Monday 4 April 2011

Brokeback Mountain: Personal Impact

By Nathan Donarum

In high school, I always loved movies; yet, I always looked at them passively. Only rarely did I become involved in the events or with the characters I saw on screen. In fact, prior to Brokeback Mountain I can't think of a single instance when I felt a profound emotional reaction to a film. I remember getting a little choked up while watching the end of Jonathan Demme's Philadelphia, but that's as close as it ever got to my becoming emotionally invested in situations taking place in a movie.

I watched Brokeback Mountain with my father on opening weekend back in late 2005 — though we had actually gone to see Capote instead. When we tried to buy tickets, we realized there was only one showing of Capote four or five hours later. Brokeback Mountain, however, was playing in just an hour; so, we bought two tickets and went to Borders to wait.

Since at the store they had a display with E. Annie Proulx's short story, my father and I each grabbed a copy and read it while we waited to see the movie, which had been getting phenomenal reviews. Curiously, I remember feeling underwhelmed by the short story. I thought to myself, "I don't even know if I'm excited to see this movie anymore." But since we had already bought the tickets, there wasn't really any turning back.

Jack and Ennis
Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger in "Brokeback Mountain"

After the hour passed, we went in. As I sat there watching Brokeback Mountain unfold, something changed within me. I don't know what caused it exactly, but I remember that I started crying when Gustavo Santaolalla's "The Wings" began playing while Jack and Ennis are at the campfire. I had never, ever cried because of a movie. And frankly, I did not understand how or why anyone would. Still, as I sat there in the theater, I could not contain my tears.

Eventually, I stopped crying, but the tears began streaming down once again when Ennis collects Jack's shirt and hugs it, fighting to hold on to the man he loved. I shed more tears at the end of the film, when Ennis opens his closet door, looks at the shirt, and the credits slowly start to roll.

I don't know why, but ever since that first time I saw Brokeback Mountain, my entire movie-watching experience has been radically different. After that, I have revisited movies I had seen before; suddenly, I was looking at them in a new light; at times, I was able to connect with them where before I had been emotionally and/or intellectually detached.

In addition, whether or not I'm watching a movie for the first time, I have been able to find layers to characters and settings that would have been out of my reach before. In essence, Brokeback Mountain made me realize how much I truly love the art of film. It also inspired me to start writing about it.

I mustered the courage to start posting my film commentaries online only in 2008 or whereabouts, but I had never considered writing about movies prior to Brokeback Mountain. In a profound way, that same-sex love story set in the American West made me realize there were tangible differences between bad cinema, good cinema, and great cinema. Needless to say, I'm fully aware that my Brokeback Mountain experience was exceptional, for having such a visceral response to any film is something quite unique.

Even though I cannot fully explain my personal reaction to the film, I must credit the filmmakers for it. Had Brokeback Mountain not been crafted the way it was, I find it impossible to believe that I would have been so deeply affected by it. After all, I had felt quite unenthusiastic after reading E. Annie Proulx's short story.

I have watched Brokeback Mountain many times since that first viewing. My experience has been different each time, but the film's power has never been lost. As we grow, our experiences change; our hope is that they will change not for the worse, but for the better. Thanks to Brokeback Mountain, I can happily say that mine have been forever changed for the better.

Source: Meditations on BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN: Multilayered Love Story

2,704 comments:

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Jackie said...

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@ Previous post's comments
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Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

IDK how Heath really felt during all the BBM promo stuff. All I know is I enjoyed watching the 4 of them promote the movie and was very happy it was so well received.
Thanks for the fun memories. :)
BBM fans will never forget Heath.

Anonymous said...

Was Heath limited in his range as an actor? No, he wasn't. But from Jackie's BBMcentric Heath posts you'd think that was the only movie he made and the only movie where his acting was decent.

Anonymous said...

Was Heath limited in his range as an actor? No, he wasn't. But from Jackie's BBMcentric Heath posts you'd think that was the only movie he made and the only movie where his acting was decent.

Personally I think Heath was best as the Joker. But most posters on WFT 2 are BBM fans and BBM will probably stay our favourite film of Heath's and Jake's. ;)

Florida Tom said...

Destiny Destiny we normally always see eye to eye. Disagree with you though on Heaths not being able to pull off Franco's role in 127 hrs. I think he would have nailed it and also been nominated for Best Actor just as James was.

Anonymous said...

(((((Heath)))))

I still can't choose between the Joker and Ennis, but The Joker may have a slight edge, pun intended. Sexiest villian ever, period.

I'm just crushed that he won't be in Tree of Life, Dirt Music, etc. etc. I have no doubt he would have nailed the part in 127 Hours too. Miss him.

Lovely post Jackie.

destiny said...

Beautiful essay you posted Jackie. BBM touched me like no other film has or probably ever will, and I feel like she really captured how I felt.

Tom, it is indeed rare that we don't agree.

Anonymous said...

destiny said...
As good as I though Heath was, I don't think he had the intensity and manic energy that 127 Hours called for.


You can't be serious. Heath's portrayal of The Joker was all about intensity and manic energy. He absolutely could've nailed the 127 Hours part. He would've been as great in that role as he was in the Lords of Dogtown, another display of intensity and manic energy.

Anonymous said...

^^ Yes, yes, yes! He really was fantastic in Lords of Dogtown, hated that movie but loved him in it!

Anonymous said...

Dogtown was a great flick all around. Heath did overact his part in that just a wee bit tho.

Anonymous said...

Very moving post. What is it about that movie that knocked so many of us breathless. Flawless execution on every level and in every aspect. But no ingredient more essential than that we believed Jack and Ennis were real and felt their love and pain at its loss. I cant believe I forgot today was Heath's birthday. A sign perhaps that I am finally moving on after thinking about him almost every day since his death. Sure he was great as the Joker but it was Ennis that left us heartbroken.

destiny said...

Have you seen 127 Hours? I guess for me the kind of manic behavior in 127 Hours is very different from Batman. Surreal vs. cartoonish. Personally I just can't see Heath in that role.

I still haven't seen Dogtown, need to move it up on my Netflix list.

destiny said...

Or maybe I should have said absurdist, not surreal.

Anonymous said...

As we grow, our experiences change; our hope is that they will change not for the worse, but for the better. Thanks to Brokeback Mountain, I can happily say that mine have been forever changed for the better.

I can say the same.

Austin said...

Photo on 2011-04-01 at 20.57 Yes I'm on a boat. But this boat is in Indonesia. And I have been at sea for 7 days.
2 Apr

Anonymous said...

SuperrMo: I just finished watching Source Code. Gotta admit, Jake Gyllenhal (sp?) is a great actor. Won me over with Prince of Persia.
31 minutes ago

Anonymous said...

quiettrickster: @mrmarkmillar Source Code is great - tense, smart, original. @ManMadeMoon continues to impress and Jake G is less annoying than he can be.
about 2 hours ago

Anonymous said...

amandafter: Source Code opens and has garnered positive reviews at Rotten Tomatoes: 89%! Jake Gyllenhaal's films are doing really good recently :D
about 3 hours ago

Anonymous said...

OtasE: Jake Gyllenhal just earned like a million cool points with the movie Source code. It is truly phenomenal
about 6 hours ago

Anonymous said...

BrittanyBoosh: i just got done watching 'source code'. it was pretty good. im usually not a fan of jake gyllenhaal, but he did well in that movie.
about 10 hours ago

Perez Hilton said...

perezhilton: A LOT of gays are at this movie theater seeing #SourceCode now. The power of Gyllenhaal! Ha
2 days ago

Anonymous said...

Personally I think Heath was best as the Joker.

The quality of acting doesn't really matter, what matters are characters and stories that stay with us.

Anonymous said...

destiny said...
Have you seen 127 Hours? I guess for me the kind of manic behavior in 127 Hours is very different from Batman. Surreal vs. cartoonish. Personally I just can't see Heath in that role.
I still haven't seen Dogtown, need to move it up on my Netflix list.


Yes, I've seen 127 Hours. Franco was excellent. I understand it's a different kind of manic - but that's the word you chose. Maybe you need to see more of Heath's films. He had incredible range, which is obvious from the fact that he could play both Ennis and the Joker so convincingly. Do check out Dogtown, there's some great acting all around.

Anonymous said...

I didn't forget Heath's birthday. I definitely have been thinking about it, but I think I have laid it to rest a bit. I will always think of his loss as a tragedy that makes no sense and didn't have to happen if someone had been there for him, instead of hangers-on people who maybe didn't really care about him. :(

I knew the minute I started to hear about Brokeback Mountain that I would be entranced by it - just the location and the hint of the love story I had been hearing about. I had the book of short stories but hadn't read them, so I made sure I did before I saw the film.

Well, the hint just didn't even begin to tell of just what an impact this film and the love story had. Haunting is the best way to describe it, from the first guitar notes. After it was over, I couldn't even get up from my seat, I was so affected, and so was everyone around me. You don't get a film experience like that very often.

Anonymous said...

klandrews84: RT @Xhaedon: @blakeshelton joked about Jake Gyllenhaal. As a gay comedian I approve. I've laughed at worse offensive stuff. #iwantjake #canthaveblake
about 5 hours ago

@blakeshelton said...

Wow!! Had a crazy dream that I was on live T.V. making fun of people lastnight... It was awesome!!!!!
about 23 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone

Ted today said...

Caught! Jake Gyllenhaal Dines With Mystery Blonde
...
Gyllenhaal was spotted at trendy Locande Verde restaurant in Tribeca this weekend having brunch with a mystery blonde who, according to our fellow-munching spy, "looked like a cross between Rachel McAdams and Taylor Swift." Jake sure does love those blondes! Or, at least, pretends to...

"Jake was in a dark-blue pullover and jeans, and the girl was wearing a ruffled blouse and jeans," adds our source. "It was a casual meeting in the back corner booth. They were laughing and enjoying each other's company."

We saw the accompanying cell-phone pic, which was really too grainy to publish. But one thing was crystal clear about Jake's mood: That guy gives animated private-booth face.

http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/the_awful_truth/b234596_caught_jake_gyllenhaal_dines_with.html

Anonymous said...

_SallyS_: Jake Gyllenhaal a Roma. DOMANI. *muore*
44 minutes ago

Anonymous said...

MelsieGirl: Watched Source Code last night...you could drive a huge pimp ass RV through the plot holes but Gyllenhaal was yumsters
about 1 hour ago

Anonymous said...

Jake and Duncan in Spain

Anonymous said...

Bibby BS said...
I saw this Jake and the blonde sighting on someone's FB over the weekend, no one contacted Ted about it, he took it from the FB post.

Dead giveaway: the woman said the blonde looked like Swift, Ted added McAdams to make it look diff. and he likes to ship Jake and McAdams.

Same restauraunt too. The woman didn't have a pic and neither does Ted.

Anonymous said...

Ewww, Jake has terrible taste in blondes! LOL

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't go that far about any plot holes in Source Code. The story is very engaging. :)

Anonymous said...

Some people think the end of the movie is messed up.

Anonymous said...

That's nothing. I laughed my head off when I've read that Avatar's main character is in a wheelchair. What a joke!

Anonymous said...

How so? The concept of a parallel reality seemed reasonable to me. :)

Anonymous said...

Didn't watch Source Code yet, but looking forward to finding out what's that about "you can't save her, but you can save people of Chicago if you find the bomb". Hope I misunderstood, because that would be silly.

Anonymous said...

Grasshopper, it will all make sense (pretty much) once you see the film. But the ending is a surprise.

Anonymous said...

The end doesn't make sense. Sorry.

Anonymous said...

I thought the fact that Avatar's hero was in a wheelchair to start was awesome. I hope we'll see sequels to both Avatar and Source Code, even Inception. The sky's the limit with this stuff.

Anonymous said...

ValerieSherrard: Source Code - stayed to the end against my better judgement. Better judgement was right. Bad movie. Bad ending. Bad, bad, bad.
1 day ago

Anonymous said...

fdaallday: @YuriLowenthal Source Code was not too bad.... It was enjoyable until a HUGE PLOT HOLE at the end.
3 days ago

Anonymous said...

Well, not everyone agrees - sorry.

Anonymous said...

chreewashere: @claudezeins saw source code today. would have been good if it ended 10 mins before the movie's actual ending. it was a hot mess at the end.
about 16 hours ago

Anonymous said...

blaancheee: source code is one of those really good movies that went sour at the end cause they're trying to inject romance into the storyline. #dumb
about 19 hours ago

Anonymous said...

Where are the tweets that liked the ending? I'm sure there must be some, seeing how the film was so well received by the critics. You need to be a little more even handed. :)

Anonymous said...

superhobo: @owensdamien Source Code sets up rules, but it's clear by the end that the people setting the rules don't truly understand the system.
about 20 hours ago

Anonymous said...

They don't realize it's full potential, for sure. That's why we need a sequel! :)

Anonymous said...

atweetingtwit: Saw Source Code this weekend. Good to see smart, concept-driven sci-fi, even if it sort of falls apart at the end. Thanks, @manmademoon.
1 day ago

Anonymous said...

Unless Stephen Hawking complains about the unlikeliness of the ending and plot in a tweet, I'm paying no attention. :)

Anonymous said...

The end doesn't make sense, but that's quite common for science fiction movies - it's not like going back to dead man's mind just 8 minutes before he dies makes any sense.

Anonymous said...

The romance was nice, I thought. Christina is very sweet, and that's nice for a change, romance doesn't have to be angsty all the time. There was something very heartrending about the lives of all of the people on the train.

Anonymous said...

1:32 PM - LOL! I would love to hear Hawking's Source Code review :)

Anonymous said...

It reminded me in a way of Wings of Desire, where an angel is watching all the events from above, but powerless to change anything or interfere (the audience's viewpoint).

Anonymous said...

:) 1:37

Stephen Hawking said...

The end? I didn't get it!

Anonymous said...

"Was Heath limited in his range as an actor? "

Yes. He refused to take the Jack Twist role. Obviously he didn't think that he could pull it off. The same is true for most of the male actors in Hollywood. They didn't have the talent or the balls to play Jack Twist.

Kudos to Jake for taking, and mastering, one of the most difficult and politically controversial movie roles in Hollywood history.

Sadly, the tough guy who played Jack Twist has turned into milquetoast.

Anonymous said...

Bibby BS said...
I saw this Jake and the blonde sighting on someone's FB over the weekend, no one contacted Ted about it, he took it from the FB post.

Dead giveaway: the woman said the blonde looked like Swift, Ted added McAdams to make it look diff. and he likes to ship Jake and McAdams.

Same restauraunt too. The woman didn't have a pic and neither does Ted.


Ted is such a tool. Why does he add made up bs to that little story?

I read that FB entry somewhere too and that lady didn't mention Rachel McAdams at all.

Anonymous said...

He refused to take the Jack Twist role.

If that's true, it has nothing to do with having a limited range as an actor. And we know that Heath played gay character when he was only 17.

Anonymous said...

Jake refused a role in Bernardo Bertolucci's Dreamers. Obviously he didn't think that he could pull it off, he didn't have the talent or the balls to do it. Right 4:00 PM?

Anonymous said...

Exactly, 4:42. Exactly. Nudity scared him when Dreamers was in production. It obviously didn't when BBM came out. But playing a gay bottom in a film with a fairly explicit gay sex scene did. He couldn't handle it and he knew it. C'est la vie.

He also knew that straight men had no problem with the Ennis' of the world - you know, the self-loathing, deeply closeted, potentially violent, exclusive gay tops who treat their sexual preference for men like an addiction.

The Jack Twists of the world, on the other hand, scared middle America sh*tless. Jake, at the time, must have had balls of steel to take the Jack Twist role. He had to know what was coming.

"And we know that Heath played gay character when he was only 17."

It IS true. And there's is a BIG difference between the gay role Heath played at 17 at Jack Twist. That's like comparing Chevys to Porsches.

Heath was a superb actor, but he didn't have the balls to play Jack Twist. Accept it and move on.

Anonymous said...

It's true Jake had the more "ungrateful" role if you want. Heath said he could choose whom to play and prefered Ennis. Still both guys did a superb job in their respective roles and it was mighty helpful that they had super chemistry on and off screen.
Both had chemistry with other co- stars too, but between them there was genuine love (you can see it when they looked at each other) on and off screen. :)

They were both great in that movie, everything else should be irrelevant now. ;)

Anonymous said...

all time favourite...

J/H pics

;)

Anonymous said...

Don't get me wrong, I love Ennis and I love Heath, and I don't know who chose what role or declined which role, or if it ever even came to that - but I have always felt that Jack Twist was the braver of the two roles. The role of Ennis fit Heath perfectly - like second skin, it's the character, not whether or not he didn't feel comfortable in the role of Jack. I don't think Heath cared what other people thought, did what he felt in his heart. At least I have that impression of him.

Also, the screenwriters had Heath in mind for Ennis.

Anonymous said...

And there's is a BIG difference between the gay role Heath played at 17 at Jack Twist. That's like comparing Chevys to Porsches.

That's bullshit.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, but I don't see anything brave about Jake playing Jack. Jake was unknown actor before BBMt, it's not like he would lose anything if BBM turned to be a bad movie.

Anonymous said...

Heath was a superb actor, but he didn't have the balls to play Jack Twist. Accept it and move on.

LOL, why are you posting that silly fiction? To make Jake look good? How pathetic is that?

Anonymous said...

The Jack Twists of the world, on the other hand, scared middle America sh*tless.

Who exactly is scared of gay bottom men and why?

Anonymous said...

Jack Twist was brave, the character is what was meant. The character of Jack Twist was the braver of the two characters, at least in the film.

Anonymous said...

Leonardo DiCaprio Is All Smiles As He Shoots Chinese Cell Phone Commercial


x17

Anonymous said...

Heath was a superb actor, but he didn't have the balls to play Jack Twist. Accept it and move on.
******
LOL, why are you posting that silly fiction? To make Jake look good? How pathetic is that?


I agree, I don't think Heath wanted to Play Jack Twist either. Scared or not, I read somewhere he did not want to do it. Jake played it well and has gone down in history for his portrayal regardless of what some here think of him. He did so well he won an award for it.

I do think Heath would have been good in the role though, although different than Jake's Jack Twist. Hey, I love Heath and thought he was a good actor. Just recently seen his last film Dr. Paranuss. He seemed troubled in that film. It was weird watching him.
Loved the guy.

Anonymous said...

Heath was never offered to play Jack Twist.

Anonymous said...

Uchiland: @ManMadeMoon I was yesterday at 'Source Code' screening in Madrid. We really enjoy the movie, AMAZING! Everybody clapped after it & all!
about 2 hours ago

damn said...

cherylramzan: Watched the source code....good movie ..I love happy endings :)
about 3 hours ago

Anonymous said...

Nadine13834: Source Code - great movie! Limitless as well.
about 4 hours ago

Anonymous said...

Marcshellafresh: The "source code" was basically another "Inception" slash matrix movie ripoff. Go see it if you want 2 I'd wait for on blu-Ray or sumthin.
about 4 hours ago

Anonymous said...

CMeRollMyJay: @im_AwesomeHD source code was the worst movie I seen this year
about 5 hours ago

Anonymous said...

TheRefugee01: Source Code. My favorite movie of 2011. #thankyou
about 6 hours ago

Austin said...

Farewell everyone. Off to Indonesia. You won't have to put up with me for 12 days. Love to all of you.
25 Mar

Anonymous said...

I don't think Heath wanted to Play Jack Twist either. Scared or not, I read somewhere he did not want to do it.

Why do people insist on repeating bullshit? You read it "somewhere" so that makes it true? 3:04AM is correct. Heath was never offered the Jack Twist role. The writers saw him in Monster's Ball and thought he would make a perfect Ennis. They were right. This notion that he was "afraid" to play Jack Twist is absurd and another lame attempt to try and pit Heath and Jake against one another with stupid comparisons.

Jake and Duncan in Rome said...

America tends to benefit quite a bit from Italy, as the country’s culinary and fashion exports are some of the most sought-after and consumed items across the U.S. So, it’s only right that we give a little back, right? They might have mozzarella and leather, but we’ve got movie stars galore, so Italy: You’ve now been blessed with the presence of Jake Gyllenhaal.

Jake G. brought every ounce of his handsomeness to Rome on Wednesday to promote his new movie Source Code. Sporting his signature stubble-beard (which is teetering on the border of full-blown beard), Jake looked happy and charming at a photo session at the De Russie Hotel. While Jake sometimes isn’t thrilled to have lenses snapping away at him, that wasn’t the case in Rome, as he was all smiles in the lush green surroundings.
Code opened up fairly strong last weekend, bringing in nearly $15 million, but falling far short of its competition — the Easter-themed kids movie Hop, starring the voice of Russell Brand. Kids movies are fierce competition at the box office, so don’t blame it on Jake or his acting chops.

celebuzz

Anonymous said...

While Jake sometimes isn’t thrilled to have lenses snapping away at him...

Yeah, right.

From Here to Eternity E-Book Restores Gay Sex said...

A new e-book version of the James Jones novel about soldiers stationed in Hawaii prior to the Pearl Harbor attack will include mentions of gay sex censored from the 1951 book.

The Los Angeles Times reports on the uncensored digital version of the book, which is being published by Open Road Media at the urging of Jones’ heirs, including his daughter, author Kaylie Jones. She spoke with The New York Times, which also interviewed George Hendrick, an emeritus English professor from the University of Illinois who wrote a new afterword for the book.

“Mr. Hendrick said two scenes that had homosexual content were cut from the original version of the book and have been restored in the digital version,” reported The New York Times. “In one, a soldier, Pvt. Angelo Maggio (played by Frank Sinatra in the 1953 movie) mentions how he has oral sex with a wealthy man in exchange for $5 or $10 that ‘comes in handy the middle of the month.’ Another deals with a military investigation into possible homosexual activity.”

From Here to Eternity was turned into an Academy Award-winning film starring Sinatra, Montgomery Clift, Burt Lancaster, and Deborah Kerr.

Anonymous said...

Austin in Indonesia, Jake in Europe ... BT will get tons of toys!

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if LiveJournal is down?

Anonymous said...

Thank you! :)

Us Weekly said...

Exclusive: Jake Gyllenhaal Rebounds With 90210's Jessica Lowndes

Jake Gyllenhaal is keeping his romantic options open.

In the new issue of Us Weekly (on stands now), a source says the 30-year-old actor is becoming quite the man about town. After sharing breakfast with 90210's Jessica Lowndes, 22, at NYC's Greenwich Hotel on April 1, the Souce Code actor took another date to a party at NYC's Bowery Hotel later that night.

Gyllenhaal -- who ended his brief romance with Taylor Swift, 21, late last year -- then had lunch on April 3 at NYC's Locanda Verde with a Swift look-alike. "It seemed very friendly!" a witness tells Us.

Anonymous said...

tommynagle: The most unbelievable thing in #SourceCode isn't the mind-bending quantum physics, but that Jake Gyllenhaal uses Bing to search the web.
about 3 hours ago

Anonymous said...

toddm4090: Taylor Swift is this generation's Liza Minelli--Joe Jonas, Taylor Lautner, Jake Gyllenhaal, Chord Overstreet and now Garrett Hedlund -mk
about 3 hours ago

Congratulations! said...

Country singer Chely Wright, star of the Internet's favorite 2010 guessing game, is engaged to girlfriend Lauren Blitzer, the development director of Faith in America in New York City.

She's also the co-author of Same Sex in the City: So Your Prince Charming Is Really a Cinderella, which landed her a flashy "lesbian friendship" piece in the Times in 2005. Chely and Lauren met doing their LGBT activism work, we're told, and they will marry in Connecticut on August 20.

Queerty

Anonymous said...

Heath was signed first in the starring role. The lead part was Ennis not Jack. It was mentioned many times in interviews with the screenwriters McMurtry and Diana Ossana. Whoever claims Heath would not want to do the part of Jack is misinformed. It was never an option.

Anonymous said...

One weekend and 3 women. What a man!

London said...

tronikyouth: West end celeb spot Jake gylenhall (woulda prefered his sister) and Russell Howard
about 21 hours ago

Anonymous said...

After sharing breakfast with 90210's Jessica Lowndes, 22, at NYC's Greenwich Hotel...

And I thought Jake won't use tabloids to get publicity for himself and Source Code.

Anonymous said...

CathyCheung1990: Exclusive: Jake Gyllenhaal Not Dating 90210 Star, Says Rep
about 2 hours ago

Anonymous said...

12 hours ago

Us Weekly first reported that the two actors were seen being extra-friendly as they shared breakfast together in NYC last Friday, but Jake’s rep exclusively tells Celebuzz that the romance allegations are “not true.”

http://www.celebuzz.com/2011-04-06/exclusive-jake-gyllenhaal-not-dating-90210-star-says-rep/

Anonymous said...

Jake's rep was so quick to deny Us Weekly report and he/she talked to celebuzz.com? I don't think so.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like he's interviewing for a new beard.

Jake said...

I'm looking for the right girl!

Anonymous said...

Ang Lee said he cast Jake and then had to find Ennis.

Heath also did say that he didn't think he could play the role of Jack.

wikipedia said...

Wahlberg was also considered for a role in the film Brokeback Mountain. It was originally intended to star him and Joaquin Phoenix, but Wahlberg was uncomfortable with the film's sex scenes and his role ultimately went to Jake Gyllenhaal.

Jake should thank that asshole Wahlberg for not doing BBMt.

Anonymous said...

How is Source Code's box office doing? If it's good, is that why toothy is no longer bearding?

Anonymous said...

Heath also did say that he didn't think he could play the role of Jack.

God, give it up already. Heath was notoriously modest. And if he said that it is NOT AT ALL the same thing as him turning down the Jack Twist role because he wasn't brave enough, which is the false notion someone is trying to desperately push. He wasn't offered the Jack Twist role. Period. Heath's dead for years now - let him rest. You're not fooling anyone.

Anonymous said...

Production Budget: $32 million

Source Code wasn't too expensive and will make a profit.

Anonymous said...

Heath did say on Oprah that in many ways he had the easier task than Jake because as Ennis he had to be uncomfortable with the love scenes and intimacy whereas Jake as Jake had to be more comfortable.

Anonymous said...

Heath was notoriously modest. And if he said that it is NOT AT ALL the same thing as him turning down the Jack Twist role because he wasn't brave enough, which is the false notion someone is trying to desperately push. He wasn't offered the Jack Twist role. Period. Heath's dead for years now - let him rest. You're not fooling anyone.

^^ I didn't make the original comment, but who the hell are YOU say someone is pushing an agenda??

Did YOU know Heath personally?
I thought NOT!
(IF) he said that?? What??

I am NOT claiming that he was not BRAVE enough, I just stated in a previous comment that he did not want to do it.
It was in PRINT!! PERIOD!
I also said that if he would have excepted the role of Jack or was (Offered) it, I believe he would have done a great job, although different than Jake has.

You can blame or come to your own conclusions, but you know no more than anyone else here and should just calm your a** down.

Anonymous said...

Stating the obvious - Heath was a better actor than Jake. Does that really matter? I don't think so.

Anonymous said...

I just stated in a previous comment that he did not want to do it.

That is a lie, Heath was never offered the role.

Anonymous said...

1:02, I think anybody with two eyes who's not Jake's mother or a crazed fan could see that Heath was a better actor than Jake.However, Heath is gone now and Jake is still with us--and still has plenty of potential to grow and improve. He's very good in Source Code--his best performance since BBM.

Jake's PR said...

How is Source Code's box office doing? If it's good, is that why toothy is no longer bearding?

You have no idea how hard it is to find a beard, demand for them is fierce!

Anonymous said...

Jake is good, but it looks like he doesn't care about being great, doesn't care about art or his profession.

Anonymous said...

I think anybody with two eyes who's not Jake's mother or a crazed fan could see that Heath was a better actor than Jake.

I think they were both good actors moving in the direction of being great.

I like Heath and followed Heath before following Jake.
I don't and did NOT see Heath as a great actor before he passed away!

Your argument of the fangirl mentality of thinking Jake as a great actor can also be used towards you and your thinking Heath was some great actor.

I agree that BBM was their best achievment to date.

Heath nor Jake has reach Pacino or DeNeiro's creds yet. Gary Oldman, Bale, and a whole host of other guys have reached this status whether award winning or not.
Sorry, did not and do not see Jake being there yet but he can get there I believe, and soon. He was very good in his last 3 films.
I believe Heath could have been great also if he was still here, but sadly he's not.
MY Opinion

Anonymous said...

I don't and did NOT see Heath as a great actor before he passed away!

So? It's not like you decide who's great or not.

Anonymous said...

He was very good in his last 3 films.

Jake was bad in PoP and good in the rest.

Anonymous said...

So? It's not like you decide who's great or not.

^^^

And YOU don't either. OK

Anonymous said...

Those who do decide think that Heath was great. OK?

Anonymous said...

Sorry, did not and do not see Jake being there yet but he can get there I believe, and soon.

Jake will never be a great actor. He cares about stardom and money, not about challenges, learning and improving.

Anonymous said...

SomaTawfiq: @SophiaBush When is @AUS10NICHOLS comming back home to you?? ;) Just loooove u guys, you two are the perfect couple!!!!<3<3
about 2 hours ago

Posted in IDLYITW by Steve said...

Since he has a new movie out and the studio's life depends on the fact that he's seen as a leading man who doesn't giggle and get grossed out at the thought of vagina, it's time to play, "Hey, look! Jake Gyllenhaal is dating a chick whose name has never been mentioned in the same sentence as his before! No, seriously! He really likes girls we promise!" Popeater reports:

"On the heels of his romance with America's sweetheart, Taylor Swift, Jake Gyllenhaal isn't wasting any time getting back into the dating pool -- or should we say, the kiddie pool. Gyllenhaal, 30, was recently spotted ordering eggs and a side of rebound at breakfast in New York with '90210' star Jessica Lowndes, 22, according to Us Weekly. After his breakfast date with Lowndes, Gyllenhaal also reportedly got cozy with a different young lady later that evening. Talk about playing the field...According to E! Online, Gyllenhaal's rep is denying his client's player ways, insisting that Gyllenhaal and Lowndes are "not dating." But the brunette beauty's rep replied with a simple "no comment."

Jessica and I had a brief imaginary sexual relationship recently, so I think I'm qualified to say that these two aren't having sex. She used to get all weird when I'd bring up anal. C'mon, why you gotta be like that, baby?

http://www.idontlikeyouinthatway.com/2011/04/jake-gyllenhaal-went-on-a-date-with-jessica-lowndes.html

Anonymous said...

Jake will never be a great actor. He cares about stardom and money

Sorry, where is this money you speak of? He's had one big payday in the last 6 films. Have you seen that the budget for his next film is $5 million? He probably won't even clear a million dollar payday for that one.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, where is this money you speak of?

Popcorn movie and romcom - typical movies you make to get money and popularity to make more money.

Anonymous said...

Have you seen that the budget for his next film is $5 million?

So? PoP production budget was 200 million and you know that Jake would love to be in position to make more 200 million movies.

Anonymous said...

"Blue Valentine" production budget was $1 million.

OT said...

Ok, some may remember my story about my colleagues (the woman and the two men) who never invite me to join them for coffee break and about the one guy (one of them) who wasn't nice to me. Well finally, after months there, I asked him if everything was alright, if he has a a problem with me and he said that he didn't know what I was talking about, that everything was ok. After the talk, the atmosphere at work improved shortly but in the last couple of days the woman has been incredibly bitchy to me and I asked her too if everything was ok. She said yes that it's just the stress, but oddly to others she is extremely nice, to me a real bitch. Still is.
They are much longer in the company than I am and get along well with the bosses, esp. one of the male bosses. It's starting to get unbearable for me, that I'm actually looking for another job.
I can't handle them anymore. :(

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear that, fingers crossed you find a new job soon.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear that, fingers crossed you find a new job soon.

Thanks. Hopefully. I'm on it.

Anonymous said...

Jake will never be a great actor. He cares about stardom and money, not about challenges, learning and improving.

I think he will...
He has already showed great depth in a number of roles, but like "most", not all, great actors, he has a certain style that's all Jake. Some great actors truly loose themselves in their roles.

I agree with you that the dating the next so-called hollywood bombshell move takes him backwards.

But, Brad Pitt did this all the time, didn't he? Come to think of it, Brad is a good example of one of the Great actors who has his own style of acting which is all Brad Pitt.

Did Brad get the same type of backlash with his fans or so-called fans?

Anonymous said...

"Blue Valentine" production budget was $1 million.

Add all the money the Weinstein devils put to make that snortfest happen.

Anonymous said...

to make that snortfest happen.

^^ snortfest or Snorefest?

Anonymous said...

Ryan Gosling Strips Down for Crazy, Stupid, Love Trailer

trailer

Anonymous said...

^ snortfest or Snorefest?

both.

Anonymous said...

dating the next so-called hollywood bombshell

Well lets just say so-called hollywood all american sweethearts.

Anonymous said...

re. Heath not having enough intensity to play Franco's part in 127 Hours. I disagree. Whether he was jumping off cliffs, doing stunts atop a horse, giving and taking real punches (Jake and Bale said he fought "for real" on camera) or staying in character while a building was collapsing feet away from him, Heath put 100% of himself in his characters. It shows onscreen. His at times disturbing intensity was at odds with his very sensitive nature but he most definitely was an intense actor and IRL guy. IMO it, among other things, took its toll on him.

Anonymous said...

^^^ Interesting take on all things Heath anon 6:38

His at times disturbing intensity was at odds with his very sensitive nature but he most definitely was an intense actor and IRL guy.

I can see this! Interesting indeed IMO.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you that the dating the next so-called hollywood bombshell move takes him backwards. But, Brad Pitt did this all the time, didn't he?

No, Brad Pitt never faked his relationships.

Austin said...

BACK IN THE USA!! Thank you Indonesia and the Indian Ocean for the most beautiful rest.
7 hours ago

Berlin said...

atsch_tratsch: Jake Gyllenhaal mit dem Sohn von David Bowie in Berlin - http://bit.ly/grsEZI (expand) #JakeGyllenhaal
4 minutes ago

Anonymous said...

Cool! Jake and Austin will soon be on the same continent!

Anonymous said...

Wow Ryan Gosling is so hot he could burn down a room.

Anonymous said...

Jake's PR said...
How is Source Code's box office doing? If it's good, is that why toothy is no longer bearding?

You have no idea how hard it is to find a beard, demand for them is fierce!



How many real young actresses wanna be anyone's beard. I am sure there are many wannabes who would take on the role for cheap. Only problem is could Jake trust them.

Anonymous said...

Ryan is very likeable, but sexy... I don't see it.

Anonymous said...

"Blue Valentine" production budget was $1 million.
Add all the money the Weinstein devils put to make that snortfest happen.


Do you hate Michelle, Ryan or both?

^^^ said...

P.S. I bet you like shitty and brainless movies like PoP.

Anonymous said...

Have you seen that the budget for his next film is $5 million?

They will film 'End of Watch'? Or is it still just talk?

Anonymous said...

Jake's been talking about it - starts filming end of July.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Ryan is very likeable, but sexy... I don't see it.



Sexy is not all about pretty boys or drop dead gorgeous. Whatever Ryan has it is very sexy. In a NY minute.

destiny said...

Since he has a new movie out and the studio's life depends on the fact that he's seen as a leading man who doesn't giggle and get grossed out at the thought of vagina

I think things are changing, and this is less the case. Or maybe the problem is not being gay, but that people see him having a problem with women, and have an image of him as the kind of guy that would giggle at it all.

Sean Hayes just got cast in the Three Stooges movie, and NHP has two movies out this summer, and indie comedy in which he plays a married man, and a children's movie. And before someone says comedy is different, the target audience for the Farrelly Brothers' movies are young men, the group we're lead to believe is the most homophobic and least accepting of "gays".

Anonymous said...

Jake's been talking about it - starts filming end of July.

Thanks.

destiny said...

I thought Blue Velvet was a really good and devastating movie about relationships, and Michelle and Ryan were both incredible in it.

Agree that Jake was trying to be a big star and almost seemed to be going down the checklist of what he thought would get it for him.

A blonde, family-friendly girlfriend (beard). Check.

A serious message film that might garner Oscar interest (Rendition). Check.

A big budget hero/potential franchise movie (POP). Check.

A romantic comedy (LAOD). Check.

An "adult", action film/caper that circles back around a bit to his indie past. (SC) Check.

Anonymous said...

Sexy is not all about pretty boys or drop dead gorgeous.

That is exactly my point. Ryan has nice, big muscles, but that is not enough to make him sexy, he just doesn't have it in his eyes, manner of carrying himself, the way he moves.

Anonymous said...

Sean Hayes just got cast in the Three Stooges movie...

Things are changing, but very slowly and not for Hollywood leading men - all young and gay actors who are seen as future A-list are in the closet.

Anonymous said...

I liked Ryan and Michelle in Blue Velvet too, destiny.
My favourite part is when Ryan fist-fucks Michelle with a velvet stripe

Anonymous said...

Babble posted a german interview that asks Jake about getting serious in a relationship. He has not met the right person yet was his reply. At least he is keeping those responses gender neutral. There is hope for him to come out yet.

Anonymous said...

Gender neutral talk is meaningless after all Jake's bearding, pretending and lying.

Jake's PR said...

He has not met the right person yet was his reply.

Jake is looking for the right girl!

Anonymous said...

Jake will never come out, don't dream. Even if it suddenly gay becomes the new black in Hollywood, his career would be over, not because of his sexuality but for his deliberate lies and pretending.
Rock Hudson got a free pass because he was sick and then died.

Anonymous said...

Anyone thinks that Jake really considers working as director?

Anonymous said...

I don't know. If Jake really is serious about directing I think he should start small (like Heath did with music videos). Maybe he already has?

destiny said...

Oh I know things haven't changed with the A-list stars, but considering Sean was the poster boy for that obnoxious article about how gay men can't play in straight roles, and given that young boys and men are the target audience for a film like this, it is a big step forward. As is the continuing career of NPH, who I recall some people saying he'd never be cast as a straight man in a film or on TV after coming out.

Anonymous said...

Jake will never come out, don't dream. Even if it suddenly gay becomes the new black in Hollywood, his career would be over, not because of his sexuality but for his deliberate lies and pretending.

ITA. That ship sailed a long time ago. Jake had a small window of opportunity, but he backed off and now the bearding and the lies have made it impossible for him to come out. And those who think his talk about becoming a director is because he wants to come out eventually are just fooling themselves.

Anonymous said...

If Jake really is serious about directing I think he should start small (like Heath did with music videos). Maybe he already has?

That would surprise me.

Heath is not better than Jake said...

Fuck!Why everything Jake does or says is always being compared with Heath?

Jake is his own person and his desitions in private and professional life have nothing to do with his death ex co-star.

BTW,Heath started to make all those silly music videos just to have an excuse for being out of his home for the longest time posssible, since he was already bored and frustrated with family life. Artistic interests,my ass...

1:16 PM said...

Calm down. I didn’t say Heath was better than Jake or that Heath has anything to do with what Jake does. Jeez. I only used his music videos as an example. Does Franco direct music videos or short films? I should’ve said him then. Sorry I offended you.

Anonymous said...

BTW,Heath started to make all those silly music videos just to have an excuse for being out of his home for the longest time posssible, since he was already bored and frustrated with family life. Artistic interests,my ass...

Curiously Heath launched "The Masses" during or shortly after BBM promotion. But I think directing has always interested him. I think he was rather bored with Michelle than family life in general, but at least he did something constructive too while away from her not only partying. ;)

Anonymous said...

Does Franco direct music videos or short films? I should’ve said him then. Sorry I offended you.

Many actors direct short films and music videos. Kirsten Dunst and Natalie Portman come to mind too.

Anonymous said...

Why everything Jake does or says is always being compared with Heath?

Because there are people like you who lie and make up shit just because they can't stand the truth - that Heath was a better actor than Jake.

Anonymous said...

Because there are people like you who lie and make up shit just because they can't stand the truth - that Heath was a better actor than Jake.

I'm not the poster you are refering to, but I agree that Heath was more into his characters and more versatile. That said, Jake is solid too and can be very, very good if he actually tries. :)

Anonymous said...

You need the right motive and drive if you want to be great in something.

Anonymous said...

You need the right motive and drive if you want to be great in something.

Exactly.

Anonymous said...

Does Jake care about being a great actor? Are money and stardom enough?

Anonymous said...

Does Jake care about being a great actor? Are money and stardom enough?

I think after BBM Jake was rather interested in fame, but now I think he wants to deliver quality work again and it seems he did with SC (which I haven't seen yet).

Anonymous said...

Listen, there are actors of every generation that the masses proclaim to be THE best actor, but that's all subjective isn't it? I think most actors now are just looking for quality work and someone to hire them. Jake mentioned directing or working behind the scenes in a comment about knowing that one day Hollywood would stop knocking at his door for acting parts. It's the nature of the game.

Anonymous said...

Harvey Keitel is 71, still working a lot. As a movie actor.

Anonymous said...

Jake is his own person and his desitions in private and professional life have nothing to do with his death ex co-star.

Just one thing, I think Heath was a little more than a co-star, I'd say they were friends. But Jake is definitely closer with Michelle.

Anonymous said...

Jake is close to Michelle because he was close to Heath.

Anonymous said...

"Jake had a small window of opportunity, but he backed off and now the bearding and the lies have made it impossible for him to come out."

People in Puerto Rico said the same things about Ricky Martin when he started bearding with Rebecca Alba and signed that huge record deal with Sony. Now look at what has happened.

Forever is a long time, especially in Hollywood.

Anonymous said...

Ricky wanted kids. Using a beard to have kids would be too much so he practicaly came out the moment he told the world about Matteo and Valentino.

What will Jake do? Wait another x years to have kids?

Anonymous said...

Because there are people like you who lie and make up shit just because they can't stand the truth - that Heath was a better actor than Jake.

I'm Not the commenter, but LIE?
What are you talking about????

Do you know how your crazy a** sound? It's your opinion that Heath was a better actor. OK?
Get it?
Why don't you calm down and stop salavating and getting excited over every negative comment about Jake because he has offended you and your warped mind by not wearing a pink dress and earrings at the Source Code premier.

If someone thinks Heath was a better or worst actor than Jake, So What.

Anonymous said...

I'm Not the commenter, but LIE?

Yes, lies like this one: "Heath started to make all those silly music videos just to have an excuse for being out of his home".

Anonymous said...

Ricky wanted kids. Using a beard to have kids would be too much so he practicaly came out the moment he told the world about Matteo and Valentino.
*****
What will Jake do? Wait another x years to have kids?



^^^ Oh NO you didn't! ^^^

The BabyTile loons will eat you alive. Do you know this?

They believe he and Austin has at least 3 rugrats being raised by some alien nanny while the 2 fathers run all over the world twittering and smiling for the cameras. LOL

Anonymous said...

When Heath makes music videos it's silly excuse to spend time away from home, when James Franco and JGL makes them it's 'art'. LOL!

Anonymous said...

The BabyTile loons will eat you alive. Do you know this?

I know that Jake wouldn't have kids just to deny and hide them :)

The View from the Basement said...

The BabyTile loons will eat you alive. Do you know this?

I know that Jake wouldn't have kids just to deny and hide them :)


SAYS YOU! ;)

Anonymous said...

LOL :)

Anonymous said...

Clearly the commenter has not watched Heaths music videos. Calling them silly is stupid. They were quite good and there was nothing silly about them. He was getting ready to direct a movie about chess before he died. Shame. Jakes a decent actor but he has yet to really work hard at it. Sure he did some physical training. But he has yet to reach within and create something not seen before. Thats a lot harder than getting in shape.

Anonymous said...

The commenter wants to make Jake look good by lying and trashing others.

Austin said...

Twitter powers... weak... Gone so long... Having... Trouble... Tweeting... Help...
17 hours ago

Jake Gyllenhaal: I made City Slickers popular said...

Jake Gyllenhaal believes the movie City Slickers was a hit because of him.

The Hollywood star appeared in the 1991 comedy as an 11-year-old, alongside Billy Crystal. The film went on to be a massive hit across the world, a fact that Jake attributes to his presence in the movie.

“I’m the reason that movie was a hit. It was all down to me,” he joked to Empire magazine, before adding, “You know, I do remember shooting a scene in the schoolroom, where Billy Crystal had a big speech. And I get up and say, ‘My dad’s Mitch and he’s a submarine commander.’ I must have said it a million times and I was so nervous. Which worked, I guess, for the scene.”

Jake has since gone on to forge a successful film career, but still remembers his first experience on a movie set. He recounts looking on in amazement at the professionalism of his more experienced co-star.

“But Billy had a three-page monologue, and I remember being, ‘Oh my God, how’s he saying all those words? He’s so amazing,” he added.

Anonymous said...

Awwww, no hard feelings about Billy Crystal outing him :)

Belgium said...

SofieB_: ooh just won tickets to the premiere of the source code on Monday *bounces*
about 21 hours

UK said...

Source Code Premiere In Leicester Sq!
16 hours ago

Anonymous said...

Patt3rson: Saw The Source Code in London. Cool concept and nice progression, but I was waiting for the required major plot twist that never came.
about 17 hours ago

ICELAND said...

dagny14: JAKE GYLLENHAAL IS ON ICELAND!!
about 14 hours ago

Iceland said...

IceChronicles: Well done Jake! Coming to Iceland just in time for Icesave referendum! Fun times ahead! http://bit.ly/eFiEhp
about 10 hours ago

lol said...

Bernansky: Source Code was 90 minutes of Jake Gyllenhaal punching random strangers in the face. So in other words, pretty enjoyable.
about 11 hours ago

Anonymous said...

Source Code will be out of the top 5 this weekend. What's up with people not seeig his movies, no matter if they're good or bad? Sucks for him.

Anonymous said...

The real question - what makes people choose to watch certain movie?

I believe good reviews aren't big factor, don't believe majority people read reviews about 5-7movies before going to cinema.

Anonymous said...

I believe good reviews aren't big factor, don't believe majority people read reviews about 5-7movies before going to cinema.

IA, the majority of people don't read reviews. Either they like the actors in the movie, the concept or they hear good WOM. SC should have generated good WOM though.

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