Brokeback Mountain: Our Community's Common Bond > Brokeback Mountain Open Forum

What is it about Gyllenhaal?

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mg501:
I have been a fan of Jake Gyllenhaal way before Brokeback. His phenomenal performance as Jack has only further confirmed my feeling that he is one of the most talented actors today.
He brings such freshness, genuiness, passion, depth, and life to the characters he plays. He makes each one unique and real. For several weeks after the first few times I saw Brokeback, I just couldn't could him out of my head. Someone told me that my judgement was "clouded" because he is so attractive (a.k.a. "hot").
I thought about that for awhile and came to the conclusion that that is just not accurate. There are several actors, athletes, models, and other celebrities who are considered "hot". None of them have had the impact on me that Gyllenhaal has had. And none of the "hot" actors are people I necessarliy consider good actors.
There seems to be such depth of character, humanity, warmth, and kindness that he exudes.
Now, please, all you Heath Ledger fans, understand that I think Ledger is absolutely phenomenal, also. He, too, in my opinion, is one of the best actors today. I have seen several of his movies and he is absolutely wonderful. For whatever reason, though, I just can't get Gyllenhaal out of my head.
Am I alone with this pre-occupation with Gyllenhaal?

Daniel:
LOL, no not at all...

I have experienced a crushing obsession on Mr. Gyllenhaal twice now. I am only just now recovering from the last one, thanks in part to the support that so many on these boards have offered.

ednbarby:
In answer to your question... everything?  ;)

I had liked Jake in his other movies prior to Brokeback.  And I thought he had a lot of potential that somehow wasn't being fully tapped.  His other performances weren't as rich not because he wasn't capable, but because it wasn't required.  How many nuances can you give Holden Caulfield, really, you know?  But he gave those characters really more depth than required.  Still they weren't enough to really stretch him.

My husband and I watched the movie together last night.  My ninth time (but who's counting?) his second.  I remember finding that my second viewing is what really illuminated Jack in all his many-splendored glory.  My husband thinks I'm crushing on him a bit (it's been known to happen before ;)), so I think he's thought all these viewings of mine were so I could look at him on a purely superficial level repeatedly, like that other movie and actor which shall remain nameless here.  But last night, he sat riveted to the sofa, watching in thoughtful silence the whole time.  This is rare for him.  He's like a shark - he never stops moving, even when he's asleep.  The only other movie I can remember him doing this with is Schindler's List.  And we've seen a lot of great movies together.  He even sat through *all* the credits, which he didn't do in the theater the first time, and which I can't remember him ever doing with another movie when watching it at home.  We never really talked about it the first time - he's my Ennis, dontcha know.  But this time, as we were turning everything off and heading to bed, I said, "So..."  And he goes, "You're right.  That's a great movie."  I said, "What did you think of the acting?"  He goes, "I thought it was great - *everyone* was great."  He said "everyone" as if he'd never seen anything where the acting was so good across the board.  Then he goes, "But that Jake Gyllenhaal walked away with it."  And I said, "Yep.  Kinda what I've thought all along, too."  He goes, "The other guy (lol) was great, but he just... did more."

So chalk up another fan.  :)

I have to say, too, that as much as I admired Jake's performance from the beginning of my experience of this movie, I never expected him to be such a doll in "real" life.  I watched him on Leno back in January - had never seen him interviewed before - and was just floored at how genuine and grounded and warm he is.  He made me think of Jodie Foster, in a way - she's another one I love to watch in interviews because she has such a strong, positive life force exuding from her every pore.  Both of them are so enthusiastic about and reverent of what they do, without being the least bit affected or arrogant.  It's so refreshing.

Aussie Chris:

--- Quote from: ednbarby on April 16, 2006, 08:28:36 am ---So chalk up another fan.  :)

--- End quote ---

Oh Barb, thanks for sharing this story, so sweet I get misty!

texman:
In the scene taken at the country club with Jack dancing with Randall's wife, I thought that Jake looked A LOT like John Travolta in his Urban Cowboy days. I guess it was the costuming.
 I think Jake was good for this part because he even looks kinda "horsey" dressed up in his western clothes. His looks fit the part.
 Before Ang Lee got the project, another producer was going to try to make the film with well known, mega star actors playing Ennis & Jack.

Anyone care to guess who those actors may have been?

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