Jake Gyllenhaal in conversation with Colm Toíbín and is there to be a Source Code 2?

I'm back! And with a nose suitably roasted by the southern Italian sun. I hope you've all had a good week. Things have been quiet in Gyllenism while I've been away but my eye was immediately caught by this news:

On 1 May at 7pm, Jake Gyllenhaal will be joining Booker nominated author Colm Toíbín as part of Columbia University's Year of James Baldwin celebrations. The event, which is free and open to all, takes place in NYC. You can find full details of where and how to attend here. Columbia University is, of course, Jake's old stomping ground and it's good to see him maintain the links despite his F for dinosaur studies. With my book review hat on, it's also great to hear of Jake discussing literature with Toíbín.

Talking of going back in time, there is news this week that Source Code 2 might be on the cards. The Tracking Board tells us: 'It’s recently been confirmed that Vendome Pictures and the Mark Gordon Company are producing SOURCE CODE 2, a sequel to the original film that starred Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan. The sequel has been highly anticipated, as many fans loved the first film, but felt it was rather open-ended. How many answers the sequel will provide is of course the question, and writer Ben Ripley is slated to return to the project.... There is still no word yet on whether Gyllenhaal or Monaghan will return in any capacity, but the original film’s somewhat open ending could lend to that possibility. With all the alternate time-lines and plot twists, anything could be augmented to allow them small roles.' There also appears to be no word on whether this would be something Duncan Jones would be interested in doing. But all sounds interesting.

Finally, The Boxing Drama seems to be taking off. There is news that Forest Whitaker may be about to sign up for Southpaw alongside Jake. Forest would play 'Titus "Tick" Willis, forced to retire from the ring after losing an eye and now working as a trainer of amateur fighters'. Jake is playing 'Billy “The Great” Hope, a left-handed prizefighter who wins a title but suffers a tragedy soon after and must put his life back together to earn the respect of young daughter'. Details here. Jake recently appeared in a roundtable with Forest (among others), following their appearance together in the Jamie Foxx video Blame It all those moons ago (in the days of The Hat).

This post comes with a warning that I may well be adding a WDW Italian Interlude to it later today!

Film rumours, stage award nominations, Berlin memories and a WDW interlude

Twitter gives and it takes away... Thanks to Twitter - which, as well all know, is not the most reliable of sources despite being the most lavish - we learn that Jake Gyllenhaal will not take the place of Jude Law in Jane Got a Gun opposite Natalie Portman. The cowboy hat will instead be worn by the head of Bradley Cooper.

But hot on the heels of the disappointing news is the hint of a rumour of some more possible good news. Someone tweeted that Jake has signed on to appear with Colin Farrell and Amy Smart in The Land of No Return to be released in 2014. This could be a remake of the 1978 film. If so, Jake may need to pull on all of his Man Vs Wild training. Of course, all of this is floating about up in the clouds of rumour and we may never hear more about it again. If it comes to pass, the worry may be that it will mean a return of Sasquatch Jake...

There is some great news this week. Jake has been nominated for a Lucille Lortel award as Outstanding Featured Actor in If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet. In further good news for the play, Annie Funke has also been nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress and Beowulf Boritt for Outstanding Scenic Design. Personally, I would have thought that being called Beowul Boritt is reward enough. This bodes well for the Tony Award nominations which will be announced at the end of the month. Jake has good form for his stage career, having won an Evening Standard award for his debut in This Is Our Youth back in 2002.

Berlin memories - Two years ago today

Two years ago today I saw Jake in Berlin at the premiere there of Source Code. A fabulous day, not least because I also met Sasha and other friends and got to explore this incredible city (and drink beer in the zoo). For a trip down a very happy memory lane, here is the first report and here the second.

WDW Interlude - Broughton

Last week, we dodged the remaining snow drifts on the motorbike to visit Broughton Castle, a moated manor house in north Oxfordshire. This beautiful house, built in the 1300s, was the home of William Fiennes in the first half of the 17th century who led forces against Charles I at the Battle of Edgehill in 1642. Rather appropriately, we then headed to Edgehill for fish pie, overlooking the site of the battle in a castle folly that is now a wonderful pub.

Next to the Castle is the manor's church which contains the most impressive tombs, including one that was restored in the Victorian period to its medieval gaudiness. Wall paintings also survive.

To provide a link to the movies, Ralph Fiennes is related to the family that still owns the Castle (and serves the most delicious Victoria sponge cake and tea - although not by them personally...). There are film props in the tearoom.

Photos by IHJ and me.

Jake Gyllenhaal en vacances and Source Code goes Nebula

Jake Gyllenhaal's Jury Duty may be done but his European Vacances continues with a visit to Paris, barely a hop, skip and a splash from these shores. Jake has been spotted in the company of tasty pastries and Midnight in Paris actress Léa Seydoux. The photo below was taken yesterday by a lucky tweeter at Nanashi, a healthy Japanese eatery. Today, Jake was spotted with Léa in an area of Paris called le Xème. If you're a foodie like Jake, then Paris is a dream (albeit a bit of a pricey one...).

Source Code

Source Code may be one of the most overlooked films of the year - by critics that is, audiences loved it - but The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America recognise a good film when they see it. Source Code has been nominated in the SFWA Nebula Awards, specifically for the Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation. Man Made Movies has all the details!

My review of Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is up on MovieBrit.

Jake Gyllenhaal has a new manager, the Golden Globes, Brokeback Vote, and not a rotten tomato

It's the New Year and you know what that means. Time to turf out the old and ring in the year. For me that means new slippers but for Jake Gyllenhaal it's all about new management. Deadline reports that Jake has now signed up to work with Patrick Whitesell of WME. I'm sure we all wish them both every success for 2012 - may the year be full of seductive scripts and irresistible directors.

The last post was typically published about ten minutes before the announcement of Jake as a presenter at Sunday's Golden Globes. This is great news, not least because we will see Jake in a tux and maybe even without excessive hair weight, but also because we can see Jake in the public eye, presenting himself to us all. Other presenters include Jake's friends Natalie Portman, Robert Downey Jr and Adam Levine. Sounds like a good night!

Talking of awards, the DGA has nominated Jake's father Stephen in the TV movies and miniseries category for Girl Fight. The winners of those awards will be announced on 28 January.

Brokeback Mountain is still in third place in the Focus Features best film poll so VOTE VOTE VOTE!!! And then vote again.

Source Code might have been left out of the gongs so far, for reasons unfathomable, but audiences and critics loved it. One could argue that their opinion matters more than any academy. Rotten Tomatoes has listed its Golden Tomatoes Awards for 2011 and at No 8 is Source Code with 91% of love.

Meanwhile, while Jake prepares for the Globes, ironing off the suit and polishing the shoes and tweaking the nasal hair, twitter sightings continue, with a spotting last night of Jake having dinner with Austin Nichols - sushi? - in LA. Here's hoping we may see them cycling together soon.

As this post has an awards theme in places, it's very apt that IHJ has published old/new photos of Jake and Selma Blair at the 2002 Movieline Young Hollywood Awards. Ten years ago - how time flies.

Thanks to IHJ for the pics. Thanks to BBMISwear for the twitter link!

My review of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is now up at MovieBrit.

Buy a piece of Source Code - including Jake Gyllenhaal's suits

How much did you love Source Code? Or do you just fancy dressing up? Do you have a few hundred dollars to spare? For a dollar short of $2,000 you can buy Colter Steven's airsuit. Fortunately from before the accident and not after it.

For half that price you can buy the suit, as worn by Jake Gyllenhaal: 'Straight from the set of the new thriller, Source Code, this is Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) screen worn, grey, black, and brown tweed with chocolate suede patches on the elbow 'Daniel Hetcher' jacket, (size 38R) blue button front oxford style long sleeve 'B.D. Baggies' shirt, (size L) grey, chine 'Madison Ave.' tie, dark navy blue 'J.W. Brine' pants, (size 48) and dark brown suede 'Hugo Boss' belt.'Interestingly, if you don't mind the scuffs from Jake's jump off the train, you can buy another set for $100 less.

Other props for sale include the trenchcoat for $499: 'Straight from the set of the new thriller, Source Code, this is Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) screen worn, beige double breasted button up the front long sleeve with self tie belt 'Rene Lezard' trench coat jacket. (size 50) Includes wardrobe tag!'

You can also buy Michelle Monaghan's coat, bag, pen and notebook, as well as her train ticket. You can see all those here.

Many thanks to friend Alex for the link!

My review of The Iron Lady is now up at MovieBrit.

Jake Gyllenhaal, cakes, sandwiches, yucky stuff, cocktails and Source Code

There are few sightings of Jake Gyllenhaal that could strike me with as much fear and dread as the one that featured in this week's US Weekly: 'Jake Gyllenhaal cleaning up after himself after eating a peanut butter jelly donut at Bowery Coffee in NYC'. Speaking as someone who is not only allergic to donuts but also has a pathological hatred of peanuts, butter and jelly, I think you can get a small inkling of my shock at Jake's consumption of this so-called 'treat'. I do, however, like coffee.

It's doubly shocking then to read an article about Source Code which compares the film to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Personally, I see it more as a chocolate fondant, or at least something with marshmallows in it. In order to redress the balance after tales of fearsome cakes and snacks, it's extremely heartening to be able to post a picture of a cocktail that the Dutch in NYC makes for Jake and where he has been spotted in tweets. Thanks to BBMISwear for finding this and to BolsGeneva for sharing it.

As awards season approaches, do take a look at the Source Code feature 'For Your Consideration ' over at ManMadeMovies.

My review of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is now up at MovieBrit.

Jake Gyllenhaal cooks up a treat and Source Code opens in Japan!

I do apologise for any blurring in this post. Having endured dental surgery this afternoon and then had to deal with leaking sewage, I hope I may be forgiven for my levels of spaced outedness. However, as I get ready for a month of liquid diet (liquid in more ways than one), it does me good to see that there are some people who can still eat. Top amongst them is eating maestro Jake Gyllenhaal, who not only eats for pleasure he also eats for charity. We have new pictures today, thanks to IHJ, of Jake attending a NYC Edible Schoolyard event.

On Wednesday (26 October), chef Gabrielle Hamilton was given the task of cooking for Edible Schoolyard's NYC benefactors, many of whom may have been delighted to see Jake among their number, particularly when he owned up to his prowess with a kale pizza. The report shows how Jake has been visiting schools and cooking with the kids, who 'like making pizza with the Prince of Persia'. Personally, I wouldn't like to limit it to pizza.

Source Code opens in Japan!

Source Code today opens in Japan! This is great news - at last SC has reached as far as it will go. I must thank our friend Rintaro Wintanabe for this photo he took today. You can also, if you read Japanese, read Rintaro's interview with Duncan Jones here. I wish everyone associated with Source Code all the best of luck in Japan and I am so glad that our friends in Japan may at last see the film we've been raving about for so many months.

Jake Gyllenhaal in Japan's Screen ahead of Friday's Source Code's release and Duncan presents SC to BAFTA tonight

If you live in Japan, you don't need me to remind you that this Friday your long, long wait for Source Code will end at last. Finally, you'll be able to acquaint yourselves with Colter, aka Jake Gyllenhaal, and see for yourselves why the film attracted so much interest, for Jake and for director Duncan Jones. With many thanks to our good friend in Japan Mayumintolor, here are pictures of Jake's appearance in the magazine Screen on 21 October.My Japanese is a little rusty so I can't make out what it says but I think on page 1 is says 'Jake is hot'.

Tonight, Duncan is hosting a screening of Source Code in London for BAFTA members, followed by a Q&A. One hopes that something very important will come out of this - votes.

Talking of votes and following Jake's appearance in some curious polls, it's become clear that it's time we had another poll on WDW. At the moment we're in the process of having a poll on what poll to do. So, if you have a preference, an idea, do post a comment.

Jake Gyllenhaal at the Apple store in NYC for Source Code and a WDW Interlude

There is a possibility that some of you may have spent a good bite out of yesterday lining up outside an Apple store to get your mits on the latest crop of tasty telephones. Jake Gyllenhaal has of course proved his commitment to the brand over the years and was one of the first to grab hold of the iPad, back in those Wondercon (April 2010)  days.

He also likes to take his iPad for a walk.

Jake also has other uses for it.

But all this talk of Apple reminded me that I have yet to post the videos that turned up from Jake's visit, along with Duncan Jones and Michelle Monaghan, to the Apple store in NYC as part of the Love and Other Drugs promotion. You can see a snippet of the Q&A itself here but there are other videos of Jake arriving and leaving.

Pictures from IHJ.

WDW Interlude

Today we were promised what may well turn out to be the last sunny warm day of the year and so off we went on the motorbike into the Cotswolds. In one village we were surprised to see a river full of baby ducklings - about ten of them. I don't think I've ever seen any so late in the year before. This has been a very odd Autumn. Among the photos below are the Roman amphitheatre in Cirencester, the beautiful village of Bisley and the view from a massive Iron Age hillfort close to Stroud in Gloucestershire. 

It may have been warm for much of the day but I can confirm that this all changed on the long ride home and I am still a popsicle...

My review of Midnight in Paris is now on MovieBrit.

'He was a dude' - Bear Grylls on Jake Gyllenhaal and Japan gets ready for Source Code

Bear Grylls has been talking a little about his experience of having Grizzly Sasquatch (aka Jake Gyllenhaal) on Man vs Wild this year.

'On the insurance nightmare in taking Hollywood star Jake Gyllenhaal into the wild: "I never understand this. I don't know why one man's life is more valuable than another. I will commit 120 per cent of my energy to keeping anyone alive, I don't care if they're a superstar or whatever." On taking Gyllenhaal into the wild: "He was nervous but at the same time he said don't hold back. He was a dude."'

Also worth noting from this interview with the Courier Mail, in addition to Bear's efforts to keep Jake alive despite making him creep along a rope above an almighty gorge, is that it doesn't do to ask Bear what he thinks of Vegemite. Jake's opinion on this substance is not known. Personally, I would say to any Australian reading here that you're very lucky to have Vegemite - consider the alternative: marmite.

Japan gets ready! Three weeks to go until Source Code

Source Code has almost reached Japan. It's taking its time but on 28 October, Source Code at last opens. Obviously, we all hope it does very well, not least so that Japan doesn't have to wait as long again for Jake's films or those by Duncan Jones. I'm grateful to Mayumintolor for keeping an eye on everything for us in Japan. She has sent these pages from the October issue of the cinema complex magazine Cine Com Walker.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Prince of Persia, Source Code to be streamed in the UK

Before we get going, I think it's time to exercise those little grey cells. Noone gets any dinner until they've spotted the differences. PS, Jake Gyllenhaal is hot in both - no difference there. Click and it shall be embiggened. Thanks to IHJ for the treat!

Not that long ago we heard that the US was getting the chance to download a digital version of Source Code ahead of its conventional release on DVD and blu ray. The film did well in all these forms of release. Now the good news is that LoveFilm, the UK film streaming service, has signed an agreement with Studio Canal (Optimum as was) to show Source Code this Autumn here. I like to think that the appeal of films like Source Code and Attack the Block has given this deal a push. Jake Gyllenhaal's movies are in and on demand. What with this and my blu ray and DVD copies of Source Code, this could be the film I have in the most formats (except for Brokeback and Zodiac - I have copies of those coming out of my ears).

Old (but young) friend of ours, Josh Hutcherson has been talking yet again, this time to MTV, about how he is inspired by Jake. Josh has done this with regularity throughout his emerging career and it's so good to see. 'I've always been a big Jake Gyllenhaal fan. I like how he goes from doing a bigger studio movie to a more independent film'. Jake's influence on youngsters is great to see, including his ability to pick his films.

Jake himself appears to still be in New York and, not letting himself be put off by the Source Code experience, has been seen riding the trains of the Big Apple.

Pictures from IHJ and the UK magazine All About Prince of Persia - possibly the only PoP publication in the entire world I didn't get...

Vote for Source Code in the SFX Awards and Jake Lumberjack Gyllenhaal eats his way through New York City

As the year cracks on, it's time for another poll. You can still vote for Jake Gyllenhaal in the SCREAM awards - and please do keep clicking that link! - and now it's the SFX awards. Follow this link and vote for Duncan Jones and Source Code - and make sure you write down Jake's name as your proposed Sci Fi actor. You know it makes sense.

Talking of polls. Some make sense and some don't. This is possibly the least sense making of any that I've heard. Ever. Jake Gyllenhaal came second in a poll to decide which celebrity should marry Pippa Middleton, aka The Royal Sister. 'Ryan Reynolds topped the vote for The Royal Sister's Suitor - 22 per cent of readers thought he would make the perfect boyfriend for the Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa Middleton. Jake Gyllenhaal and Leonardo DiCaprio tied for second place with 18 per cent.' Extraordinary. Of course, if The Royal Sister herself had been asked for her opinion, obviously Jake would have been top of her list.

Talking of Jake, sightings continue of him in the Big Apple, doing what he does best. Eating out. More alarming are reports that he's doing his lumberjack impression again. You know what that means - lumberjack one day, sasquatch the next. Here's another sighting and another... According to the NY Post, there was also a sighting of  'Jake Gyllenhaal hanging with female friends Wednesday night at the bar of Andrew Carmellini’s restaurant, The Dutch, in SoHo.'

While spotting Jake is causing some people to almost faint, it's moving others to words. This wonderful open letter to Jake was written after he was seen and marvelled over at New York's Angelica Kitchen. The food, which contains no animal, dairy or egg products, sounds incredible. Extra points to Jake for going vegan!

I do hope the restaurants of New York have got a lot of food in...

This post includes completely irrelevant but utterly lovely new old pictures of Jake Gyllenhaal at the Maui Film Festival in 2005, thanks to IHJ.

Jake Gyllenhaal - HeightGate - and a revisit to SXSW

It was only a matter of time. Sooner or later it had to come to the attention of the outside world. Never mind the hair length, never even mind the Face Pet, there is nothing quite so controversial as Jake Gyllenhaal's height. Much has been written, suggested, argued, threatened and teased over the years about Jake's inches and now you can read all about it in this fantastic feature. Of course, what it doesn't say is that Jake actually is a versatile actor. Therefore, like some kind of stretchy alien in the X Files, Jake can vary his height by will. Not only does this help Jake with getting certain roles, it can also get him cheaper bus tickets.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. I hereby present a few exhibits for your perusal.

The bear below is actually only three foot tall:

So that's sorted then.

SXSW

Talking of photos of Jake, do take a look at these photos of Jake, Duncan Jones, Vera Farmiga and Michelle Monaghan taken at the Q&A at the SXSW Festival. The photos were taken by Larry Richman. I'm grateful to him and ManMadeMovies for the link.

And finally...

if you want to know a little bit more about the cameras that Jake and Michael Pena have strapped to their bodies for End of Watch, take a look here.

Includes pictures from IHJ.