I've been thinking about Jarhead today, possibly because I've spent some time thinking about and watching Brokeback Mountain of late. As we get ready for Rendition, I've become preoccupied with tough Jake (in a movie sense of course!). Here is a link to an audio interview in which Jake talks at length about how eager he was to win over Sam Mendes so that he could do the role and why he wanted it. I know we've all heard about how Jake has said that the character of Swoff was the closest to himself that he's played. But in this interview this is stated more explicitly - in Jake's beautiful voice - and it made me think. This is what Jake says:
'There are times and have been times when I've wanted to put my fist through a wall and, as an actor, when you're allowed to punch your fist through a wall in a scene and you're feeling that in your life, I think it's a mergence of life and work and that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to havea part where I could get angry and express myself.' Remember that this was straight after filming Brokeback Mountain which, as we've discussed here, may have been a time of real loneliness, introspection and solitude for Jake. This may well have been just what the young man needed.
Jake is asked if he could be that marine in real life, if he were called to it? He replies 'I think I can, but I don't know if I could'.
On a lighter note, Jake is asked if it's true about the sand getting everywhere. 'It's true. We thought we'd invaded the desert but the desert invaded us... For weeks afterwards I'd wake up and there'd be sand on the pillow from coming out of my ear. It was always up my nose and then you'd find it in the weirdest places - and I don't even want to get into that with you - It invades you.'
'I started feeling like I could really handle this stuff'. Each evening the cast would return to the hotel but 'I never really wanted to leave'.
Musical interlude
I want to congratulate Amy MacDonald on reaching No 2 in the UK album chart with her wonderful album This is the Life. Of course, this album contains a song, called LA, written about Jake - a man who makes dreams come true - and since I bought the album I've barely stopped playing it on that long commute.
Talking of music, it seems that when Kevin and Anita Robinson played with the Shins at Saturday Night Live in January, Kevin experienced an enviable pleasure: "I just got drunk on free beer backstage," Kevin said from a phone in Minneapolis. "Oh, and Jake Gyllenhaal grabbed my ass!" I bet he never washed it again...
Sag Harbor
Maggie and Peter are back from Chicago and were seen in the surf shop of the old shipping port of Sag Harbor - another place deeply evocative of the world of Moby Dick. Just look at this place, it's beautiful! Perhaps another sign of the continuing Gyllenhaal summer break. What a place for it!
Includes pictures from IHJ and DVD Times.
60 comments:
Oh for a vacation in such a place. I'll have a good look in broad daylight. Glad I'm up and reading you new post ... it's the same pleasure as Jake feels about freshly caught fish and herbs from the garden.
Oh yes not only the young man but so often older people need a constructive outlet for their anger ... Jake uses every one of his emotions positive and negative so meaningfully in his work. Yes this convergence is what we all seek I believe.
Hi Incognita - I'm so glad you're still up and caught me :D I like the idea of being compared to a garden...
I can imagine it would be very appealing to be in a film, or involved in any project, where you can let rip with some of the emotion and forces that you feel you should keep in check. For instance, I used to do boxing classes for a very similar reason and now it's a reason why I run. These feelings are not necessarily bad, they're part of us, and they can give you energy. Even better if you get paid expressing them ;D
Another wonderful post, WDW!
Love hearing Jake's insights about his growth and stuggle as an actor. I again think Jarhead was a great movie and Jake's work in it was excellent. Was a shame that it was underrated critically and at the box office. No matter, Jake's amazing work stands the test of time.
And lucky Maggie and family. She seems to have a nice schedule from Batman. A few weeks working in Chicago and then a few weeks off to go to Nantucket/MV and now SH. I have spent many a summer in the Hamptons and Sag Harbor is a truly beautiful place by the ocean.
What are Peter and Maggie doing in "the Hamptons" (of which Sag Harbor is a part. . . ) ? ? ? ?
There are big political fundraisers going on in Easthampton and Southhampton right now - wouldnt be surprised if they are part of the stars appearing.
Sag Harbor is just a few miles from
these towns.
A former whaling port, John Steinbeck lived there and Nelson Algren, and other writers. No place to "vacation", though, very crowded, and because it's on Long Island Sound, not the ocean, the beaches are not esp. interesting. On the "funky" side -
Tickles me so that the family likes the east coast! makes me proud!
Hi Get Real - I'm glad you like the post! And you know Sags Harbor - it looks beautiful. Oh for a summer like that rather than one which is just one long slog.
It is a shame about Jarhead - it was at my cinema for just a week and yet it came out on DVD to quite a bit of attention. It deserved better. Another case of a film mispackaged - not a typical warfilm just as Zodiac isn't a typical serial killer movie.
Hi positively pia - I knew this would be another town you'd know. I'm lucky to have you and Get Real to add some local colour.
So this isn't really a holiday town? I wonder if they're staying in MV and just travelling round. The political aspect of it is interesting as 'that time' approaches.
Pia, well I love the beachesand the vactioning of the Hamptons. :) Although I do agree Sag Harbor and Southampton and East Hampton are all very crowded right now. When I was a kid it was a lot quicker getting there from the city. Now it takes over 3 hours. We have a family home in the Hamptons but not that far out. Much less crowded and easy access to friends beaches.
Also, had to say how much I love the pic of Jake and Clooney from the previous thread. So classic hollywood!
Hey, get real! I posted before reading your own - when living in the Springs I was a regular at Canio's Bookstore in Sag Harbor, I wonder if Peter and Maggie dropped in. I also hunker down now and then at the hermitage of Cor Maria on Bay Street in Sag Harbor for "retreat" time.
Get Real you and pia would make the perfect guides. Do you want some guests in that holiday home?
I love that picture of Jake and George too - in their fine, elegant suits, definitely old school Hollywood. Jake does like look so well, just as he also does the casual smart and the street look. He looks equally good in all but I do love those moments when he puts the movie star hat on.
Talking of which, I'm so glad they've (hopefully) put a better picture of Jake on the UK DVD.
pia - I'm going to be asking for maps and photos next...
WDW, not to speak for Pia, but the Hamptons is a total summer vacation area. It is where all the stars and big wigs of NY go. The real estate and property gets very crowded during the summer. As do the towns, beaches, restaurants, etc. Just like MV. Some don't like it because it is so crowded and busy during the season. I personally think it is great also in the spring and fall. Have also spent a lot of winter holidays there. There are many towns along the way that make up the Hamptons but Sag Harbor, East Hampton and Southampton are the well known ones that the celebs visit.
Pia, that is so funny that you mention The Springs because our house when I was growing up was in the EH Springs. I would just to walk to the General Store all the time. We have long since moved futher Westbound but I loved it there.
WDW, sure you can all drop by. ;)
Thanks Get Real - I just love to hear about these places from people who actually know them. In the UK all of the seaside towns are so full as soon as the sun comes out. I tend to like them myself off season when you can find a quiet sandy cove or a tea room with a table. But I do like a place where I can sit and watch the boats.
Thanks for the invite, Get Real - get packing guys!
Also, adding to get real's comments, I bet Peter and Maggie are staying with friends at somebody's home on the ocean. There is status being on the ocean side rather than (Sag Harbor) bay side of "Montauk Highway", the thoroughfare from New York City to the so-called "East End" of Long Island. Alotta shit goes on in those part UNLIKE, WDW, the Vineyard, that is less accessible and more laid back.
and ahem! Jake goes around grabbing ass? "Jake Gyllenhaal grabbed my ass. . ." Cracks me up.
Pia is right, unlike MV, the Hamptons is not as laid back. It can be a see and be seen kind of place. But you can't beat a house on Dune Road which goes along the whole of the Hamptons. But the Real Estate can cost around 4 to 6 million easy. Even further west where we are can be a million or two for a decent house that isn't on the ocean or the bay.
Hope Im not hogging conversation but it's exciting to talk about this.
Marijane Meacker bought a house in The Springs (East Hampton town) with the money she made selling her first story to TV which was called Dinky Hooker Shoots Smack. I had a small house there. The Springs was orig. clam diggers and fisher folks from Southern England and the Abstract Expressionists, De Kooning, and Whatshisname, the guy who dripped paint, and treated women badly; and many others, foumd it an out of the way comfortable place to live. Its still a place where you can reach by backroads and keep out of East Hampton madness.
Getreal I used to buy peanut butter and mayo and lettuce on a rolle and coffee at the Country Store and bike to the beach, in the morning.
Pleasant memories!
^^ Btw, Dune Road is directly on the ocean and the other side is the the bay.
Yes, Jackson Pollock lived in The Springs and I remember being all excited to see scenes of the area in the great Ed Harris movie Pollock.
Sounds like great memories, Pia. I have many as well. :D
Sorry to hog the conversation folks, lol. Please forgive. ;)
Carry on you two! This is great, I love to listen to all of this :D Another Gyllenhaal Landscape brought to life. Pia how lucky to live there! I always wanted to live near the sea...
... I wonder if Jake routinely goes around grabbing ass or if he knew this Kevin? ;D
Get Real There's nothing to forgive - as I said - carry on :D I'm listening (and sipping my wine)
LOL, sounds good, WDW. ;) Actually part of that end of Long Island is wine county. The North Fork has some wonderful winery's.
Oops, wineries.
Well, I definitely want to go now! That's one of the reasons why I love California so much - it has Jake and great red wine (and pelicans) :D
The Clintons were in the Hamptons last weekend attending a whole string of fund raisers: they raised a million dollars. there were celebs turning flapjacks at
fundraising breakfasts, etc.
Pia, GetReal and all of you who are familiar with Sag Harbor and The Hamptons, it sounds beautiful *sigh*. I'll bet it's nice in the fall too. Reminds me of my little hometown, a fabulous influx of creativity every summer with artists, writers, musicians, actors visiting for us "townies" to hear about. :)
Another great interview with Jake. I really regret not seeing Jarhead on the big screen - some of the scenes must have been beautiful (the horse, the raining oil). I remember seeing the previews for it, but I think Jarhead and Brokeback came out around the holidays? With work, commitments and the holiday rush, I wasn't able to see as many movies as I would have liked. I always see war movies because I like to understand how and why we get into them and get the perspective of those who fight them. Jarhead the book is wonderful.
Jake sure broadens my musical horizions, I wasn't familiar with the Shins but I really like them now, will have to check out the Guillimots and Amy McDonald. Yes, that does sound like an "enviable pleasure". ;)
That's very interesting pia - wouldn't mind seeing those guest lists ;D
Hi Marina - I would have loved to have seen Jarhead on the big screen too. There were some stunningly beautiful scenes in it - perfect for the cinema. I just didn't get the chance, mainly because it was hardly on and I was going through the BBM 'thing'.
I can't recommend the Guillemots enough! I absolutely adore them. The voices and instruments are incredible but so too are the lyrics. Beautiful. You must hear 'If the World Ends', 'Rising Tide' and 'By the Water'. Music for every mood and one of the most beautiful voices. They're great live too. I heard once that they're the type of group that you see live and at the end you want to hug the person next to you. This is very true. I can't wait to see them again - I'm not surprised Jake likes them so much.
And I'm really enjoying Amy's album, I love the songs 'Mr Rock n Roll Music' and 'Let's Start a Band'.
jake and music co-exist perfectly in my mind. I've only heard a couple of Shins tracks - I liked them but they need to grow on me more.
If you guys get the Food Network, one of the shows, The Barefoot Contessa with Ina Garten is filmed in East Hampton and she is always going around town and around the Hamptons. You would really get a feel for it from her show. Don't know if you get that in the UK?
I don't get that Get Real but possibly some of the people with satellite or cable might.
Jarhead was amazing on the big screen. Saw it three times! Some truly beautiful cinematography. Especially the burning oil fields and Jake and that poor horse. It all came to life up there. Again the movie deserves more recognition.
That moment when Swoff whispers to the horse to calm it - it felt like Jack Twist had poppe by, just for a moment.
"That's very interesting pia - wouldn't mind seeing those guest lists ;D "
Some of the dinners %5,000 a plate.
One of the events held at home of Alec Baldwin and Kim Bassinger.
I BETCHA Peter and Maggie were staying with friends and involved in this. Everybody wants to know to whom the Gyllanhaals are going to contribute. (see Jakewatch today)
^^^ that's 'popped' - I have no idea what poppe means ;D
Those are expensive plates - Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin together? Must be a good cause :D
correction
whooops! sorry. the kim bassenger alec baldwin fund raiser was for Bill in the nineties. they have snese become divorced.
I'll see you all tomorrow I hope. Thanks for the great chat this evening. Friday tomorrow - what a relief *)
G/night WDW!
Sweet Jake dreams
and thanks get real for some great conversation! hope this wasnt too in house for others.
by the way the only person in RL with whom I can share my love of Jake is an old friend (gay male)who lives in Amagansett. (also part of "the Hamptons") we act like a couple of teenagers. it's so rewarding! :)
Night, WDW!
Pia, it was great talking Hamptons with you! ;) I also hope it wasn't too inside for everyone else. Ah, yes that is nice that you someone to "Jake" with. :D And Amagansett is another Hampton place I have had great times in.
Thanks, WDW, for that wonderful interview. It never fails to amaze me how much thought Jake puts into the roles he plays. He is always ready with a response to whatever has been asked. And not just some flip answer.
I am another unfortunate one who did not see Jarhead on the big screen. I never even saw it previewed in a theater. My only knowledge of it was fleeting tv advertisements. I do recall being somewhat surprised to hear the name Jake Gyllenhaal connected with a "war" movie. I like war movies and had every intention of going to see it. And I was more than curious to see how the sensitive Jake would portray a soldier. But, alas, the film wasn't given much of a chance. Here and gone in the blink of an eye.
Soon Brokeback came out and all the talk was about that one. And, of course, after I saw BBM that's all I was thinking about, too. After my three months of going to see BBM every single week I was facing severe withdrawals. Luckily, in more ways than one, Jarhead was released on DVD the very next week. That's when I knew that what Jake had done in BBM was no accident. Jarhead proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was an man who had always been good in his films, but there was a volcanic talent that had been laying dormant just waiting for the chance to explode.. Two completely different roles. And not a trace of Jack Twist in Tony Swofford. I had no trouble believing he was either of these characters.
I watched Jarhead repeatedly for the next month while I waited for the BBM DVD. This was such an underappreciated film. I can sort of understand the general public not turning out in droves once word of mouth spread that it was not the typical war movie. But I was surprised by the critics.
I know a lot of people who swear that Full Metal Jacket was one of the best war films ever. As was Plattoon and Saving Private Ryan. I have seen all of them and they are all fine. Each of them addressed a different vision of the war experience. It's a shame that Jarhead wasn't more appreciated for the vision that it portrayed. The first Gulf War, no matter how short, was just as significant an experience for those that lived it and should not be dismissed.
Stephen G. building sandcastles on MV!
Sandcastle Building with
Director Stephen Gyllenhaal
THERE WILL BE NO SAND IN THE SANDWICHES...When you and your guests join director STEPHEN GYLLENHAAL for one of his family's favorite pasttimes - SANDCASTLE BUILDING and a beach picnic in Chilmark. Stephen has sandcastle building secrets that will only be revealed to you! You will learn to build spires that rise four to five feet high, steps that a tiny person can actually climb, balconies, windows, and bridges. In short, a real castle that will draw everyone on the beach before your masterpiece is complete! For up to 10 beach lovers.
Each of them addressed a different vision of the war experience. It's a shame that Jarhead wasn't more appreciated for the vision that it portrayed.
Dany, you are so right. Each one is different. I have a special place in my heart for Platoon, I could never think of Tom Berenger the same way for awhile after that! Saving Private Ryan was hard to watch. Soldiers have made such sacrifices. To me, Tony Swofford's writing is full of his emotions and feelings about the military, and the ironies. I think Jake did a great job in Jarhead, he even sounds like the description of Swoff, who has blue eyes.
I love the Food Network and the Barefoot Contessa, I love her program because she "sets a scene" for a meal as well. Ohhhhhhhhh, this reminded me, I wouldn't call it a crush, but speaking of handsome chefs, I about died when I first saw Todd English . . . Recently, I was watching a program where he made some pasta and lobster thing for an interviewer, and I was amazed at how cool she was while she was talking to him. But sure enough - he let her taste his heavenly pasta creation, asked her how it was, and she said "just as dreamy as you!" tee-hee! But still, nobody is like Jake G. :)
Yes, I enjoyed the Hamptons conversation also. I love that we can talk about anything.
Good night all! :*
Oh my gosh, I didn't even read that Stephen G post before I sent off my last one. I LOVE sandcastles, really elaborate and beautiful ones. That should be something! :)
The G family is pure magic, aren't they? :)
get real Thank you for the link about Stephen's sandcastles. That's a talent for sure. Mr G as well as WDW-ers might enjoy the Sand sculptures of the Indian East Coast Click on the link for information and pictures.
And I forgot to say - I've been loving the travelogue on this thread ... a most fascinating journey through those parts. I'm getting wanderlust now!
Morning everyone :D Thanks for all the posts overnight. I'll be back later to catch up with you all.
Have a great Friday :D
Great conversation -- you all should be travel agents! The closest I've ever been to the Hamptons and such is Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. I loved it -- there is something very special about New England. Thanks for your insight, Pia and Get Real!
Stephen G. and sand castles!? Somehow that makes perfect sense.
Some thoughts on sand:
I love how the "stuff" of Jake's work on Jarhead became the "stuff" of his life, and vice versa! "We thought we'd invaded the desert, but the desert invaded us" At some point Jake's anger as Swoff and Jake's anger as Jake (and Jack) from BBM must have merged into a single sandstorm, purging him and creating new opportunites for him as an actor at the same time.
Sand seems a fitting metaphor for the "mergence of life and work" Jake talks about--or "the convergence of positive and negative emotions" in the outlet of art Incognita mentioned earlier today. In a sandstorm, we don't know whether we are it, or it is us. It's creative "stuff" that works on us as we work on it--carving away the loose facades of life till it, and we, get down to the fine, solid essence of who we are.
Maybe then, when everything loose and destructive has been blown away, we can be freed up to really build our sand castles. I never got past the sloppy towers and falling down bridges stage myself; but it sounds like others know the art--Stephen for one; the wonderful India east coast builders Incognita linked us to, for another. It looks like when you get to that stage, something worshipful and transforming happens.
We seem to see that over the years with Jake, as the "mergence of his life and work" continues to take shape.
Just some rambling thoughts over my morning cup of tea--
Maybe then, when everything loose and destructive has been blown away, we can be freed up to really build our sand castles.
Kim, thank you so much for that. You have set off that proverbial light bulb in my head at a time when I badly needed some insight. My therapist will be pleased, indeed! :-)
"In a sandstorm, we don't know whether we are it, or it is us. It's creative "stuff" that works on us as we work on it--carving away the loose facades of life till it, and we, get down to the fine, solid essence of who we are."
Love these words Kim
Thanks Beckela & Incognita--You are the champion sand castle builders who, like Jake and so many here, are teaching me how to do it--
Interesting that what we're doing is just getting down to what's always been there, at the heart of ourselves. Watching Jake has been a similar experience: sand slowly carving the man out of the boy.
"Stephen G. and sand castles!? Somehow that makes perfect sense."
Doesnt it, though, Beckela. Hi, Kim!
One of my favorite poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Safe upon the solid rock the
ugly houses stand
Come and see my shining palace
built upon the sand!
Kim: ... sand slowly carving the man out of the boy.
Stunning!
Pia -- LOVE that poem. Beautiful and inspiring.
Another poem from "A Few Figs from Thistles" =
My candle burns at both ends
It will not last the night
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends
It gives a lovely light.
My daddy used to read ESVM poems to me when I was a tad, four years old, five years old - he loved them but would then frown and say to me: "but of course, life is not like that. . . "
My daddy was an Ennis figure, sure enuff.
Jake G on the other hand, in my view, lives and works on pretty solid ground. I don't fret about his professional career nor his self "burning out" -
I believe as a culture, at least in the USA, we are less fearful and
suspicious of the creative person and the creative process and of that world - whatcha think? Am I getting too serious. What would Ennis say?
(dont blame me: Kim and Beckela started this. . )
Beautifully said Kim, and great posts all. Incognita, the Indian sand sculptures are beautiful.
Loved the poems too, Pia. :) That was one of the fascinating subplots of Brokeback I thought, the relationship of Junior and her father, whom she obviously adored and he wasn't afraid to show his love for her. I loved him "wrangling" the two babies and trying to wipe their sniffles for Alma!
Sand is such an interesting and beautiful material. I love sandcastles, always loved the palaces that I'd see people making on the beach.
Hi :D I'm sory I missed this conversation about sand and sand castles. How odd that I should do a post on sand on the same day... The idea of Jake finding sand on his pillow was so evocative - when I was a child I remember the same thing happening to me.
So thanks Dani for yur comment. In the UK Jarhead came out after BBM but soon vanished without trace although the DVD got a push. I have non-Jake friends who really like Jarhead though and like to talk about it. I like that.
Get Real - thanks for the news on the sandcastle auction. As you saw I went and had a look at this and it brought more colour to the MV world and the community of MV.
Kim - thanks so much for your evocative comments: At some point Jake's anger as Swoff and Jake's anger as Jake (and Jack) from BBM must have merged into a single sandstorm, purging him and creating new opportunites for him as an actor at the same time. I feel this too. The clues are there that BBM left Jake with some strong feelings that he needed to be allowed to express.
Sand as a medium - the drive to build somethig up and then watch it disintegrate before your yes. As an archaeologst by trade, I've always felt some connection with the different kinds of natural that we walk upon, including sand, which reflects the passing of time, with colour changes - for instance, burials in sand don't survive but instead leave a 'shadow' where the bones had been - and which can collapse under your feet.
Beckela and Incognita I'm so sorry I missed you here today.
Pia loved your poems and this Jake G on the other hand, in my view, lives and works on pretty solid ground. I don't fret about his professional career nor his self "burning out" - That's a comforting thought. Sometimes I worry about Jake but then I sit back and reflect that he's done nothing but show maturity and self-collection. He's a thinker and he's canny.
Hi Marina - the relaionship between Ennis and his girls is a vital part of the film. Especially at the end here he wants to do right by Junior and fights his own nature to give her what she needs.
"sand, which reflects the passing of time, with colour changes - for instance, burials in sand don't survive but instead leave a 'shadow' where the bones had been - and which can collapse under your feet. "
That's so evocative WDW - and it brought up the image of the sandglass. I think your being an archaelogist by profession permeates your approach and your writing.
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