"I don't hold it against people for wanting to know about our personal lives and reading all those magazines and what not... Our world is in a very bad place at the moment, so I think it is only appropriate that people look to other things and have an interest in all the drama and happenings of celebrity lives, and I hope that at some point I can help the public sedate and escape what's really happening in the outside world."
Picture from IHJ.
35 comments:
Heaven sent ;)
Hey WDW! *waves hand*
Each time I come back from my week-end breaks I have some hard times trying to recover from all the news and treats you put in your blog!:)
It seems that Jake is being somehow a bit sarcastic in the interview, I think what he's really saying is that if we concentrate too much on celebrities's lives we're gonna miss more important things and that when we concentrate too much is to be distracted actually...but I might be wrong...:)
Hey, Anon in the morning - you and WDW set me crooning:
"Dearly beloved, how clearly I see
Somewhere in heaven you were fashioned for me
Angel eyes knew you
Angel voices led me to you. . . "
Jake still agrees that he is a gift from heaven! :) :) :)
Thank you WDW for a Monday morning extra! I've always loved so much Jake saying he is glad to be consolation to those who need him.
Glad he still "loves all this shit" -
As you continue to piece together an interesting life WDW - cant wait for the biopic! - Im even getting used to the idea that Jake gets crushes on "models" - I guess it's sorta like Donnie Darko wanting Hungry Humgry Hippos - whatever distracts us from a less than perfect world is okay with me, too, Jake....
I didnt take this as being sarcastic, Xenia, although I do recall him saying, in a less mellow mood, that everybody ought to get a life. He's been pretty respectful of his audience, and fans, overall, I think. . . don't you?
I couldn't agree more Anon :)
Hi! Waves at Xenia! Welcome back. I have to say I don't think Jake is being sarcastic - it sounds genuine to me. I think he may well believe that one of the functions of being a star is to brighten our lives - like a responsibility - and I like that.
Morning Positively Pia! In good voice today...
I wasn't going to post anything until tonight when I got home, but this quote from Jake just captured me and I had to share it straight away. And yes, we all need our distractions - and I'm so glad Jake's mine. I agree that Jake's far too respectful of his fan base and his industry to be sarcastic about this.
I'm sure he'd appreciate a little more privacy, but he handles himself in front of the paps' cameras with grace, charm and professionalism. Kudos.
I have to admit I thought there was a hint of sarcasm there, not in a nasty way, but more in a "the whole thing's crazy but what can you do?!" kind of way. To be honest, I sometimes think it's a bit weird that I get so excited about seeing pics of Jake just wandering around talking into his mobile, and it does my head in that he can't say hello to someone without people writing that he's sleeping with them, so what it must be like for him to actually be at the centre of that I can't begin to imagine. Having said all that, one of the things I admire about him is the good grace with which he handles all the media attention and the fact that he seems genuinely appreciative of the love and support he gets from his fans.
I'd like to see the whole of this interview, cos it's so easy to take quotes out of context - and personally I wouldn't believe Fox News if they said today is Monday.
If all I need is Jake as a distraction then that's good enough for me.
I'm leaning towards your interpretation, Xenia & Twistedlogic. "The whole thing is crazy, but what can you do!"Jake sems to love and appreciate his fans in a general way. But there are different levels of publicity. He gets pumped by the screaming and the excitement at a premiere, or whatever. Those are "work" outings, part of the job. If he runs into fans when he's out on his own,even if he is reluctant to sign or take a picture, I've never heard about him blowing off a fan or being rude.He understands the public fascination with celebrity. But I believe he feels the paps are intrusive and the tabrags are nasty. I remember him referring to them as "vermin." Recently.So while he might acknowledge the reality of public interest being fed by these unscrupulous elements, I don't think he is OK with it at all. He was thoroughly pissed about the paps hounding Maggie at the hospital,when she was about to give birth and then following her home from the hospital and calling out the fire department in the middle of the night! And we saw video of how pissed he was about the paps camped outside Chris' apartment 24/7. I think Jake tries to strike a balance, and so far he's been pretty successful, but it must take great effort and be really draining to think about it before you walk out the door every day. And every time he promotes a film on TV, or he gets a magazine cover, etc. it fuels that tabloid/paparazzi engine and things rev up again. It's a consequence of being in the public eye, but just bcz that he seems to accept it,I don't think he's "bring it on" about it.
I'm going to take this as genuine Jake, being his gracious and nice self. It's a very sweet thing to say, and it goes both ways - we love him and treat him with respect and hopefully he loves his fans too! He acknowledges that film and other forms of entertainment always have been a wonderful form of escapism, at least for me that's true, for a little while, until we go back to our real world and lives, and he is so right that the world is in a difficult place right now.
Again I will say that Jake is one of our most beautiful Hollywood stars, not only physically but more importantly inside. He never ceases to show us. Thanks Jake, and WDW! :*
Hi everyone :) I'm not really here to comment so I have to be brief. I can hear what you're saying, I just didn't relate Jake's quote so directly to the pap issue - more of a more general assessment of the role that celebrities can play in the lives of their fans.
Of course the level of intrusion can be intolerable - and those examples you quoteBobbyanna are a case in point - but I didn't think that was really the subject of what Jake was saying here. Just my opinion, not worth much I grant you :D
See you later :)
Hey, guys: dont want to get in discussion of paps, here, but I dont recall Jake calling paps vermin - remind me, Bobbyanna. seems very much not in his interest to do so.
Oops, I should clarify my post above - I agree that stalkarazzi behavior is waaaaay over the top, and upsetting to celebrities. A horrid case in point is what happened to Princess Dianna in the zeal to photograph her (other factors contributed to this sad event as well). I would hate to think my interest as a fan would contribute to hurting or upsetting a celebrity in any way, and would rather have no info or pics at all if this were the case. I don't think most average fans need or want to know all of those personal details of celebrities' lives, and are content to admire from afar, and maintain a respectful distance. But sometimes, we like to see our fave celeb going out for coffee or doing something mundane like the rest of us, and of course enjoy their films, and LOVE the Red Carpet appearances. We can see of course by their professional demeanor that these duties are part of an actor's job. My take is that that Jake was referring more to general fan interest and the relationship between an actor and his or her fans, than intrusive run-ins with paparazzi. :)
Hey WDW! It's your site so of course your opinion means a lot:)
In terms of brightening people's lives Jake certainly does that for me, but it's the bit about "all the drama and happenings of celebrity lives" that seems to contradict some of the things Jake's said in the past, and the way he lives his life. I bet if whoever interviwed him for this quote then went on and said "ok then, so what drama is happening in your life then?" they wouldn't get a straight answer. I think he realises that whatever he says or does he can't stop the media, or people in general, talking about him, so he just accepts it and if it makes people happy then so be it. I'd like to think though, that he's aware of the difference between real fans like us who admire his talent first and foremost, and people who aren't really interested in him beyond the fact that he's a "celebrity" and all the "drama" they read about him.
pia, I can't recall the exact circumstances, and it might have been the tabloids or the paps or both. I do think it was directed at what they'd done to someone else, tho. And he was very displeased. I don't think Jake
would calculate his interests into the equation when someone he cares about is harmed.
These recent comments weren't about paps, but celebrity in general, WDW. You're right. But there is some obvious irony. I mean, Jake is promoting a film called "Rendition." Highly charged political issue with international implications. By his participation in this film, he is obviously not "helping the public escape what's really happening in the outside world." If anything, he is helping to put the outside world right up in people's faces, provoking them to think about things beyond Britney's latest escapades.
What an interesting quote,WDW! Intriguing and confusing too,because written in bald print rather than hearing him say it or seeing his expression,it really is difficult to ascertain whether any sarcasm is meant here or not.
Sometimes Jake takes a different standpoint on a given issue than he did in a quote about the same thing some time ago. This could be due to mis-reporting,or the fact that,like all human beings he changes his mind,or else, his answers to the same question could vary according to the timing and the context, due to what mood he's in and what's happening in his life,again a phenomenon common to most of us-catch us on a bad day and look out!
In this particular quote he does seem to be talking mainly about the need for escapism in a mad,bad world and his understanding and acceptance of his part in that.
If broadened out to include the Papping question,however,I think he would have a much less "anything goes" opinion,especially when his celebrity impacts on friends and family who haven't sought public attention via a career which, by its very nature, has to thrive on a certain degree of publicity.
As I've said before,Jake seems to accept a certain amount of attention and candid snaps being taken as part of the job and doesn't let it get under his skin too much. However,I have seen him,both on video and in stills,visibly angry or upset at the antics of the more intrusive,persistent and aggressive paps. These are the lowest form of pond-life who will stop at nothing to get a picture from which they can make money,no matter how unhappy,angry or scared it makes their quarry.
As Princess Diana's inquest(God rest her) brings more CCTV footage to light of how she was hounded to her death,her son,Prince William has complained of being aggressively and dangerously tailed by the Paps when leaving
a nightclub in London last week. Reports from Australia (Heath no longer has his main home there bcause the press/paps wouldn't leave him alone)tell how Keith Urban(Mr.Nicole Kidman)had to semi-crash his motor bike to avoid a collision while being pursued at speed by Paps on his way to and Alcholics Anonymous meeting(i.e.while undergoing therapy for a medical condition,which is about as intrusive as it gets).
That's why,despite enjoying my fair share of candid shots where Jake is obviously relaxed and going about mundane activities with friends etc,I get really angry and scared for his safety when he is doggedly pursued and/or cornered amid a barrage of flashguns,as seen in a recent incident which we've discussed at length here.
I suppose what I'm trying to say is that while some interest in the daily comings and goings of high profile celebrities,Jake included,is to be expected,there are always those paid to pursue them who see them as just a commodity, via which to make mega-bucks.
Those more ruthless and reckless individuals are dangerous and despicable and the line has to be drawn somewhere. Everyone is entitled to adequate genuine privacy,even if they make a living in the arts,sports and/or media. Public figures they might be,public property they ain't!
God,sorry WDW! Maybe I should just get off the fence and say what I think?!
Bobbyanna, I think one can comfort and discomfort, both. Think the word "sedate" was a bit offputting - and the reason some thought he was being sarcastic. I prefer his earlier statement that he is glad "go be of consolation" to those that need this.
Hi friends :) Made it back at long last - maybe I should just set up camp on the motorway...
First off - exciting news in an OT kind of way... Talk about a small world - Ryan Philippe and Eva Green are filming their new movie on the street outside my office tomorrow - we were emailed to be be warned of bedlam.
Can I recommend to Jim Sheridan and David Fincher the excellent suitability of the street outside my office for all future projects they may have in mind, be testing locations for, etc ?
So where are we... oh yes - The Debate. My feeling on paps in general are decidedly mixed, probably hypocritical and not something I tend to talk about. I want Jake to have a happy life, I want to see pictures of him. I also think there are levels of papdom and I think Jake knows how to avoid them on most occasions and how to treat them when he can't. I've also met a number of paps over the years (one of which took some lovely pictures of my shoes once - hmmmm, my best feature perhaps?) and they can be very nice so that adds to the dilemma and the soul searching. But I think Jake knows they come with the territory and knows they may trouble him for a few minutes every so often, not every day, and no doubt they're an absolute pain, but I believe we all have to put up with some element of rubbish in our chosen (or inflicted) professions. Jake choses to deal with his very well and I admire him for it.
Is the statement sarcastic? I don't know - I didn't hear him say it. However, as someone who can't abide sarcasm I've always been delighted that Jake doesn't seem much of a fan of it wither, and I choose to believe that sarcasm and talk of his fans don't go together in Jake's book. I think this is a statement about a far wider subject - the role of the celebrity on the life of a fan and the knowledge that they can bring sparkle to that fan's life.
There are extremes in every case - Diana, Brad and Angelina for example. But that's on a completely different level and I don't see it as comparable with Jake's experience. I saw the Brad Pitt premiere in Toronto - it was insane and I don't know how they deal with it but they do.
So thanks for all your opinions, friends, and keep them coming :D If anyone can get me a bottle of wine, I'd appreciate it ;)
I must add that I do appreciate you all taking the time to discuss this here - thank you *)
WDW why is your wine cellar empty?
Hi Pia - I've got a dribble of Woodbridge Californian Shiraz left - I may have to go out and replenish or it'll be the tequila - never good on a school night ;)
Hi WDW...yes..I am one of those lucky Yanks who is off today!! I read this same article this morning whilst I was reading my email...the google alerts!! Could Jakey BE anymore lovable? I do not see how...but then he has always said this type of thing about his celebrity status...He says he knew what he was getting into when he began acting...but it is so nice to hear him say it again and again...thanks again my dear for giving more Jake...Michele
Thank you Michele :)
Jake Gyllenhaal you like every kind of gossip that The press say about you. If it is good or bad...it isn't important. The gossipers help you in your career.
The magazine for young people has this kind of bad gossipers. I don't like the kind of news that all this magazines for young people show the way of life of lot of celebrities. And the form that they represent your way of life is one of worse! True or false is horrible!
Hi Anon - thanks for commenting :) There is a lot of rubbish in some magazines, fortunately most of it isn't about Jake :D
Jake Gyllenhaal don't understand that the friends have an influence on young person not the parents!!!Even if we forbit all magazines at home, an teenager will see this magazines in another places!! The families haven't good structure at present. But I don't like another thing of Jake Gyllenhaal! The opinions of him about homosexualism. We can respect a people and they have the right to live how they would like. And I have wish to live how I would like to live too. I don't like homosexuals in my privade life!!! I will work with them, I can talk about on street with them but I don't like them in my house. Sometimes I can't believe how a actor or actress have courage to say something in the cerimonies. This film Rendition for me is ridiculous!
There are modern cameras and microphones. There are all kind of technologies to investigate a person. The torture will be subject the people to confess a crime whose they never do. It would be better that the artists of Hollywood would go to Whrite House! Perhaps a gossip would be a good theme for people whose haven't nothing in your mind or your own lifes. Kidnapping and tortures is a very serious problem!
Hi anon you're welcome to your opinion, but I can't agree with it. I'm afraid your views on homosexuality and the freedom of speech are not something I could ever agree with - I'm with Jake on this one. I'm afraid that rendition does exist, it's not a nice thought, but it does.
Thanks everyone for all your comments, really interesting to read all your POVs.
I don't know what to think reall. We'll probably never know exactly how Jake meant those comments. For me personally, I don't see Jake as a "celebrity" I see him as an actor first and foremost. Sure I'm happy and interested to see him going about his day to day life(as long as the paps aren't being overly intrusive) but it's not the "drama" in his life that I'm interested in, or that brightens up my day, it's just...Jake! And anyway, what drama does Jake have going on in his life? We never hear about or see pics of, Jake falling out of nightclubs pissed out of his head, or taking drugs, or smashing up cars, etc.If he does have any "drama" in his life, he keeps it out of the headlines, which is just fine by me. That's the difference for me, I would call "celebrities" the people who are mostly famous for their private dramas, which isn't at all the case with Jake. And I don't think the people who follow celebrity gossip are fans as such of the people invoved, more that just folow their goings on like they would a soap opera, so in that sense Jake is spot on about escapism. I just see a big difference between those types of celebrities and someone like Jake, for whom being a "celebrity" is a side effect of the job, rather than the job itself... Oh, I don't know! Just thinking out loud...
You know Twisted Logic - this is really interesting. When I saw this quote for the first time it came as a little shock to hear Jake talk of himself as a celerity - I've never seen him that way - he's way above these TV and reality 'stars' that are paraded as 'celebrities' in our magazines each week. As you say, Jake is Jake and the main difference is he does keep his life out of the mags - good for him. That's what makes him so interesting. He is a star, not a celebrity.
Thanks for that great comment :D
Thanks WDW:) I think that was what made me think Jake might have been being sarcastic in that interview - the fact that he's the very antithesis of "celebrity" as I understand it, and yet he seemed to be lumping himself in with those people. You're right, Jake is a star,he's famous for all the right reasons, the main one being his talent. He's a fantastic actor and ultimately that's why I'm here. Also, and this is kind of in response to Anon at 21:26, I think the fact that he's an actor gets forgotten by some people when they start attacking his views. I'm not saying he's always right (I didn't agree with his recent Government/parent analogy) but let's give the guy a break! He could take the safe option and just make boring conventional movies that have nothing to say, but he doesn't. Things like rendition and homomphobia go on and at least he's doing something to get people thinking and talking about it. Likewise with his own opinions on the subject, he deserves credit for having the intelligence to have a view and the guts to express it. He could play it safe in his career choices and in his interviews and just become another bland and boring puppet, but if he did I for one would be long gone.
^^I agree, I never follow these sensational celebrity stories either, maybe would think twice about a major celeb story appearing in the news, but not want or need to know all of the gory details.
My take on it was that he was including himself in the group of the well-known, or celebrity, which as we know is a broad spectrum not always related to talent, just fame and notoriety, when he says "'I don't hold it against people for wanting to know about our personal lives. We know he's so talented and at the top of the spectrum, but he's much too modest. :)
In his case, there's nothing negative out there about him, but let's face it, there's huge interest in who he is dating, which I'm sure gets intrusive. But what I'm seeing about him is that he is very and honest and realistic about it, which is very nice. He doesn't need to be sarcastic I don't think, he could just say it's a big pain in the a$$ if he wanted to! :)
The only reason I follow Jake at all is because I was so impressed by his acting as Jack in Brokeback Mountain, and I enjoy him in his films. His good looks and charm are a bonus! I don't need or want to know all about who he is dating, etc., but every now and then a pic is nice, I have to admit. :)
Nowadays the level of education and background of people have a low level. There are so many celebrities with bad caracter that the most part of people are satisfied when someone don't make scandals. But there are another kind of addictions and bad exemples by the way of life of celebrities whose can influence other people and especially young people. Homosexuality and divorce for example. In Hollywood they can make enormous campaign for homosexuals but a homosexual will always be exploited and dislocated person in society. Divorce for a normal family is a financial disaster. Angelina Jolie last week said that she tried all kind of drogs "without problems"... Normal films with pornography like the director Ang Lee has made recently. I don't know what kind of society the government of our world would like to have. People whose have way of life like animals for what... to have more control of them without opposition or critical sense! The governments would like to have slaves ignorants again! It is because lot of government don't use the censorship at present! I only can say that for us parents is very difficult to help our children and take care with a objective for them don't go in false way of life. Use the others person!!! Addiction get lot of money for yourselves. There are lot of nepothism in Hollywood and the family Gyllenhaal is one of them. This is a unequal fight against the normal actors and actresses. The lobbies of Hollywood that I have suspect Jake Gyllenhaal works can damage lot of people...He is a good actor but he must to throw away the diaper!
Anon - you've made your point and I'd appreciate it if we could end the discussion here -this site upholds the beliefs of Jake and not those that you refer to. So let's agree to disagree and consider this subject closed. Thanks.
Ok. Anon
I will finish the discussion. Thank you to let me say my point of view.
Thanks Anon and you're welcome :)
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