The article remarks on Jake's almost extraordinary popularity and a rather unusual method of measuring it: 'In case you’re unwilling to accept Gyllenhaal’s popularity, which is a good baseline measurement of his success, as a given, here’s a simple experiment you can even try at home. Do a Google search for the phrases “I hate Ben Affleck” and “I love Ben Affleck.” You’ll return about 3,000 results for the former and 37,500 results for the latter, giving you a love-hate ratio of 12.5 (for every person online who hates Ben Affleck, 12 love him).'
'The same test with Heath Ledger’s name results in a love-hate ratio of about 90. Now try it with “I hate/love Jake Gyllenhaal” — you’ll get 8,410 “love” results and only three (three!) “hate” results, for a staggering ratio of 2,803 people who love Mr. G to every one person who hates him.' So Jake wins the Google Test! I've not, incidentally, tried myself.
Whether due to Jake's own savviness or to the absolute dedication and committment of his people, Jake's choices have been near impeccable until now he is at a stage where he can choose between indie and mainstream and even make indie mainstream or make mainstream seem indie - if you get what I mean.
Ang and Lee on Charlie Rose, December 2005
Thanks to a good friend today for alerting me to the reappearance of a fine interview on YouTube. In December 2005, Ang Lee and Heath Ledger discussed Brokeback Mountain with great depth and feeling to Charlie Rose. Ang's sense of pride in the 'bravery' of his two young male leads is strongly evident. And he discusses with affection the filming of the first night in the tent scene when Heath and Jake were able to trust him, just inches from them, as they put themselves into their characters, as opposed to other actors in other love scenes who take pains to be separate from their roles. Ang notes that there were 13 or 14 takes of this scene, but number 7 was the wining number, for the take's combined energy and confidence. The scene was filmed, not surprisingly later in the shoot, when Jake and Heath could feel half way to be being real cowboys as well as comfortable together.
Lust, Caution
Ang's new film, Lust, Caution, continues to attract attention for its unusal 17 rating. An article today examines the reasons for this rating and finds them unhealthy. The writer makes comparison with Ang's previous movie Brokeback Mountain, which had been awarded an R rating even though, during the first sex scene, both men were fully clothed and, during the second love scene, Jake was without a shirt (surely a good thing in any movie!). The writer laments that "We're disgusted by sexuality, but enthralled by violence." Saw, and other violent films, have received R ratings, not 17 like Ang's film. He sees this as a reflection of 'America's puritan view of sexuality is potentially very damaging. If we continue to close our eyes to sex, we'll teach the next generation and generations to come that sex is something to be feared, not celebrated. And the MPAA's message that sex is far dirtier than extreme violence may contribute to rising levels of violence in schools, the workplace and society.'
It's worth mentioning here that the gala showing of Ang's film in Toronto is the same night as Rendition, September 7, and in the same theatre. A meeting between Ang and Jake on the night seems a tantalising hope.
The Movie-Fanatic
I've linked WDW today to The Movie-Fanatic which, not only is contributed to by a good friend of this site, Jantoinette, but it also supports Jake and other cutting edge actors. There's also a poll in which you can vote for Jake every time you pop by. I suggest you do as Jake is currently losing out bigtime to Cillian Murphy. It's an interesting and goodlooking site which focuses on some real names to watch in terms of actors and films.
And a final thing...
The DVD featuring the best of Saturday Night Live 2006/2007 is released tomorrow and, judging by some of the reviews, Jake is the best thing on it.
Includes pictures from IHJ.
Wow, WDW! How did I miss that article from March? Thank you so much for bringing it here. The Google Popularity Test gave me quite the giggle fit! Also, I've decided that I'm going to make a point to locate a theater playing Lust, Caution and go see it before it disappears into DVD land. Twice, maybe three times. Fortunately, we do still have a theater near me that runs the less-marketable fare, and I count myself very lucky for that.
ReplyDeleteHi Cherita - It's a great article isn't it and that test really made me laugh to. It made me think that only 3 people in the world dislike Jake (I find it difficult to write the words 'hate Jake'). I'm going to make a point of trying to find a theatre showing Lust, Caution too - Ang deserves the effort. Thanks for commenting :)
ReplyDeleteHey WDW..fabulous posting, as usual...Jake has made good choices in his career...we do not know about his private life...well..only what photos and some interviews tell us..his career has been almost without fault..some might say Bubble Boy was a mistake, I am not among them, but I believe it was a good film for him..showing us the comedic side of a young Jake..and attesting to his talents even at a young age... AND..I totally agree with the writer who writes the article concerning the rating of Ang's new film...I believe we do promote violence through film and yet put down sex, one of the most natural acts on earth..and should sex not be feared but instead revered..finally..thanks for posting one of my all-time fave pictures of Jake..the one where he is sitting with Ang standing slightly behind him....He looks so damn good in this pic, I can almost forgive the scruff...Michele
ReplyDeleteWell,I've been back for three hours and my face is still thawing. I wanted to pop in before I crash. I am going to try to take painkillers and sleep so I won't think about food. Getting three wisdom teeth pulled on the same day is not easily done! But it is done!!!! I just wanted to report that I did the Google test about ten minutes ago and here's what I got: LOVE: 1.910,000 HATE: 402,000.
ReplyDeleteMath was always my weakest subject. LOL! What does this mean???
Great post yet again, WDW! I love all these bits and pieces! I remember seeing that Google test article on another site a while ago, and I did the test at the time (even though I could barely bring myself to type the words "I H*** Jake Gyllenhaal" and I still feel bad about it to this day) and if my memory serves me well (which it might well not, so don't quote me!) one of the 3 comments was from some guy who only hated Jake cos his girlfriend had a crush on him, so that doesn't really count, does it?;) I did the test again just now, after reading Bobbyanna's comment (I copied and pasted the offensive phrase this time!) and I got 9 "hate"s to 5510 "love"s. No idea what that means in mathematical terms, but I guess it shows there's a whole lotta love out there for our Jakey, and quite right too:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the link to the Ang/Heath interview:) I've always meant to watch it but never got round to it (probably cos I'm always too busy watching Jake videos over and over). Btw,Jake and Heath should think themselves lucky it wasn't me directing them, I would never trust myself up close to them! And 13 or 14 takes? I would've made them do at least 100!!! But what wouldn't I give to see those out-takes!
Thanks, WDW, for today's bag of goodies. So much to respond to. First, I know of people as I have said before that think Jake has always been a fine actor except for his one mistake in judgement in doing Brokeback Mountain. Obviousy none of us agrees with that. Then, I might have been one of those that questioned Jake's decision to do Bubble Boy, but by the end of the first viewing I was sold on it. So therefore, Jake has not made a bad career move and continues to astound and teach me with his choices.
ReplyDeleteAs for Jake's popularity, I am proud to count myself among those who know a good thing when we see it. Those are amazing numbers for an actor whose name still isn't on everyone's lips. And I like it like that. I like being a member of an elite group.
Now for that amazing interiew with the great Charlie Rose. Ang really is such a beautiful person who expresses himself far better than many people for whom English is their native language.
I am glad to see this interview now as part of my Brokeback education but I am glad that I didn't see it when it originally aired because Ang does mention Jack dying. I was totally ignorant of most of the details of this film since I had never read the short story. So I fell right in with Ang's vision to make a film where the audience could not anticipate what was going to happen next.
In truth who could have anticipated that they were about to embark on a journey that would alter their lives and touch them in ways never imagined. I love how Ang said "The project chooses the people". In other words the story had to wait on a shelf for years because it couldn't be told until Jake, Heath and Ang were ready!
Heath was wonderful in his part and very endearing with all of his nervousness. But he was very articulate and his pride in himself and the film was evident. He was very insightful, especially how he described the magic of Jack and Ennis as one soul falling in love with another and that soul just happening to come in the form of another man.
Hi Michele - I'm glad you like that picture of Jake and Ang, it's definitely one of my favourites. Jake looks sexy and Ang looks protective. Just love it. I agree with you completely about this crazy view that sex is more harmful to audiences than violence. Surely, one of them is something the vast majority of us do, while the other is not!
ReplyDeleteBobbyanna - you poor thing :(I hope you're feeling a bit better now although I manage it will take some time. Thnks for doing the Google Test and my maths is as good as Jake's so I've no idea either!
Hey Twisted Logic - I kno, it's difficult to think of Jake and the word 'hate' together but if it's for a scientific exeriment - problem is none of us can do maths! That's funny about the guy and his girlfriend. I do hope one of those guys wasn't Mr WDW ;) So I suppose these long-suffering partners can be excude from the test, which means that noone really hates Jake. So the test does work :)
I wonder what happened to those outtakes....
Hi Dani Thanks for the great comment. I'm glad you liked the interview. Truth be told I was shocked when I watched it when Ang mentioned Jack dying. Considering that the film wasn't out in the UK then, that would have come as a shock. But otherwise I thought both Ang and Heath were very dignified and, although Heath looked to find the whole formality of the afair awkward, he expressed himself so beautifully and I could see where his performance as Ennis came from.
Hi all. Bobbyanna I hope you feel better soon you are so brave - 3 at once??!!
ReplyDeletedanny said "I am proud to count myself among those who know a good thing when we see it. Those are amazing numbers for an actor whose name still isn't on everyone's lips. And I like it like that. I like being a member of an elite group."
I too am so proud to be part of this.
Thank you WDW for putting up this link. What a great interview that gives the director and actor time to answer the questions and put their thoughts and feelings across (even though he did interrupt the flow of both a few times). I absolutely loved sitting and listening to Ang through my headphones on my computer - he is so inspiring and his observations are startling. He truly is a visionary. I am also proud that he has a real bonded connection with the UK that has recognised and supported his work before Hollywood. He talks with such openness and honesty about himself, his characters, his love/hate relationship with the industry. I especially loved the fact that Brokeback Mountain helped to heal his spirit and get him out of his depression - what a truly wonderful gift!
Both Ang and Heath confirmed what I'd felt about the film, that it's a quiet film that invades your soul and stays with you and is hard to articulate fully after watching it. More questions than answers - most definately.
When Heath said [its the story of] "a homophobic man that falls in love with another man" wow - how profound. There are still so many people who have a fear of watching this beautiful film.
Ahhh.... I feel at peace this morning.
Hey Babs - thanks for commenting. Ang has a wonderfully calming voice, hasn't he? I found it quite hypnotic. The more I hear about the wonder felt at this film by the very people involved in its creation, the more remarkable it seems. I liked listening to Heath talk about how the audience's reaction, when he saw it with an audience for the first time, altered his own emotional feeling for the film and he saw it with fresh eyes.
ReplyDeleteIt's like I see this film with fresh eyes everytime I watch it and see new scenes interpreted differently from what I first thought. Like, every scene, every reaction is on purpose. Ang's vision was truly captured. And, if you notice in interviews, everyone associated with the film talks quietly and with such reverence. It's so special.
ReplyDeleteBTW, what did you mean about the outtakes? Were they on Brokeback Mountain dvd?
Hi Babs - the reference to outtakes was just wishful thinking. We were wondering what had happened to the other 12 or 13 takes from FNIT. I fear we're never going to see an outtake from this film and not even a commentary. A hug shame.
ReplyDeleteThat MSNBC post was great,WDW - don't you just love it when dispassionate commentators (as opposed to extremely passionate commentators,like us!) see Jake for the great actor,consummate professional and savvy,decent young fella that we all know him to be? It vindicates our evaluation of him and our devotion to him, which gives me a warm and fuzzy glow! And boy, do I need that today?!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had time to watch the Ang and Heath interview yet (thanks for the link, it's on my ever lengthening "Urgent to do" list!)because, as you know, I spent the morning climbing the Mountain with our boys and coming back down again with a shattering bump. I sobbed harder than ever. One might expect to get inured to the pain with the passage of time and repeated viewings but with "Brokeback" that isn't the case at all.
Other posters who have watched the Charlie Rose interview remark that it reveals what a profound effect the making of the film and the finished "product"(such a mundane word for something so exquisite)had on the very people who conspired to conjure up this magical film, little wonder then that we are still held spellbound by it.
I feel a little envious of those of you who watched "BBM" for the first time without having stumbled across a spoiler. I knew from a careless remark,printed without warning in a journalist's preview, that one of the star-crossed lovers would die. Even so,I didn't know exactly what would happen and I still wasn't prepared for the body-blow that came with that awful word "DECEASED" on the postcard in Ennis' hand. If I hadn't had some preparation for it I shudder to think how it would have affected me,by the end of my first journey with Jack and Ennis I was broken enough.
You are right,WDW,Jake does bestride the two strands of cinema, by his own careful efforts he can now pick and choose his projects, be selective in the mainstream so as to steer clear of meaningless box office fodder but also lend credibility,publicity and bankability to any independent,small budget,thought-provoker to which he might opt to grace with his talents.
"Imagine the out-takes", someone said. I do, unhealthily often ;-) I too LONG for a Director's cut, with deleted scenes/Jake Heath and Ang commentary etc etc, but I'm not holding my breath. The all-singing,all-dancing version of Jarhead is still denied to us Brits etc who don't have multi-region DVD players, so I expect such deprivation!
While on the subject of sex on screen,I'm with all of you who think that a tasteful,sensual and moving love scene,of the type we have come to expect from Ang, is a life-affirming and erotic experience which enriches a story immeasurably if not gratuitous or exploitative. On the other hand,the level of screen violence seen as mild and fully acceptable by some censors and critics alike really sickens and concerns me.
Finally, on an appreciative note,all the photographs in this post are cracking,WDW! Another meisterwerk!
"Both Ang and Heath confirmed what I'd felt about the film, that it's a quiet film that invades your soul and stays with you and is hard to articulate fully after watching it."
ReplyDeleteThat's so exquisitely worded Babs.
"everyone associated with the film talks quietly and with such reverence"
And I believe the true Brokie feels that reverence. It's a sacred experience for all of us.
WDW I agree that Ang's voice and his very presence have a hypnotic quality.
And Nadine I'm totally with you that love in its manifestation as sex when tastefully and sensitively depicted is indeed "a life-affirming and erotic experience" and violence its very opposite - anti-life and negative.
Bobbyanna I hope you're much better now.
Nadine - thank you! This site is all about showing Jake some love - there are some days he needs it more than others and we're here to provide it. And that's enough about that.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to spend the morning - in the company of Jack and Ennis. I usually watch it very late at night, with a glass of whiskey and then I dream about it. So I can understand your emotions are high right now.
I had no idea about the ending of BM when I first saw it, which is probably a mixed blessing, for I was completely not expecting it and it knocked me down for such a long time.
I must say though, Nadine, that the Jarhead Special Edition is reason enough to buy a multiregional DVD player :)
I'm glad you liked the pictures and that they gave you something to smile about today :)
Back to working.... :(
Indeed, WDW, we all have good days and bad days...and when Jake is having a bad day I hope he never forgets how much love there is for him out here and,come what may,we'll spread it out softly for him, like a safety net or a comfort blanket.
ReplyDeleteThis place certainly works like that for me! xxxxx
Oh, my, yes, WDW, some of my favorite photos! Sublimity thy name is Jake, and then within the embrace of Ang's arm! The picture
ReplyDeletewith Heath sorta fuzzy in the background, Jake bending his head, is (sans) Heath, framed, and among photos of other beloveds, some family, some "teachers", scattered in among the books in my bookcases. Who is to say he is not "family"; he is certainly beloved.
I had not seen the Charlie Rose interview and found it - well, "sublime" is my word of the day. CR's kind of rat a tat tat questions, yet giving lots of time to the interview - and Ang a sorta pool of thot, feeling, listening, reflections. A reflection pool, I rather like that. A beautiful man!
Interested in his comment that along with everything else taking place during prodution of the film - there was "something else" -
CR suggested "luck" but I felt Ang was referring to something else and more profound than "luck".
Also, Ang's comment that coming to USA was like - what did he say? -
coming onto a movie set? no, well, I dont have time to watch the interview again. something like that - but again, a comment more subtle and telling than CR let unfold, it seemed to me.
A deeper sense of how Ang works - a great interview.
Heath! My respect for him as a fine actor and person grows and grows. I am becoming more and more aware of his physical quickness and grace, and intelligence. In my "Jake madness" when discussig "favorite scenes" I am not as inclined to mention Heath erupting into anger, and (in the post-SNIT scene) joy, but I keep re-watching these scenes.
I think the casting of this film also involved "something else" - as Ang implies, the story was longing to be told -
Jake said a few times that Ang was
"manipulative" - I wonder if Ang was not fairly instrumental in getting what he wanted out of the sex scenes. Ang is quite a presence.
As for letting the cat out of the bag, regarding Jack's death: - the story was fairly familiar in the USA by then; as a New Yorker story.
And I re-read it, with the prologue included, from the Close Range collection, before seeing the film, since I very much wanted this fine story to be handled with integrity and wanted to be reminded of the original story. The "shock" to me was the SNIT when the film veered in a slighly diff'rent direction - such a scene of hunger, tenderness and surrender between two men - oh my! - a gay friend was so overwhelmed by the caress on the face, during the SNIT that he was unable to discuss the film with anyone for months.
a gay friend was so overwhelmed by the caress on the face, during the SNIT that he was unable to discuss the film with anyone for months
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly enjoying all of the comments here, but Pia, I just wanted to say that this made me cry. It just proves how perfectly this film, the acting, the direction, the everything of it, was crafted.
it made me cry, at the time, also, Cherita
ReplyDeleteHi everyone - busy day today so sorry to be late coming by.
ReplyDeleteThanks Incognita for your comment - good to see you :)
Nadine - this is absolutely beautiful: when Jake is having a bad day I hope he never forgets how much love there is for him out here and,come what may,we'll spread it out softly for him, like a safety net or a comfort blanket.
Hey Positively Pia - what a great comment, thanks. Jake within the protective arm of Ang is a wonderful sight.
It's interesting what you say about Heath and his physicality. I really noticed that watching the video, how restless and twitchy Heath is, how tall he is, and ow much power he has. Keeping all that under check as Ennis and yet conveying it - so remarkable and very sexy.
As you and Cherita say, that is so moving about your friend's reaction to the soft caress of the cheek - a tenderness not expected and utterly shocking. Just beautiful. Thanks :D