What I've learned is, if you see a film for the first time - say, Rendition - at a Film Festival - Toronto, for example - and you're well aware that its leading man and heartthrob - oh, I don't know, let's throw the name Jake Gyllenhaal in the air - is in the audience with you... the film doesn't really go in. How is a girl to concentrate in such testing circumstances, eh? I know I was deeply affected by it and mesmerised by it and by Jake's performance - I was close to sobbing on a friend's shoulder at one point, simply because I was overcome by how grown up and sexy Gavin Hood was allowing Jake to be. I really appreciated that this was a Jake I hadn't seen before and I was proud of him and his performance shredded me.
BUT, that was not an ordinary experience, it was the culmination of a day of Bountiful Jake, on foreign shores, with dear friends, and in the company (albeit at a distance) of Jake Gyllenhaal, Gavin Hood, Reese Witherspoon, Omar Metwally, Kelly Sane, Peter Sarsgaard and others whom we have to thank for Rendition.
Tonight was altogether different - a provincial cinema on the outskirts of a town - but it was hugely special, because tonight was about the film Rendition. I know so many of you will be joining me on both sides of the pond tomorrow in seeing Rendition, and I would say nothing to spoil it, my intention here is to tell you that you are in for a treat of the highest cinematic order.
The first time I saw Rendition, my eyes and my heart were completely overwhelmed by Jake and, for that reason, I would urge you all to plan a second viewing because it will be different. I saw so much that was new this second time: the colours of Morocco were more vibrant, the music more beguiling, and I could almost smell the Hookah pipes. I appreciated the work of other fine actors: Meryl Streep was absolutely superb - every line was considered, tried for size and then expressed with perfect intention. Omar Metwally, Yigal Naor, Zineb Oukach were mesmerising and oh so complicated. Every character has two sides; nothing could be what they think. The characters played by Reese Witherspoon and Peter Sarsgaard might be existing in the cold, crisp, light blue space of Washington DC but they're lost in their own maze, having to make choices, face truths and balance huge concepts.
And then there's Jake. I have to say that I'm proud of myself for allowing the power and emotion of the storyline to distract from Jake (although there are a couple of scenes where that's simply not possible!). Even so, without doubt, however exceptional the whole cast is in Rendition, this is Jake's film and I have never seen a performance from him like it. Douglas Freeman is an observer but this isn't through choice. This is a terrible thing he's being forced to watch - he doesn't like it, it's unpleasant and it's not giving results. So what should he do about it? The struggle within Douglas is so realistically enacted by Jake, I was moved beyond words by his maturity as an actor and at the depth of feeling conveyed.
I did take Alison and Jake's advice - I took tissues and I wore no mascara. I'm glad for that because I was in tears long before the end. And I'm glad to report that the cinema was packed and appreciative. People quietly applauded and, among the comments, I heard very impressed and moved individuals praise the film. One guy reminded his friend of Jonathan Ross' review and said that JR had been impressed by the risks that Gavin had taken with the structure. The risks, the guy said, went beyond that.
These were serious moviegoers in the audience with me tonight and it was a huge success. As I left, the attendant asked me if I'd liked it. I said (and the red, puffy eyes may have been a give away) it was a great film and he should tell his friends to see it. You should, too. For all those fortunate enough to be able to see Rendition tomorrow, I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to hearing what you think.
I'm proud of you, Jake.
Pictures from IHJ.
