Jake Gyllenhaal has been on British TV a couple of times in recent days although unfortunately both interviews were indecently short. On the upside, the interview for ITV2 at the Christmas Movies yesterday was very funny and revealed Jake's playground code for sending love messages on his pager as a child in the 1990s. If he was unlucky, he'd get 666 back and it doesn't take a genius to work out that was not good.
I posted the interview from Daybreak a couple of days ago, but I'm glad to say that I've been battling with a hammer and sticky back plastic to overcome some technical issues. I've now got a posh version for you.
There is another rather cosy interview with Jake and Anne by the BBC at the end of this link.
Jake and Anne were interviewed for the BBC Radio Show Steve Wright in the Afternoon last week. If you're in Britain you can listen to it here, around the 2 hour and 32 minute mark. Otherwise, here is something of what Jake had to say (but with no prizes to Wright for not having researched how to pronounce Jake's surname):
'Our relationship from Brokeback Mountain together, we were pretty bonded as a result of working together on the movie, the movie coming out and the response to the movie, it bonded all of us in that cast. Plus Annie and I were already cinematically devirginised in that film anyway, with each other. We'd had a sex scene.' Annie: 'So we'd crossed that bridge.' Jake: We'd had sex on film already and so that was over with! I would say that really broke the ice so to speak. When it came down to doing it in this, we were old hands at that... We knew each other very [pause] well.'
To approach Love and Other Drugs from another angle, this feature at Scriptmag presents a fascinating conversation with the Ed Zwick and his fellow writers, Marshall Herskovitz and Charles Randolph. This includes an interesting discussion of the trailer and the marketing for the film as well as the tendency to slot movies into a convenient niche and Love Other Drugs' links to Parkinson's Disease. Thanks to Conojito for the heads up!
You can read my account of the London press conference of Love and Other Drugs over at Bleeding Cool and my review of the film at MovieBrit.
Includes cap of a very non-Love and Other Drugsy scene from IHJ.
A quick pop by to say that if you want a full account of last month's London press conference for Love and Other Drugs - featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway and Ed Zwick - may I suggest you head over right now to Bleeding Cool for my own account. A big thank you to the team at Bleeding Cool for making it all possible.
I'm sure I recognise that arm in the front row...
My review of Love and Other Drugs is now up on MovieBrit.
At long last, the publicity machine for Love and Other Drugs steps into gear in the UK. With embargoes lifted, the interviews and quotes appear, including Jake Gyllenhaal's all too brief appearance on Daybreak this morning. Anne Hathaway will appear on the show tomorrow. If this video doesn't play for you, I'm working on an alternative.
Updated to add a temporary version! I can't edit it down at the moment, it keeps corrupting so please skoot along to the 2:45 mark. I'll try and fix it in the morning. Until then...
A video reveals five minutes of the London press conference from 11 November at the end (I can take some amusement from images of the back of my head). My own report will be published tomorrow. In the meantime, take a look at Jake and Anne at the Dorchester, one extremely wet and wonderful Thursday afternoon. I'm about three foot away, in front of Jake and Anne.
There is a wonderful interview with Jake and Anne here, showing yet again how true their chemistry is - so true that they can even pretend to vomit over one another. A sure sign of closeness and appreciation. If you can't see the video below, just visit this site and hear Jake reveal who he would most like to have movie sex with ('hands down'). Without naming any names, it's Julianne Moore.
There is another video here with Jake and Anne interviewed by the German media.
Strip Jake naked Jake features in the January 2011 issue of one of Britain's leading gay magazines, Attitude. You can click on the scans and they will be embiggened but amongst the chestnuts in this deliciously loving Jake article we learn that 'The first show my mother ever took me to, when I was three, was Yul Brynner in The King and I... When I was 13, I saw Angels in America, the original play. I was mesmerised.'
'I was always taught to feel comfortable about my body. They told me that there is a beauty in whatever you are and however you look.' Indeed there is, Jake.
Includes scans from WDW. Thanks to Mermon and BBMISwear for heads ups!
Happy birthday Jake Gyllenhaal and congratulations on the big 3-0! Whether you're diving with walruses and killer whales in the deep Arctic north, or popping out for lunch in Washington DC [or NYC depending on which Prune this was...], 30 is a great age to celebrate - especially when it coincides with a movie out and a Golden Globe nomination. Many thanks to BBMISwear for this page from the new issue of EW, which gives us a look at another shot from their notorious and celebratory shoot of Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway sans all unnecessary clobber.
Roger Ebert took the opportunity of Jake's birthday today to repost his review of Brokeback Mountain.
For a full photographic tour through over 15 years of life in front of the camera, do take a look at PoPSugar as they mark a key date in the GyllenCalendar.
There are more pictures from Love and Other Drugs, reminding us that the release gets ever nearer to those of us in Europe and elsewhere.
There is also a video from Korea, in which Anne sounds relieved to be immune to the sexiness and gorgeousness of her co-star whom, as he hits the big 3-0, is more stunning than ever.
And finally...
Today has been rather extraordinary in Oxford - the worst snow for 30 years and, because I had preview tickets for the King's Speech, I had a ten mile round walking trip to do. I thought I'd post a picture or two.
Many many happy returns of the day to Jake! 30 is a wonderful age and you'll look back on it as it key turning point in a rich and fulfilled life. Off now to write about Love and Other Drugs as I do believe my embargo is about to lift...
In the latest interview for Love and Other Drugs, Jake Gyllenhaal revelas a little known fact: 'I’m like Meatloaf… so that says it all.' Jake and Anne Hathaway were talking to OK! in Australia and Anne revealed that her favourite scenes were those when she was in bed (she even fell asleep on occasion) but 'It was really surreal because I was actually lying in bed with Jake Gyllenhaal!' That does indeed put a colour on things.
I particularly liked this moment when Jake describes his favourite scene: 'I loved shooting every scene in this movie – that’s one of the rare experiences. I loved shooting the scene where Jamie says, ‘I love you’ to Annie’s character, Maggie. I thought that was a wonderful moment where we could have interpreted it in many ways. We found the humour in it and that was a real fun thing to do. She’s so funny, and she responds to me and I think I respond to her in a wonderful way.'
You can see another video interview with Jake and Anne here.
Meanwhile, Jake spent Wednesday lunchtime at M Cafe in LA, an eating den that features: 'Contemporary Macrobiotic Cuisine... balanced, nutritious, creative cooking which can be enjoyed daily by everyone, not just vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions. Building on the foundation of Michio Kushi, our chefs prepare each item fresh daily, using only the finest ingredients without any refined sugars, eggs, dairy, red meat or poultry.'
And finally...
Conojito was in the Big Smoke (Paddington station, London, to be precise) and he scored 10/10 for this sighting.
Many thanks to IHJ for the pictures and for the scan from the French Premiere magazine. And thanks to Conojito!
Source Code, directed by Duncan Jones and starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan is to open the South by Southwest Movie Film Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas, on 11 March 2011. The press statement, courtesy of Moviefone, read as follows:
'"We are delighted to welcome Duncan Jones back to SXSW. His debut Moon showed an intelligence, skill, and exceptional use of limited resources that's exactly the kind of filmmaking we love to support," said Film Conference and Festival Producer Janet Pierson. "Source Code is a terrific follow-up; it's a smart, suspenseful thriller, and a perfect fit for our 2011 Opening Night!"'
After the excitement of the Golden Globes nomination, there was little joy for Love and Other Drugs among the SAG nominees announced today - in fact they were a completely different kettle of fish, as Johnny Depp, Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling would also attest. However, there was the news that I Remain by Alanis Morisette, the closing theme to Prince of Persia, is among the 41 songs up for consideration by the Academy for the Oscars. It's quite a list.
Love and Other Drugs opens in Australia today and that means more interviews. In this one from Filmink we hear from Jake: '"It brought up lots of questions for all of us. Anne Hathaway's character being sick is such a huge part of the movie, but we all fall apart. It's just the nature of being a human being. Your body deteriorates, and that's the fact."
'Working on the film has understandably given Gyllenhaal unique insights into the pharmaceutical industry, and whether or not we're an overmedicated society which thinks that everything can be cured with a pill. "Maybe we're all too trusting," the actor suggests. "We're not listening to our hearts. I don't want to make a blanket statement about that, but in the movie, my character says to Anne's character, ‘You're my little blue pill', so perhaps whatever we need in a pill we can get in intimacy instead maybe."'
'Gyllenhaal certainly agrees that love may be the most powerful drug of all. "Yeah, I'd agree, if I'm a human being," he smiles. "I sure hope that I am. If you have it and it's real, then it doesn't matter how long you have it for. You can't really fake that."'
In what is a lovely reminder of the hours following Maggie's Oscar nomination, Jake Gyllenhaal has filled the time since the announcement of his Golden Globe nom for Love and Other Drugs with a bunch of interviews. While drinking champagne for breakfast (no day should start without it), Jake describes how he is savouring every moment in slow motion, even walking to his phone slowly so that the feeling lasts longer. It's so good to learn that amongst the calls to family and friends, Jake received emails and texts from friends across the world, including past school teachers. Not to mention a text from co-star and co-nominee Anne Hathaway (as described to EW):
'She texted me this morning and I haven’t texted her back yet! Her text was…hold on a second, I’m going to grab my phone and I’ll tell you. This is an exclusive, hold on. [Rustles around for his phone.] She said, “Dude! Exclamation point. Congrats! Millions of exclamation points. You did it! Exclamation points. First Golden Globe nom, right? Millions of question marks. X.”' Jake goes on: 'It’s nice because the last movie we did [Brokeback Mountain] was acknowledged with awards. There’s something about us working together that seems to feel good and feel right.'
Jake also told EW: 'It’s such a random thing! The irony of this one is that it isn’t the typical awards-season fare. Most movies that are acknowledged during awards season tend to be darker, and what’s special about this nomination is that it’s something about romance and hope.'
'Q: So who’s your biggest competition for the win: Johnny Depp or Johnny Depp? JG: Right? Tell me about it. It’s a celebrity deathmatch with twin Johnny Depps. It’s pretty awesome that he was nominated twice. He’s such a badass.'
Here is Jake's official statement, courtesy the LA Times: 'I’m genuinely excited that the HFPA has recognized both Annie and me for our work in 'Love & Other Drugs.' I’ve always felt the movie is a classic romance because it’s about the nature of love. So, in acknowledging the performances, the HFPA is affirming the heart of the film and the voice and talent of our great director Ed Zwick. I am also deeply honored to be in the company of so many other amazing actors this year, a category with two Johnny Depps, a Paul Giamatti, and a Kevin Spacey.'
Jake gave some more details on Nomination Day to USA Today: 'Dude, I didn't think I was getting nominated. It's going to be a long, slow burn for me. I'm not rushing into anything!... I was asleep. I didn't wake up. It was pretty unexpected. I got a call and then I checked my phone and I had 25 e-mails, and it was either disconcerting or exciting. In this case it was exciting.'
'The last time I was nominated for an award like this, it was so overwhelming and I didn't know how to process it. I can see these things are rare and you never know when they're going to happen, so you have to soak it in and appreciate each moment... Celebrating is a long, slow burn for me. I'm going to really soak this in. I'll be with my family and I'm excited for the holidays. I'm not going to deny any awesome feelings.'
Updated to add that Jake spent lunchtime yesterday dining at the Angelini Osteria Italian restaurant in LA. Picture from JJ.
Love and Other Drugs publicity in the UK
Love and Other Drugs opens in the UK on 29 December and so some of the interviews recorded here in November are now making an appearance on British ITV and Radio. Jake appears on Daybreak on Monday morning (ITV from 6am) and on ITV2's 'ITV at the Christmas Movies' at 1pm on 21 December.
Jake appears on BBC 6 Music's Nemone radio show on 23 December at 1pm. We hear 'Jake reveals that his favourite album of the year is Sigh No More, the debut by Mumford & Sons, and he also shares his fondness for Laura Marling. Meanwhile, Anne tells of her love of Karen O and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.'
On Christmas Eve, Jake talks to Francine Stock on BBC Radio 4's The Film Programme at 4.30pm (repeated at 11pm on Boxing Day). I hope she's learned how to pronounce his name since the Brokeback Days. There was a recording of Jake on the Steve Wright show in Radio 2 this afternoon but, unfortunately, due to copyright (no doubt thanks to Fox), this hasn't been kept as a podcast. I'll keep you updated.
Love and Other Drugs opens in Australia tomorrow and to mark the occasion here's a great video interview with Jake and Anne from their visit last week.
And finally...
Duncan Jones is currently recording the score to Source Code. He has revealed through tweets - complete with photo - that it will take three days but that they were unable to secure Clint Mansell in the end due to time clashes. I'm sure that it will be amazing nevertheless. One confidently expects little else from Duncan Jones. The task is instead going to a 'very talented young guy called Chris Bacon, who was recommended by my editor, the legendary Paul Hirsch'.
