I thoroughly enjoy this video for a few reasons, not least of which because the interviewer Roger Jackson is very British and his humour a little dry, until he delights Jake by describing Jarhead's soundtrack in these terms: 'The soundtrack is so kickass!... It is unusual - it's unusually great!' Jake responds: 'That's what a military advisor would say!'
But the prize moment in this interview is when Jake is asked to discuss a film which is a movie about war but without the fighting. According to Jake, Jarhead is like 'Really great sex without an orgasm.'
Elsewhere, Jake discussed his apprehension at meeting the original Tony Swofford - likening the experience to a panic attack. 'I thought I didn't really want to meet him. I was terrified that I was going to realize--and I did when I met him--that I'm nothing like him. And I was thinking so many other actors look like him, and I don't look like him. And when we met...Sam really like popped it on me. And we went to lunch, and I couldn't say a word. [It] was like a panic attack immediately. We had been rehearsing for like two weeks, and I was just getting into a rhythm of like, "Cool, I'm figuring this out." And then it was like, [breathes deeply] "I'm nothing like him." But it was a very conscious choice...I wanted to present the closest thing to me as I could, and I didn't want to wear a mask or try and imitate somebody.'
Talking of Swoff, Tony had his own interview in London's Metro newspaper, during which he was asked about whether the Santa hat scene really did happen. Tony says it did, but he only wore one of the two hats Jake wore. I think you can imagine which.
On seeing Jake for the first time take on his life, Tony told FilmFocus: 'But the first time I saw the film I saw it with Sam in New York in a screening room and it was truly bizarre to see Jake on screen and then to hear him called Swofford and to watch him get his head shoved into a chalkboard. He was an actor on screen playing me, living my life. I'm a big fan of Jake's acting and he really captured that version of me. That version of the young man who wants to go to war and fight.'
Includes pictures from IHJ.
Ooh Jarhead goodies!! Thnks WDW! I rememeber seeing that interview before (let's be honest who could forget hearing Jake utter a line like that?) great to see it again. I love how he always tries to find the right words, like when the interviewer asks him if the film would have been different if it had been made before the current invasion and he admits it's a hard question. I'm so used lately to see him being so quick and sharp in interviews, I find it endearing to see him struggle a bit.It makes me go all motherly, possibly cos he looks so young in that interview compared to now! I think I need to go watch some Jarhead, that'll push those motherly thoughts right out of my mind;)
ReplyDeleteHey TL - I just love, love this interview! And it is endearing to see Jake um and ah over some of the answers - some wonderful expressions - I'm afraid I don't feel motherly though ;) Just texted you - see you tomorrow *)
ReplyDeleteHey WDW! You'll be pleased to know all motherly feelings have vanished completely now! The powers of the Santa hat...;) Btw, am I the only one who can't look at one of those hats now without giggling? Texted you back WDW xx
ReplyDeleteYep, a Santa Hat will never be just a Santa Hat again - suddenly Christmas has a whole new ring to it :D
ReplyDeleteHi WDW and Pia, I'm thoroughly impressed by such worldly knowledge of the Judaism religion. I can say that even after being with my husband for 20 years (college sweethearts) that I still don't know enough about it. I sort of feel the way Jake's parents did, giving my kids the opportunity to understand differents kinds of religions, their philosophies are all so very interesting to know about. I don't want tio smother them with just one thing.
ReplyDeleteLove the Jarhead stuff, can never get enough, thank you.
Hi CWG I find it amazing and wonderful what I can learn here. Jake is a mighty fine window :)
ReplyDeleteIf Jarhead was the worst film ever made it would still be worth it just for the Santa hat dance! Saying that, I do love the pics of Jake with the hat on his head, when he's shirtless and sweaty and covered in dirt from the fire ...*drool* But anyway, Jarhead is such a brilliant film, I can't believe so many people slated it, although that was probably for the same reasons Rendition was slated:( I think in time both will get the recognition they deserve. At least I hope so, I'd love to see Jake's decision to make these films vindicated. He's brilliant in Jarhead, the scene with the rifle scares me every single time I watch it (which must be close to a hundred times now).
ReplyDeleteI just never got the deal with Jarhead TL - It was being promoted as a sure Oscar contender and then nothing! As with Rendition, it's as if critics saw a differentfilm. I've not met a single person who's see Jarhead and not raved about it. Jake is extraordinary in it and it paints an incredible picture of an unusual war - and the music and the cinematography. I find the end frightening myself - when they get back to camp and fire off their guns and it seems insane. Visually the film is unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Jarhead. I'm convinced it will become a classic of its genre. And I love Jake in Jarhead. I mean. IMVVHO, Jarhead was a JakeFeast. Totally. LOL!
ReplyDelete(Everytime I hear the strains of "Grandma got run over by a reindeer..." I get all...funny...)
WDW, I think the critics are often aesthetically challenged, intellectually challenged and certainly owe their jobs to someone's uncle. They were expecting a "Gulf War movie." They were limited by their own biases. A pox on their houses!
ReplyDeleteToo right Bobbyanna :D Jarhead has got a lot going for it for Jake fans! The critics were expecting one thing, got another and just couldn't take it - even though it was aesthetically... perfect. But seriously, what a good film! And I love that soundtrack btw.
ReplyDeleteI think it's probably something to do with what Jake said, about the film not having a proper structure. I guess people wanted a neat little film where they go and kill all the "baddies" and the world becomes a better place*rolls eyes* Kinda like people who couldn't grasp the fact that Rendition wasn't about having the answers, it was about the questions. I dunno...Maybe it's just me but I definitely see a similarity there between the two films. They're both brilliant, I know that, and we're lucky that we get to see Jake performing so well (and looking so hot!) in both of them:) Right, time for a re cap of the Santa scenes! See you tomorrow xx
ReplyDeleteTL, there definitely is aconnect btwn the two films. I agree! With the benfit of hindsight, I think there were some amazingly powerful and prescient scenes in Jarhead The eerie scenes of the oilfields burning,the encounter with the Bedouins, the bombed out hulks of cars and busses with charred remains sitting in place, the horse covered in oil, even the "black rain." All that stuff spoke to me about a civilization and a way of life that was being destroyed.
ReplyDeleteThere was something almost Biblical about it. And it was both a vision of the future and a reaching back to the past. (Black rain is what actually happened after the Atomic bomb was detonated over Hiroshima.) And yet, there were these soldiers who never saw combat. They were primed, ready, and never got off a shot. Almost like showing up for an appointment, only to discover, you had the dates mixed up. And Rendition? Rendition is a companion piece. It tells me more than I ever wanted to know about the direction we're headed. As if it was a logical outcome to an illogical situation. Jarhead si heavier on the symbolism. It infers a lot. Itis a very brilliant work andSam Mendes, particularly,should be very satisfied with it. It was perfectly executed.
Wow - what wonderful comments Jarhead has inspired in you all tonight! It's fascinating listening to you, TL and Bobbyanna discuss the similarities between Jarhead and Rendition, including the fact that both have been misunderstood.
ReplyDeleteTL - this is absolutely right: Rendition wasn't about having the answers, it was about the questions.
Bobbyanna - I saw the biblical in Jarhead too - the openspace and light of the desert turned black and the rain of oil. 'Black rain' - love that. I can't say any more than what you say. I think in many ways Jarhead is Jake's most accomplished film as an actor and that really is saying something, considering what it has to compete against. And now the thought that Brothers is to come!
Hi WDW, I imagine you're asleep as it's 22:30 here in NYC,NY. :)
ReplyDeleteI think all promotion of Jarhead for the Oscar stopped, when the powers that be realized, we had been engaged in another more ferocious and deadly war, for nearly two years in 2005, and that no matter what what our illustrious leader said on board the air craft carrier, this operation was not yet...mission accomplished.
Pia, I tried to post this before but my computer ate it with relish. Thanks so much for telling us the history of the Bar Mitzvah.
I've lead such a parallel life here in the city, that I had no idea how much I didn't know about Jewish tradition.
bobbyanna the scenes you mention
The eerie scenes of the oilfields burning, the encounter with the Bedouins, the bombed out hulks of cars and busses with charred remains sitting in place, the horse covered in oil, even the "black rain." All that stuff spoke to me about a civilization and a way of life that was being destroyed.
have never left my mind, and are seared there forever, since the first time I saw Jarhead on the big screen.
TY:)
WDW,
ReplyDeleteJust one more thing:)
I hope you don't mind. I found this video just now, thought about you and decided to share with you and my friends here once again, the natural grace and beauty and the innate elegant style of Mr.Jake Gyllenhaal.
And I love the way the French announcer says his name:) I'm so glad you got to experience this wonderful time in Cannes.
sass
Cannes Jake Zodiac
That Jarhead vid with Jake is great! Gotta love it when Jake say's something naughty!
ReplyDeleteI'm normally not that big on war films, but Jake being in this certainly won me over and I wanted to see it. I must also say, that Peter gave such a powerful performance in Jarhead as well. This movie really did shed a light on what these men go through, all the daily grind and frustrations they have to deal with. Seems to me I remember reading in passing, that some in the military and the Marines didn't particularly like how this movie shed a light on them sort of speak. It is a shame that this movie didn't get more recognition and accolades.
Morning everyone :) And today is the first day of the Brothers shoot - so good luck, Jake!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments Sass and Jantoinette. Speak to you later :D
I love that Jarhead interview! It makes me think of the 'this morning' interview Jake did just recently with Alison...when he told her that he 'knew where she kept her pens' the moment after he said it, while he waited for it to register...I loved his face..and he seemed to do it here too, after the orgasm comment...that moment after he has said it, and he waits for a response...I love it!! And yes, I'm with TL...I found it endearing to see him struggle with a good question.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved everyone's comments on Jarhead, and the similarites between that and Rendition. Thank you for them!
And finally...GOOD LUCK JAKE from me too. I'm so glad we have a new film to get all excited about again.
Thanks for all the Jarhead comments, everyone! Always enjoy reading people's takes on it:)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, good luck to Jake!Although I thought they were doing the war scenes first and Jake's scenes didn't start filming until a later date? Oh well, good luck to whoever is involved, I can't wait to see this film:)
Ah... there should be law against people like Jake to use words like sex, orgasm when they talk... could lead to society unrest :P
ReplyDeletethat's a "kick-ass" interview, thank you for finding it, WDW!
Even though the interviewer was totally perplexed when Jake made jokes about his "kick-ass" comment... lol.
I think Jarhead is another film that people will have a different opinion about it in 10 or 15 years time.... i can't believe some critics blamed it for "not taking a side"! i thought that's the whole point of making a film... you tell a story, not to make a statement.
Good morning everyone. Good luck Jake, wish we were there. Can't wait to start hearing about Brothers. Talk later.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone :) Hope you're having a good day! Thanks so much for your comments.
ReplyDeleteRosie - I loved that pen comment too! What an expression - like a naughty kid being found out.
I agree Winterbird that everytime Jake says such a word we should all be given the day off to recover. I also agree totally with your assessment of what a film should be - not a statement.
Morning CWG! I wonder what's going on in Santa Fe right now :D
TL - thank you for a fabulous lunch *)
Everyone I know who's seen Jarhead raves about it as well, and completely 'gets' it - why some critics couldn't I've no idea.
ReplyDeleteLove me some naughty Jake, I do wonder how long he'd waited to get the chance to use that line :D
Desperately looking forward to any upcoming Brothers news! Good to know Jake's filming again and a treat or two await us in 2008 (and hopefully a bare butt shaving scene ;-) )
Hey Agent K - good point! I bet Jake had had that line all lined up for some time and the joy when he realised that he could use it at last! It's written all over his face :D
ReplyDeleteI do hope we don't have to wait for long to hear something (or see something) from the Brothers set.
WDW I'm trying to fly by and you go and have a headline like that :) :)
ReplyDelete*
Hey Anouska tasty eh?! Hope all is well and see you soon *)
ReplyDeleteWanted to say to everyone that I heard from Nadine who still has a sick PC but she says hello! Hopefully it'll be fixed next week.
Hey WDW! Thank YOU for a brilliant lunch:) And thanks for letting us know about Nadine, I meant to ask if you'd heard from her but was too busy talking about someone else;)Nadine, if you're reading this, hope you're back soon, miss you lots xx
ReplyDeleteAgnt Krycek, that's a good point about Jake having that line ready and waiting. Gotta wonder about what kind of thought process made him think of it in the first place though... *drifts off into fantasy land thinking about Jake, sex, and orgasms*
WDW, your famous!! Check this site out. Maybe J was really him:
ReplyDeletehttp://nm-medianews.blogspot.com/2007/11/stars-make-difference-jake-gyllenhaal.html
Hey CWG! Great spot! Nice to see WDW getting a plug:) Now, if WDW and the London Tourist Board join forces could we be seeing our Jake filming on our streets? Well if it's good enough for Ryan Wotisname...;)
ReplyDeleteTL, it's only a matter of time :) Interesting how that blog site is out of New Mexico.
ReplyDeleteJake if your listening come join us for a little discussion, but you need to follow the rules ok?
Hi all! Phew! Made it home in torrential horizontal rain. Time for the red stuff.
ReplyDeleteTL - those are some thoughts you're putting in my head there - maybe something to do with the Dairy Milk you gave me and I've been eating all afternoon! Thanks! *)
Hey CWG Thanks for the link!! That's very nice of them. It's going to be a pleasure keeping an eye on Sante Fe during the next couple of months and hopefully getting to know more about the town (before Jake's next film, which will hopefully be filmed in London Town!).
Hope everyone's having a good Tuesday :)
You tell him CWG!! :D
ReplyDeleteNow I'm catching up, must thank you Sass for that link to one of the happiest days I've experienced - I can hardly believe I was only about 10 foot away... Gotta go in the post - I love Jake nostalgia! *)
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous WDW and TL, I had to eat lunch alone :(
ReplyDeleteHey WDW! Glad you're home safe:) Thanks again for lunch! And you're a stronger woman than me if you made that chocolate last all afternoon - those small ones are lucky to last 5 minutes near me:D Are starbursts on the menu for tonight then?;)
ReplyDeleteHey CWG! Next time we'll let you know and you can jump on a plane and fly over...er, I mean, jump into the Atlantic and SWIM over and join us;)
Hi TL! Saving the starbursts for when I can get some strawberries ;) CWG, we'll get the towels ready :D
ReplyDelete