them :D
Pia - loved the yearnin and learning - great catchphrase - mind if I steal it occasionally?
I'm sure Jake will do something before the end of the year. Rember how quickly Rendition happened for him - signed September, started working November, filming wrapped by March. I guess he's just exhausted and wants to have quality time with friends and family which he truly deservers after the ups and downs of 2004-2006. What a lot has happened to our Jake in two years.
Rufus' voice is quite distinctive to me now. I was watching Zoolander and marvelling about how fabulous Owen Wilson was in it. At the credits I was listening to the 'he ain't heavy - he's my brother' track and thought, that's Rufus. Then I saw the Hollies credited for it but then, Rufus also did a version. Through Jake, a whole other world of music and film have opened ut to me - for that I'm truly greatful.
I'm in awe of those pictures of Jake running on the track. It reminded me of my days as a 100m sprinter and part of the 4x100m relay team. I remember I was always 1st or last runner and had to take the bends almost at a slant whilst trying to go as fast as I could. Jake has very good leg lift and form with his straight hands. Embarrasing for me to say but he does look 'awesome' in those spandex and his legs are beautifully in proportion - exquisite. *fans herself*
BTW: he says "this is awesome" in Bubble Boy just before he 'escapes' and whenever I hear the word amazing - Jake flashes in my mind with the jazz hands LOL. I refer of couse to his interview with Conan. All together now... this is amazing *Jazz Hands*.
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