Political intrigue - The Tale of Farragut North, Jake Gyllenhaal, George Clooney and the right time

While I wait for the Duncan Jones Q&A videos to upload, a process that is taking so long that I may witness civilisations rise and fall, mountains peak and crumble, and seas form and evaporate, before I get the message that the videos have processed, I thought I'd take a look at a story that reappeared in the movie news today. Farragut North. This is a project to which Jake Gyllenhaal was once closed tied and we have followed it through the years here, since June 2007, when we had reports of Jake reading for the play and the promise of an Autumn for Jake spent on a stage, on or off Broadway. But, as we've come to know so well, just because Jake appears interested in a project, that doesn't mean it's meant to be.


In 2007, Jake was associated with readings for two stage productions, Farragut North and a musical. Farragut North even appeared to have a theatre booked (Second Stage). As the story and rumours progressed, it was thought that 2008 would be the perfect time for Jake to appear in this political play - it would coincide with the US election. Originally set for off Broadway, the prospect of Mike Nichols as director pushed the production on to Broadway. But, when Mike pulled out towards the end of 2007 and Jake was firmly linked with Brothers it appeared that Farragut North would be permanently on hold.


Before the idea disappeared all together, theatres optimistically promised that Jake's play had simply been delayed for a year, to the fall of 2008.


Now, of course, George Clooney has taken over the reigns of a film - not stage - version with Leo DiCaprio a co-producer and writer. The project still hasn't been without its troubles. Potential cast continue to fall by the wayside due to the pressures of other projects, including Leo himself and also Brad Pitt. Now it looks as if Chris Pine may be up for the 'Jake Role' as the play/film continues to want to be made.


Like David Fincher's Torso and Doug Liman's Unnamed Moon Project, Farragut North is one of those projects that persisted for a long time but, unlike the other two, it had the promise of Jake Gyllenhaal on a stage at the end of it. Imagine that. Jake has repeatedly spoken of how he wants to do more theatre, after his award-winning success in London in This Is Our Youth, and he has witnessed the more recent stage success of his sister and brother in law. Perhaps it's a matter of waiting for that 'right' project, which Farragut North wasn't, just as the Romeo and Juliet London production Jake talked of also came to nought.


Jake has always been associated with political causes, from ACLU with his parents to encouraging young people to vote and fighting for the Democratic cause with Kerry in 2004. Many an ex-student in America has a memory of Jake taking to the political stage. Years later, Jake made his most explicitly vocal political film to date - Rendition - while, at the same time, curiously arguing that actors should not be politicans. In these days, Jake seems to have rediscovered his political voice but with more comfort - using his celebrity and influence to front the more universal cause of charity. The latest, of course, is Stand Up 2 Cancer (just look at Jake's hats). The telethon airs on 10 September. In addition to this, Jake has been vocal in support for New Eyes for the Needy, youth charities, education and urban regeneration.


Farragut North and other projects may fade away, only to be reborn, possibly, with a whole new cast and direction, but I always like to think that the seed stays planted in Jake and you never know how things will turn out.


The Duncan Jones Q&A should follow tomorrow...

Includes pictures from IHJ.