According to the photographer, Jake was spotted reading a new script. Of course, this could simply be the new edition of US Weekly, but it looks a little heavy for that.
Just supposing for a second that this manuscript is a potential new script, this raises two questions (the first, of course, being: "Where's Boo?"), the second of which is "What's next for Jake?". Jake has set himself a difficult task - in order to 'improve' upon his performances in earlier films, he may feel he has to outdo Jack Twist, Swoff, Donnie Darko and Robert Graysmith. This may not be an option. Alternatively, he may choose a role that will be so different that comparisons are not necessary. We know Jake likes to sing, for instance.
My conflict is that Jake has divided my brain in two: one half wants Action Jake or a Romcom Jake, running around (ideally through water again), maybe winning the love interest in the end without a natural disaster, time space disruptions, violence, unexpressed emotions, potential madness, or simply existing in a bubble. The other half of my brain thinks Jake may prefer a low profile, independent movie - another of the challenges that he seems to put himself through. A film with a cause, maybe. Judging by Jake's previous choices, I think our hopes are in safe hands and, whatever type of role he chooses, we will be surprised and amazed.
I would be interested to know what direction Jake's fans would like him to go in. At least, Jake will have perfected his golf swing in time for the forthcoming season.
The full set of photographs can be seen at IHJ.
28 comments:
Great post WDW! You are certainly right about these pictures having an effect on even the most dog fearing Gyllenhaalic. I fall into that category.
I hope that is a script he's caring around. I am torn between wanting to see him in more movies more often and being able to wait for Jake to make the right choice. Which he has done without failure throughout his career. Never mind that all of his films are not blockbusters. The most important thing is he gets something he needs from each of them. And we get somehing we need. Mainly him! But along the way we learn important lessons.
I would like to see him do something totally unexpected again. Recently he said he would have liked to do the role in HALF NELSON that Ryan Gosling got an Oscar nomination for. Ryan was terrific. But I know Jake could have given just as good or better performance. Then there's nothing wrong with a good old romantic comedy either. We know what a funny guy Jake can be!
Hi Dani
Thanks for your comment! It's an interesting thought, wondering what little new thing Jake takes away from each of his films, and all the time through those films giving each of us something special.
The amazing thing about Jake is he's managed to escape being typecast as the younger man older women fall for, and you can never be sure what he'll pick next - a superhero movie, a musical, a scifi, a thriller, a romance, or a gritty, true life kitchen drama - or maybe a bit of all these. I think we're in for some pleasant surprises.
Thanks for commenting, Dani!
WDW :D
I hope that's a script he reading too! He's shown that he's a very versatile actor. I'd like to see him in a drama he's the dark character. Or maybe a remake of an older movie, or a musical, or a really good romantic comedy. Whatever role he chooses, you know it won't be something formulaic or run-of-the mill.
I would love to see Jake in a Coen-like movie. One of those absurb, quirky, over-the-top yet almost intellectual-like crazy flicks! (Think about "Raising Arizona", "The Big Lebowski" or "O Brother, Where Art Thou"). I like to think he has all the tools and a burning desire to do a movie like that.
Another favorite fantasy of mine is having him in a really dark movie such as "Reservoir Dogs" or "The Usual Suspects".
Hi Anon
That's an interesting idea - having Jake as the dark character. I'm interested to see the type of character Jake will be playing in Rendition as it doesn't sound particularly straightforward.
Thanks for commenting. WDW :)
Hi Averell
"an intellectual-like crazy flick" - that sounds like just the sort of film Jake would like to make, sounds a bit like him sometimes!
I must say that the thought of Jake in period costume appeals too - whenever I see a Pirates film, I can't help but imagine what it would be like if Jake were in it! But again, I don't think that's the sensible, intellectual part of me speaking there!
Thaks for commenting! WDW :)
As they say, I would pay to see Jake read the phone book! But, the idea of a Coen-like film is very appealing. His choices have always been intriguing and I trust him implicitly.
I would really like to see him do a play -- in the US! I would travel anywhere in the country to see that -- and I hate to travel. That thingie in his pocket looks too thin to be a film script -- maybe it IS a play! Please.
Hi Beckela
A play? Now that's an idea. It has been a while, and Jake did say that he wanted to mix film with theatre. I think I remember that, during Jake's play run in London, his father said that he'd had concerns about Jake and his lines. But when Jake understood what the play was all about and he 'got' the character, it all came into place. I would have thought that a play might be an attractive contrast to the meticulous direction of Zodiac.
As for the play's location, some serious airmails could be clocked up!
Morning, afternoon, whatever, WDW!
Yes, I love that story Stephen tells. I wrote about it after I saw him in Boulder last February -- first time I'd heard it. Of course, a play ties one down for a while, but a limited run would be just fine with me. I am a bit of a theatre junkie -- OK, snob! I admit it! But, thanks to Jake, I am more attuned to non-mainstream films, finally. Never too old to learn!
WDW Jake has mentioned in an interview just after filming Zodiac that Fincher had drained him out and what he needed to recover was to do theatre. I would say that I'd love to see him onstage but I know that will be miles away from anywhere I can reach, so I content myself with thinking of his next screen role. I'd love to see him in a musical but not a conventional one or even a very weird one --- either one that's sheer undiluted fun where he can be a goofball and do some good singing or a really original story with a powerful and complex social message. I'd love to write a story just for him if I got that lucky. And yes my mom would always say he should play Hamlet. Many people I know agreed with her. And yes I have this persistent vision of him playing a lawyer or someone in a similar position uncovering with that exquisite mind of his, some suppressed injustices which could cost lives. No not Atticus in a remake. Something original in a contemporary context.
Afternoon/Morning Beckela!
You saw Stephen in Boulder? That must have been fascinating. I didn't realise that that was where the story comes from - it provides such a glimpse into the family, how they are so protective of each other and worry about each other as they take on new endeavours. Of course, most familys do that, but it's just good to hear that the Gyllenhaals are close, and hear it from the horse's mouth indeed. I would really love to hear more about the event.
I'm a theatre buff too (all right, I'm also a snob!), having been brought up on Shakespeare and Marlowe. I still think that acting a play, for however short a time, can only do a film actor good. I would love to see Jake in another play, and Maggie too for that matter.
And here is a link to
Stephen's story reported by Beckela
and a link to the Complete Report of Stephen Gyllenhaal's Boulder Event
Yes, I love the Coen brothers too. O Brother Where Art Thou is my favorite, so much humor and so well done, so many great things about it. I loved Fargo too. That would be terrific, and a fantasy of mine is Jake doing Shakespeare! :)
Hi Incognita
Your comment about Hamlet took be back to when I saw Ian Charleston (from Chariots of Fire) in that role almost 20 years ago. He'd just been diagnosed with AIDS and knew it was terminal. With that in mind, he agreed to take on the role because he wanted to know how the knowledge of his mortality would affect his interpretation of Hamlet. It was one of the most memorable evenings - it was draining but also a huge privilege to be part of this actor's experiment with himself.
Being on stage, interacting with the audience as well as the other cast, must be an incredible process for an actor, although I'm sure a little scarey.
As for film roles, I'm intrigued by his character in Rendition because that could be the sort of character you describe - trying to put an injustice right. We'll see.
I would also like to see Jake sing his heart out in a musical. We know he can do it and he says he loves to sing!
Hi Anon
I can see I'm going to have to investigate the Coen Brothers. I've seen Fargo but not O Brother Where Art Thou. I'll have to have a look.
As far as Shakespearean roles for Jake, I've also liked the History Plays and I can imagine him as Richard II for instance. I suppose at the moment he is too young for that, but not for Antony in Antony and Cleopatra - he'd be wonderful in that. I saw Timothy Dalton in that role (playing opposite Vanessa Redgrave) years ago, just before he became James Bond, and Jake would have been so much better. I wonder who his Cleopatra would be!
WDW -- I wrote about my Stephen-in-Boulder experience at Strike Me Gyllen. Is it OK to post a link to it? Or not?
Hi Beckela
Oh yes, please post the link - I'd love to read it and I'm sure others would too.
Thanks very much, WDW
And yes I have this persistent vision of him playing a lawyer or someone in a similar position uncovering with that exquisite mind of his, some suppressed injustices which could cost lives.
I thought of something like this too, Incognita. :)
Here is the link for descriptions of Stephen Gyllenhaal's appearance in Boulder, Colorado in February. The "Two Evenings ..." one is mine. Webmistress Incognita, herself, describes her phone conversation with Mr. G. Another poster was in Boulder as well, but neither of us knew the other. Too bad -- that would have been fun.
I don't think you have to register to read. I will check back to see if the link works. If it doesn't work, click on the Strike Me Gyllen link on WDW's start page and you can find it by scrolling down. Go here:
http://gyllenhaal.suddenlaunch3.com/index.cgi?board=boulder
By the way, I looovvveee O, Brother Where Art Thou? All the guys are terrific, but George Clooney is my fave. What a delightful film!
I would love to see Clooney and Jake in a GOOD film together -- perhaps as father and son. Lovely!
Thanks Beckela - thanks for the link. I'll be able to check that out later today.
So Clooney's in O Brother Where Art Thou Too?! I must have been living in a cage. That father and son sounds worth exploring! They would look good together all right.
Oh WDW you will love O Brother Where Art Thou. It's so creative -it's loosely based Homer's The Odyssey set in 1930's deep South and stars George Clooney. George Clooney's character's name is Ulysses who escapes from a prison chain gang (one of his prison buddy's names is Delmar, of all things!). The cinematography is wonderful and the American roots music soundtrack was incredible and won a Grammy for Album of the Year. :)
Oh Beckela, that would be great! What's going on with George's film White Jazz, does anybody know? Has it been cast yet? That one sounds intriguing to me, another of the James Ellroy books being brought to the screen. I'd like to see Jake as a film noir dark character. :)
Hi Anon 15:31!
Thanks for all that info on O Brother Where Art Thou. I have to see this. Your description is so evocative - and it has a Delmar in it too? No choice, have to see it :D
You will enjoy it very much, WDW! Tim Blake Nelson's line about "them Sireens" (the Sirens) will make you laugh! :)
Thaks Anon! :D
WDW, I remember Daniel Day-Lewis talking about that same performance--Ian Charleson playing Hamlet. He said it was so extrarodinary it changed Day-Lewis' life.
So sad Charleson died so young. I really enjoyed his performances in "Chariots of Fire" and on this miniseries here in America in which he played a Scottish immigrant who becomes a zillionaire. I forgot the name of it but he was SOOO good.
Anon 18:11. Thanks so much for telling me about that. I hadn't heard Daniel Day Lewis had seen it too and been so moved. It was really memorable and I knew I was watching something extraordinary. So sad now to think about it.
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