Seven years ago today, I went to see the holiday weekend blockbuster - The Day After Tomorrow. I knew the film featured Donnie Darko but despite that I was unprepared for Sam, and the gentle curl of his lips in a smile and the big blue brave eyes. Yep, that was when I caught in the GyllenNet.
And so, to mark the occasion of Jake Gyllenhaal's debut on the big screen as a romantic hero, here is a snippet from some of this week's press in Germany to mark the release of Jake's latest film, Source Code. Thanks to Ms JG for the translation.
'U.S. actor Jack Gyllenhaal had a very romantic streak as a teenager: In order to remain on the mind of his lady in the U.S. while an exchange student in France, he wanted to do something really special...'
'In his new film there is little room for romance, contrary to his real life: The U.S. actor who became famous with "Brokeback Mountain" has had a very romantic side in high school. As the 30-year-old told magazine "TV movie" he fell in love head over heels to a girl in the U.S. just at the time of his departure to a student exchange in France. "When I traveled around France with my backpack, I picked a flower in every city and sent it to her," says Gyllenhaal.'
'Even today, he is still friends with his former flame. "She has recently shown me all the flowers that I sent to her back then. That was something very special."'
And finally...
There are more pictures from Jake's day out and about in LA on 27 May. The bag suggests Jake spent some time at the gym - more karate? That's what I call a backdrop.
Source Code is released in France and Belgium today, creating the same interest in Jake Gyllenhaal and Duncan Jones in the local media that has been seen elsewhere over the last few weeks. And you know what they say... you can never have enough Jake Gyllenhaal interviews. There is a particularly good one from 7sur7. This post also gives me a chance to catch up with some of the video interviews.
I realise that much of the world has yet to see Source Code and so as always I'm avoiding spoilers, so do check out this interview using Google Translate. But as far as the non-spoilers go 'I like films that deal with issues that are a little philosophical, psychological, creating a mystery that opens the mind. Here, one wonders what another dimension might look like. I love being on the verge of madness, not to be in reality. And I love watching movies like that.'
And what to do with that eight minutes in real life? 'What disaster could you prevent? Might it prevent the disaster happening today in Japan for example? You could also find yourself in the body of people like JFK in the last 8 minutes of their lives. If a computer program could return to their bodies just before they die, what would we do? It was a fascinating idea. Where would we be now? What would have happened in history? For me, there are ramifications to every choice you make in life. But what is most interesting is the idea that you could save lives, you can keep people together, united. It's fascinating.'
'There's always time to fall in love in life. He is a character who realizes, after the third source code that manipulates everyone, nobody told him the truth, he feels lost. I think about love, whether it's with your family, your friends, your partner, that's all about seeing people, love is a matter of seeing the other person, to see who she is. And at one point, he returned to the train, and he sees this girl as she is, honest, she is the only person he can trust. And it stirs something in him.'
There has been a fun account of Jake's visit to Iceland, or rather his visit to a restaurant in Iceland, published today by the girl lucky enough to have served Jake and stayed admirably calm and cool throughout.
'The most famous celebrity I've met in Iceland is certainly Jake Gyllenhaal. I served him at the bar where I work and witnessed how the people around him behaved. Yes, they all wanted a piece of him. I felt almost embarrassed to watch Mr. Gyllenhaal being approached by several fans. Ok, mostly by women, who were basically throwing themselves at him. So classy. Even hours after he had left people were asking about him. One guy even ordered: “the same that Jake Gyllenhaal had.”'
'Don't get me wrong, I understand the attraction such a famous person has. I, too, was impressed and a bit star struck when the Prince of Persia suddenly stood before me and ordered a beer. I even bragged about having served Donnie Darko, I mean Jake Gyllenhaal, and about the tip he gave me. But I stayed totally cool while serving him...'
'Anyway, I know one thing for sure: I will keep Jake Gyllenhaal's tip at home in a special place and never spend it. Well, at least not until I'm broke and need money for chocolate.'
It is a fascinating thought - you never know quite how you'll behave with a Hollywood star until they're right in front of you placing an order for dinner. That is compounded when that star is as charismatic and stunning as Jake Gyllenhaal. I remember watching Nicole Kidman in a restaurant - not a soul there could keep their eyes off her - she looked like the epitome of a movie star and was gracious to everyone. I could see then the reason why such people are referred to as Hollywood Royalty, Clearly they never go to the loo. Jake Gyllenhaal is another who has that look and grace and yes, I'll have what he's having too.
And finally...
I'm off away for a couple of days, heading south to the Isle of Wight - this means boats, sandy beaches, warm sunshine, blue seas and so much ice cream it's ridiculous. I'll be back Friday evening!
