Jake - 'It's amazing to me the things that people say about movies I've been in'

When Jake Gyllenhaal popped over to London, ostensibly to do the Jonathan Ross show, he was one busy gorgeous movie star. In addition to a full load of video and newspaper interviews, Jake also did the UK radio shows. We've already heard a couple - most notably the sweet and funny interview Jake did with Heart Radio - but here's another one. This interview was recorded with Jodie Ross for London's Capital Radio. Although too brief, there are some great moments here, and these are my favourites.


By the way, to illustrate this post I am using the new/old pictures that I Heart Jake have wonderfully and thankfully just posted for us all, knowing as they do, how we are all missing Jake at the moment. These pictures were taken in June 2006 - in NYC with Maggie and then in LA.


When Jodie asks Jake if he already knew about the practice of extraordinary rendition, Jake shows how well informed and aware he is - up to date with the news. In addition to listening to the radio, 'I read the newspaper pretty avidly, not just the cover but three pages in.' He is also an active member of the American Civil Liberties Union. Jake says 'It's always important to have a good time on set, to joke around and enjoy yourself in any job you do', but that the subject matter of his own scenes in Rendition, unsurprisingly, didn't let itself to jokes. Instead, the effort went into looking after Omar Metwally, and providing a cathartic release for them all. They would let him 'out of the chains', sit him down, feed him, give him drink. All the time aware that this torture really was going on in the world whilst also trying to stay apart from it.


Jake is asked how he deals with the rumours surrounding himself and Reese Witherspoon (this interview, of course, predates the Rome Film Festival) and Jake remarks how strange he finds it that actors are automatically linked together. 'It's amazing to me the things that people say about movies I've been in, parts I've played, things that are going on in my life that are either similar to the parts I've played or are not at all. But I think everyone always has to laugh these things off.'


On a lighter note, Jodie reminds Jake that he has been listed in Elle's Top 10 sexiest men and has been named as America's hottest bachelor by Interview. After protesting, but then hearing the names of the publications, Jake jokes 'That's legitimate, I guess... OK, I'll take that!' Jodie asks Jake why he is the hottest bachelor in America: 'I just have so many wonderful qualities... I'm just a great, great sexy bachelor.' But when asked how he feels about the Oscar buzz surrounding Rendition, Jake replies 'sceptical'. He laughs but I don't think he's joking.

Listen to the rest by going to the link on this page.


19 December - let's celebrate

As we all know, 19 December is Jake's birthday - always a special day, and so, to mark it, I'd like to celebrate Jake and his Gyllenhaalics by commemorating some of our own favourite, maybe personal, Jake moments of the year. This has been an incredible year, with two outstanding films released, a new relationship revealed, a new film begun. Then there are the Film Festivals and the red carpets trodden, the TV interviews and those funny moments of pure Jakeness - Jake swimming the Atlantic, fending off Gooberballs lady (I still maintain that was not me, despite rumours to the contrary), his friend desperate to catch the ball at the Red Sox game, the baby poo, the cooking, the modern dance movements - and so much more! There are funny quips or serious moments of reflection.


I could go on and on but I would love to hear which moment pulled a string in your own heart or tugged on your funny bone. I'd also like you to pick your favourite picture - this doesn't have to be from 2007, it can be from any year. It could be from a film or it could be Jake out and about, in the street or in front of the cameras. You could have taken it yourself perhaps. Through your favourite memories of Jake for the year, we can celebrate his birthday while looking back on an amazing year. I would love to hear from you so please email me at wetdarkandwild@googlemail.com (the link is at the side); whatever your language, wherever you're from, let's show Jake what a time he's given us in 2007.


The picture above is dedicated to Positively Pia and her new arrival. Pictures from IHJ.