No wish to escape from the Gyllenembrace

With tongue firmly in cheeks, yesterday we were reflecting on the hazards of having a passion for Jake Gyllenhaal - following the tall and unlikely story that an employee at Ealing Studios was given the boot for proclaiming her undying lust for said actor. Quite apart from this inspiring some poetic types to retell the story through limerick, it also made me want to take a quick look (yes please) at one of the mighty weapons that Jake has in his arsenal. A short time ago, we looked at that formidable piece of kit - the kiss - so it seems only right to illustrate today's post with another of Jake's masterly techniques for reducing us all to mush - The Gyllenhug.



The Gyllenhug is not something to be treated lightly. On the set of Zodiac, David Fincher saw fit to warn fellow crew memers about the hug, as reported in Total Film back in 2007. When Jake approached cinematographer Harry Savides, Finched warned 'Watch out... You'll get a hug'. Fortunately, the arrival of a tray of Starbucks saved the day.


But David Fincher is not immune himself - he too has fallen slave to Jake's hug. As has another director, Gavin Hood.



Fellow Zodiac castmembers have also succumbed, including Robert Downey Jr but, most especially, Mark Ruffalo, who has been hugged at awards ceremonies and at fortuitous meetings in the street. In addition to the encounter outside the NYC restaurant (notable for being decorated with giant pencil crayons), GQ magazine, way back in February last year, recorded that Mark had been in Hugo's restaurant when Jake arrived and Mark did not escape the resulting clinch.



The awards ceremony is a convenient and very suitable venue to hug Jake. The exchange of awards makes hugging entirely apropriate and desirable. The best example of this is when Jake presented Jennifer Aniston with her GLAAD, leading to not just the type of hug that makes one forget one's in a packed out theatre but also to a little sway.


But premieres and the euphoria that goes with the red carpet is another very popular place for a hug and close embrace.



But Jake doesn't just need a formal occasion for a hug - the street provides ample opportunities, especially in NYC and LA. However, it is worth bearing in mind that the majority of people that Jake hugs in the street know him. But not always...




If the street is too open for an embrace, there is always the outdoor seating area of a restaurant.


It is a well known fact that people especially want to hug gorgeous, sexy young actors when they are holding a little cute puppy. While it can be argued that the little cute puppy can be used as a convenient excuse to hug said gorgeous, sexy actors, it is perhaps a useful tip to store away. However, having said all that, the hugging evidence below is confined to family - and the puppy may be receiving more hugs than anyone - and so maybe this tip does have its limitations.



And then there are the people lucky enough to work for Jake and/or to be his friend, because the rewarding hugs seem frequent, freely given and heartfelt.





What can be said with no fear of contradiction is no-one can resist.


Includes pictures from IHJ.