What does Jake Gyllenhaal look for in a princess? And 'a devastating emotional actor' with a 'zany laugh'

Another Jake Gyllenhaal interview for this evening as I continue to combine those two well-known, and indeed complementary, activities of a) Jaking and b) advising football refs on where exactly they're going wrong. I couldn't resist this German interview because in it Jake reveals the qualities he looks for in a princess: 'Smart, sweet and quick-witted'. Admittedly I'm not royal (although I am British so I think that goes some of the way) but I was called sweet once by an elderly relative.



Before I carry on with the rest of the post, I should point out that tonight my sinuses are like Alamut, under attack from the pollen that is the Persian army. Therefore, it's true to say that I am not that sweet at all this evening. But my cousin is directly descended from the brother in law of Henry VIII. That counts for something in Jake's princess criteria, I'm sure.


It seems only right to start off the German interview with some more washing and shampooing tips because Jake continues to take the story to new levels. In this version, Jake eats soap. Please don't try this at home. 'My diet consisted of shower water and sometimes, if I was really hungry, a small piece of soap. You see, anyone can in a short time get a "Prince of Persia" fit body. You don't even need a bath tub, you can just use also creeks, rivers, lakes, oceans...' Is it just me who can see the potential for a new Olympic sport here?


When asked if he had more fun fighting with swords or kissing princesses, Jake replied: 'The eight year old in me would probably say: "Fighting!" But the 29-year-old Jake preferred the kisses.' I think the princess probably did as well.


On being 30: 'That's quite a turning point in life. I realize that I already have some distance behind me. I don't take myself as seriously as before. And I feel like I'm going through a gate into a new era... When I was 20, I never thought that I'd have a 30th... I'll never be 40!' Jake is, in fact, right there. It's a proven fact that after 30 you can indeed turn back the sands of time and stay aged 29.


Gemma Arterton on Jake: 'I'm quite a mischievious person and I like to cause a lot of trouble on set," she says. "I was really hoping that Jake was the type of actor who would play along. And he was, thank goodness!" And: '‘Jake is so gorgeous,' she told reporters. ‘When they told me he was my co-star I had to pinch myself.''


'Jake was a very, very funny guy. He’s really nice. He’s quite serious when it comes to his work. He works hard and he is a perfectionist. But he likes to make jokes and he’s fun. He’s funny. And he is fit, of course.'


Mike Newell has also spoken some more on his leading man: 'I thought Jake was perfect for the main role from the very beginning because he is such a devastating emotional actor. He is so open and available, especially in movies like Brokeback Mountain. I’d actually known Jake since he was a little boy. I knew his parents very well and I had worked with his sister, so I kept my eye on him growing up. I knew he had a wonderful sense of humour and he’s got a zany laugh. I also thought he looked right for the role. He’s not a royal-looking guy, but a street kid in the wrong costume. I thought that would be a great thing to have in the film.'


And finally...
It was great to get an email today from Dastan Jr himself! Perked me up no end, and so to say thank you to him for reading, and as a big bonus to all of us, here are Daniele Rizzo's two excellent interviews with Dad Dastan, Mum Tamina and Uncle Nizam and that scarey director. It's very good to out the two together and give them the prominence that the hoopla of May didn't allow. You might want to check out the channel.




Pictures from Disney, via IHJ.