Jake on why awards matter and the case for Rendition

Just a month ago, some of us were incredibly lucky and were able to be in Rome to support Rendition and have an amazing adventure (in what seemed like sub-zero temperatures). It's hard to believe now that it was just a few weeks ago that we got to see Jake walk down the red carpet, absolutely in command of his experience. It's always good to see new film emerge of Jake's walkabout. This video contains images from other stars' big nights in Rome, but it begins with Jake and includes a question about what his Bafta and Oscar nomination mean to him. The Baftas will always be incredibly special to me, and all because of one Jake Gyllenhaal and the events of February 11 2007, but Jake's comments have an irony to them now, knowing as we do that Paramount didn't put much store in Zodiac for awards and nor can New Line be bothered to promote Rendition for the gong season.


The interviewer asks Jake out of the blue what awards mean to him. After pulling a delightful face and reassuring the interviewer that it was an important question, Jake says: 'It's obviously an honour because of the people before you who've been nominated and have won and... you carry that with you when you're nominated and that's an honour. And then I also think it's important in terms of... just selling a movie. It's very important cos smaller movies don't get seen as much as bigger ones do if they're not recognised with awards, so that's a wonderful thing.'


There is also another video from the very serious looking press conference in Rome, in which both Jake and Reese answer questions about the motivations and choices of their characters. If you can't speak Italian, this will give you a good chance to brush up on the old lipreading skills. Thanks to a WDW reader for the link to this.


Why people should see Rendition by Kelley Sane

As we're talking about Rendition tonight, I thought you might be interested to read this fascinating, detailed interview with the fascinating and Gorgeous Kelley Sane, written by a reporter who was also in the Toronto theatre on that incredible, always memorable night of 7 September. The interviewer notes that this night seemed to launch Rendition into success, receiving as it did a standing ovation. The audiences were subsequently disappointing 'And screenwriter Kelley Sane, the architect of the whole thing, was left wondering what had happened. Last week, I caught up with Sane to discuss the origins of his career, the film, and the struggle to find an audience for a film that feels as if it has been rendered, if you will, from the public's attention (but in my opinion merits a second look)...'


I had no idea Kelley had been a photographer of the rich, famous and beautiful, but the interview also touches on Kelley's life as a student and tennis player in LA and presents an interesting portrait of how this writer writes. A discussion of Rendition's inspiration is followed by Kelley's assessment of why audiences have been so split:

'Well, you know, I’m not that surprised by that, you know? I understand, you now, everyone has their own opinion. And, you know, it’s a controversial subject. And, you know, the structure of the movie is a little controversial. And so I understand, you know, people having some issues with it. But, you know, at the same time, I’m not a Civics teacher. This is a piece of entertainment, first. You know, this is supposed to entertain, and if it informs and creates a debate, that’s great, but first I want to create something that’s entertaining. And so, you know, for some people who don’t like it, the best I can suggest is see it a second time, and I think that you’ll really appreciate it more the second time, because then some of the literal nuances of the story that person might be able to appreciate a little more. Because it’s a complex story and, you know, the characters are complex and, you know, sometimes, I think, you know, first-viewing, you know, you’re expecting, you know, The Kingdom, or you’re expecting, you know, something different, and you get, you know, what I consider to be a smart film, and you may not be on guard, and you may not be ready for that. So see it a second time. And if you see it a second time and you still don’t like it, then I’ll accept that, you know? But I just think it’s a complex film and it’s good to see it twice, I think.'


And on a more personal note: 'I hope it makes a lot of money. [laughs] I hope a lot of people see it. I want it to be successful, ‘cause I want to continue working in this genre and, you know, if the film is successful, then it will allow me to continue to work in this world. And so first of all I want to be successful, because I have other stories—other issue-driven stories—to talk about and, you know, if this one is successful, then it will allow me to do that.' I hope Kelley is able to do that.


And a Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates it - and may you have a better time with your loved ones than this cheery lot.



Includes pictures from IHJ.