Benioff also wrote a draft of the Wolverine movie, which is being directed by Gavin Hood.
All roads lead back to Jake!
From the interview:
CS: Did you get a chance to spend some time with Jim Sheridan beforehand?
Benioff: I did and we were working together pretty intensively right up until the deadline, which was a great experience. I was working with Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman and that was also a lot of fun. 
I wonder if Benioff was present for any improv - I know a lot of writers who would hate their words being messed with!
"It's tricky because obviously we all support the writers and the strike," Portman said, "but Jim's style of directing is that we improvise a lot. We're doing that and hoping that's not infringing on anything. We're not allowed to have any rewrites. Jim's in the Writers Guild, so he's obviously not doing any rewrites."
How cool would it be to observe Jake sitting around and improvising? I would love to see that part of the creative process.
It will be interesting to see how The Kite Runner performs at the movies. It has a built-in audience and some name recognition, so if it's good, I hope it escapes the Rendition fate. One of the things I loved most about Rendition was that Fatima and Khalid's story was in Arabic. It added to the authenticity and the drama, made you pay attention. And gave me a real appreciation for the beauty of Arabic. We should do a post on Rendition, which was just criminally ignored and criticized, IMO.
But back to the kites! In connection with the movie, Jake and other celebrities autographed kites to raise money for the Afghanistan Relief Organization:
I love Jake's exhortation to FLY. I don't love the kite's design, though. Happily, it looks like the kid in The Kite Runner has a nicer kite to fly.
45 comments:
Can't wait for Brothers and yes Rendition was criminally overlooked as is Zodiac for any awards by the look of it. I really liked Rendition but loved Zodiac, definetly one of my all time favorites.
Zodiac is still one of the best reviewed films of the year and I was hoping it would get something.
I'm late in commenting on last night's posting.... but wanted to thank "smile" for the fantastic tabloid rumor updates (someone really should be keeping track of all these!) and also for so nicely summing up why we love this blog, UV and Felicia. I just love the vibe here and enjoy reading the thoughts of all the wonderful J and/or R fans that feel at home here. Plus, I know that every little scrap of Jake news, schmoopy or otherwise, will be here first.
UV, I have absolutely no problem with turning off comments for previous entries if you don't mind conversations carrying over. And you will never be obsolete!
sorry for this 2nd post.... sometimes I'm not very mentally organized!
I just wanted to add that I like the idea of a "Rendition" discussion. I thought it was a far better movie than the lukewarm reviews indicated.... fascinating, compelling story and great performances all around.
Hi UV! love the way you're updating so often ( although there is a slogan " blogging without guilt" saying you don't have to post every day). The picture of Jake in stripes with Natalie is darling, and I like the stripes because they remind me of Heath.
What is the Gyllenspoon blog base? ( Someone referred to it yesterday).
Great work.;) B.
I don't know why, but I sense a tiny sea change in the way the paps are not chasing this story. I think we will definitely continue to see pics of Jake and Reese together, only not as much. Now that the paps have pics of Abbie with Ava, I think they're waiting for the big $$$ shot of Jake with Reese's kids. Just a theory.
Hi anon - we will probably have to be satisfied that Zodiac makes it to some Top 10 lists. I don't think it's going to get any nominations, sadly.
And suvee, I agree that we should be tracking the tabloid stories. We'll try to think of a clever way to do it. Maybe we can have a regular feature - Keeping Tabs! (Like on Keith Olbermann.)
Defintely have to do a Rendition topic, too!
And thanks for the nice words!
Hi LawGoddess -glad you could see the picture, given the screwed-up coding! I'm going off to try to fix it now.
The Gyllenspoon blog base? I don't know what that means. The die-hard fans, I guess? Or do you mean the Gyllenspoon forum? Someone started one - there's a link on the front page.
Hi Bobbyanna! I think you're right. Jake and the kids is the next big get. Which is why I can't believe Flynet didn't get them over the weekend.
Hi UV, I guess I did mean the Gyllenspoon forum, the wording used in a post yesterday was confusing to me too.
Jake and Reese do seem serious, I laugh at the idea of her being aloof and him " working" to charm her.Twist my arm , Jake.;) Hope for his sake it's the real deal. They look good together.
Jake hasn't ben in love in a while, it's sweet to see. B.
It's very sweet, B! I love it. And I'm trying not to think "How could she?!" about Reese's aloof act. But as FL said, maybe she just wasn't thrilled to have someone watching every thing they said and/or ate!
Oh, and I like the "blogging without guilt" concept. We definitely don't want to post just for the sake of posting, but it's nice to have at least a daily check-in.
A daily check-in is most excellent.
Hi again Sarah,
Does blogging without guilt mean I can ventilate with you friends without censure?
Loved the article of course. There is so much Jake news happening in the blogs. It makes me as happy as a clam.:) I know the actors would love to have him on site with him...but maybe the strike will end soon. It must have been great working with those three very talented actors. I love all of Jim Sheridan's movies and am happy that he can and will adapt to this current situation.
I just saved pics of Jake's kite off E-bay. I wish with all my heart, I could bring it home with a bid.
I see the Broadcast Film Critics Association neglected both Zodiac and Rendition with their nominations, but I expect more recognition from the GGs for both movies.
And we all know Oscar listens to no one. The nearly 1200 actor members of the sacred AMPAS chamber, as well as the other near 6000 members, dance to their own tune, though hopefully a more enlightened tune, since younger members are being voted into the club.
I also giggle at lot at the tab gossip. Jake has to twist whose arm to get hitched. Duh? NOT!
Girlfriend would be nuts to even contemplate not snagging this gorgeous hunk of really great guy.
Anyway, talk about getting in a world of trouble. A kind friend from my LJ fl, realized I hadn't seen the Jake/Reese photo-caps on a certain forum and sent me over to that thread.
OMG! I had to post. I was furious. All the awful hetero phobic misogynistic comments about her, her handbag and beards, all written in jest---so they say--and posted under pictures of the two of them, taken during their Rome holiday. Situation was resolved a month ago but the comments remain.???
Jake and Reese in Rome
TY again for this blog:)
sass
Hi Sass! Sorry you had to see such hateful screen caps. Humor is used to disguise a lot of things; in this case, it's pretty ugly. (Yes, I'm an oxymoron fan, again!)
Reese is a very lucky woman, and that pic shows it!
Here's a report from an extra on the set of Reese's movie.
No Jake, sadly :(
Also, a link for anyone who wants to see Heath fully frontal. Just a glimpse.
Can't even express how much I'm looking forward to The Kite Runner, so hope the film does the book justice. Looking at that picture I nearly burst into tears as I know which bit it comes from.
Still hanging onto the hope Zodiac gets some recognition in the Awards this year, it's simply one of the best films I've seen, stunning work by everyone invovled.
Love that Rome picture, it's on my screensaver at work, the way he's kissing her head, and yes Reese, I'd have stuck my hand there as well ;)
Seems some information from the set of four christmases is hitting the print. Here is an article from today's Daily News.
Reese Witherspoon's Type A on set
Thursday, December 13th 2007, 4:00 AM
Spies working on Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn's new film, "Four Christmases," say the tension between the stars is even more entertaining than the script of the romantic comedy.
Famously alpha personality Reese — who named her production company Type A Films — is clashing with Vaughn's laid-back approach to work.
"Vince rolls onto set in the morning looking like he just came in from a night out, while Reese will arrive early looking camera-ready," says our San Francisco source. "Then Reese tries to force Vince into blocking out each scene and running through their lines as Vince tries to convince her that he's an ad-libber and wants to play around and see where the scene goes."
However, the movie, about a married couple who spend a Christmas with each of their four divorced parents, remains on schedule and on budget.
"She's a one-take perfectionist and Vince likes to try it a few different ways," snickers our snitch. "Sometimes Vince will be standing behind her and he has this look on his face that he just wants to kill her!"
Now this my take on things and information to back it up. There are reports all over san francisco about Vince being out till the late hours hitting the party scene.
Just Saturday night he was out with Sean Penn and a crew acting like a jerk.
And her is an article from Liz Smith a few months ago
Liz Smith: Vince Vaughn, Sharon Stone identified as difficult stars
November 20, 2007
TELEVISION has brought back murder into the home - where it belongs," said filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock.
Speaking of murder, an informal panel of publishers, editors and public relations pawns voted recently on who the most impossible persons are in show business. This probably won't be printed anywhere but here, as these pros all have to stay in business.
But Numero Uno, at the top of the list, is the rather newish star, Vince Vaughn, he of the current Fred Claus. (This so-called comedy is about as funny as a lump of coal in one's stocking.) Insiders call the guy who emerged triumphant from The Wedding Crashers and from a failed romance with Jennifer Aniston "the most egotistical, the most difficult, the kind of person who calls at 3 a.m. to demand different things."
Vince was also reported to be difficult to work with on Fred Claus. Of course they will point the blame on type A prepared female Reese, but industry insiders will know the truth. I think this movie is going to be good and I get the feeling that much of what has been reported in today's NY Daily news is just reaction to set photos that have leaked out. Reese's company is producing this movie along side Vince's and that should be interesting also, because remember Vince is a man's man and Reese isn't a man.
To bring Jake back into this thing, I would seem that he left San Francisco on Sunday, since there were only sightings of the kids with Reese on Monday and Tuesday (I guess they have off are skipped a few days of school to be with Reese).
Two new stars have been added to the cast of Four Christmases and the actress who will be playing Reese's mom is a good friend of the Gyllenhaal's and a fellow M.V. neighbor, is is.
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Sissy Spacek and Mary Steenburgen are joining Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn for a season of holiday havoc in "Four Christmases. "Steenburgen will play the chameleonlike mother of Kate (Witherspoon), whose personality changes depending on whom she's married to or dating.
Interesting
Four Christmases sounds like it has the potential to be really excellent. Vince Vaughan will have to bring his "A Game" to hold on to his scenes against Mary Steenburgen and Sissy LOL!!! Reese had to know going in that Vince was a piece of work. I think he has the capability of being brilliant, but it wouldn't surprise me to hear he was deliberately difficult around assertive women. I think he might be insecure around certain kinds of women. Docility is probably a quality he finds very attractive!?!
No way Reese was being aloof!!! I've said from the beginning...almost...I think she is totally smitten...and I just absolutely love that picture of them in Rome. It says SO much. Pure poetry.Just the way they are leaning into each other as if they can't get close enough. It's actually my favorite picture bcz in terms of defining their relationship, it really just says it all, IMHO.
Headed out to the periodontist this morning. Ugh!
I'd agree with that assessment of Vince bobbyanna, can't see him and Reese getting on that well (despite the ridiculous prediction linked to on a previous thread.)
Still hoping just one little picture will show up of J/R in SF, nothing that invaded their privacy, just a little snippet for all us pining for some fresh Jake
If that story from the Daily News is correct, then I don't think Reese was being "aloof" at the SF restaurant.... it's more likely she was peeved and aggravated by V.V.
Jake was taking care of his girlfriend, trying to make her feel better...... ( getting flirty and kissy would certainly make me forget my work troubles! ). I think we all know what a lucky lady she is!
Hey, Reese and Natalie have kites up for bid too!!
Well it doesn't look like Zodiac has been nominated for anything at the Golden Globes, pity I was hoping for something.
I was hoping for some Zodiac recognition as well, sigh.
I believe Maggie also has a kite! :)
I think Zodiac is an amazing film and Fincher definitely deserves an award (I can't beleive this guy doesn't have an academy award yet!!).But the release date of the film definitely hurt it's award potential.To be honest, I think the best films are usually the ones that don't get awarded (especially from the Academy which is really ridiculous).
About Reese's new film, I can't wait to see her chemistry with Vince, although I can imagine Reese would be annoyed with his laid back attitude (he does seem very laid back to me).
For "Brothers" I'm even more anxious.The director is great and I always wanted to see Jake and Natalie on screen together (and of screen to be honest :p)
Zodiac has been nominated for 2 London Film Critics awards (Film and Director).
Fingeres crossed for the London Critics Awards then, Jake stuff does tend to get Awards over in the UK - really hope he's got good reason to attend the BAFTAs again next year :D
it looks like Reese has a break from filming in SF, or they finished filming in SF. Pics of her yesterdayin LA:
http://popsugar.com/876306
I've got "Brothers" information...
courtesy of imdb...
"Filming has begun in Glorietta/Las Vegas and in at the Greer Garson and on Barranca Mesa. "Base Camps" will be set-up nearby each of the geographic filming areas. A "base camp" is the staging areas where the film crew put all the big trailers (hair, make-up, wardrobe, actors, etc.) and equipment, with a dining hall/kitchen/restroom area nearby. One of those base campas will be in the main parking lot and in the Parrish Hall of the Imacculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. The other base camp will be at the Los Alamos Golf Club parking lot and meeting facility.
Sun Dec 16 (afternoon): Trucks/trailers arrive in Los Alamos and set-up base camp* in the parking lot behind and around the Imacculate Heart Parking Lot.
Mon Dec 17 (all day): Filming at the United Church, base camp IHM.
Tues Dec 18 (all day): Filming at United Church; base camp at IHM.
Wed Dec 19 (all day): Filming at residence on Barranca Mesa; base camp at Golf Course.
Thurs Dec 20 (all day): Filming at residence on Barrance Mesa; base camp at Golf COurse.
Fri Dec 21 (all day): Filming at residence on Barranca Mesa, base camp at Golf Course; leaving Los Alamos.
Not sure what any of this means or if any of these scenes involve Jake. But it seems legit.
Spoiler alert...Brothers.
I'd say that Jake is going to be part of this filming,because if you read about the original Brothers, Toby's character is believed to have died, I think they have services for him, I know in the original preview there is a scene with Jake's character his father outside the church.
Has anyone heard who is playing Toby & Jake's parents? They were very important roles in the original.
Reese's San Francisco shooting was only planned until the 12th, 13th if needed, since the movie is on time they wrapped that part on the 12th. I bet going forward most will be done in the (LA)studio, inside each of the parents homes.
For Jake's movie, I think the studio is in Santa Fe and a few exteriors and then they rest will be on locations around the area.
Thanks for starting this blog! So much Jake news - except that it doesn't seem to be happening according to other sites... [i]coughs[/i].... DC....[i]coughs[/i]
Here are two posts from the IMDB board about people who were present for more than one day while Reese & Vince were filming, both are so opposite what the NY Daily News has to say.
#1
"I was an background extra on the 11th. I could only go the one day, but it was relaly really fun. Hope I make it in a small shot in thhe film...lol Reese was gorgeous!!!"
#2
I worked all 3 days in the airport scences. The crew and Reese and Vince were great to work with. The first 2 days there were about 300 to 400 people, the last day there were about 100 people. They treated everyone very professionally, considering the size of the scene. It was filmed in the old international terminal at SFO airport, and is indeed the scene where they find out that their trip has been cancelled , and their parents find out that they are going to be home for the holidays. I think these scenes sets the whole plot for the movie. The set was so authentic that actual travellers were coming in and going to the fake ticket counters and asking the actors dressed like police/tsa where they should go.
#3
worked as an extra for four days and particularly on one day I saw them working out a scene, and it was done very professionally and cooperatively. It seemed to me that they got along fine, and I see that they are both producers on this film, so it seems they have a good working relationship.
This was a fun movie to work on.
Now for some Jake news.
US Weekly gives Reese the best rebound and of course its has a photo of she & Jake, next to her & the ex. "Witherspoon took Jake to Nashville to meet her family in late November, says a source" "Things are moving in a serious direction, says a pal. She'd love to settle down, and she's cautiously optimistic about Jake." Didn't read people yet so I cannot tell what they have about Jake, but I'm sure there is something.
Can someone explain to me what DC is? I figure it's a web site, but don't know which one.
Thanks...
BTW,
I told you guys Jake went to Nashville for Thanksgiving...
JP said...
Can someone explain to me what DC is? I figure it's a web site, but don't know which one.
Thanks...
Hey, JP. DC would be the Dave Cullen Forums. Dave Cullen Forum aka DC
Also, want to say thanks for all the Four Christmases and Brothers tidbits coming in. More than once today I had to slow down and re-read - Is Reese filming at a church in Los Alamos? Is Jake filming at an airport in SFO? No, wait, the other way around.
Fun stuff!
LOL!!! I have to laugh at some of these "fanspotters"! I guess if there are no PDAs "she's aloof." Sounds to me as if they have a pretty normal relationship. Jake is definitely touchy, feely, demonstrative. The really pleasant surprise for me, is that Reese is so openly and naturally affectionate. Never saw that side of her before. I don't think there is much going on on the set of Reese's movie. I think a lot of it is just tabloid chatter and BS.
I think Reese made a business decision to work with Vince and they've been meeting and discussing for months. I still feel like he has "issues" generally, but I think she can handle him just fine. Otherwise she wouldn't have agreed to partner up and do it.Reese is not a dumb woman. LOL!!
Sounds from Brothers' shooting schedule as if Jake will be working all this week in NM, including on his b'day.
While I'm disappointed that both Jake's films were overlooked for GG nominations, I am truly happy Maggie was nominated for SherryBaby. One of the grittiest movies I've seen in a long time. Maggie was literally breathtaking. She poured her guts on that screen. She is fearless, and brutally honest. Maggie and Jake will be around for a very long time. I don't think either one of them has even begun to tap into their talent bank.
Yes, it's early days yet for both of them. Can't wait to see Maggie in The Dark Knight!
This is SO ridiculous as to not even bear mentioning. Silly really. OK. I went to popsugar to see a blurb about Reese and there were two pics of her shopping in LA. And she had this beautiful grey wool scarf wrapped around her neck....(Yeah, I know they made more than one...) and she was smiling and ...serene..ya know???
OK. I think I might go check out a little Swoff...
bobbyanna said:
"And she had this beautiful grey wool scarf wrapped around her neck....(Yeah, I know they made more than one...) and she was smiling and ...serene..ya know???"
Maybe I'm silly too, but I have noticed Jake and Reese do have a similar style (I'm talking RL, not red carpet dress-up). They both tend to dress in very classic, simple, tasteful and understated clothes.....greys, black, blue, white in clothes. Neither goes in for gaudy jewelry, you rarely see them in anything other than solid colors. All I'm saying is, they seem to share a very similar aesthetic sensibility. Not sure if that means anything important though!
Good news did come for Reese today, which means if she and Jake are as serious as some say then good news for Reese is good news for Jake.
Reese's production company has had her movie Penelope on hold for a few years, it star C.Ricca and an unknown at the time who just got nominated for a golden globe. IFC purchased rights and then decided they couldn't air it, it was purchased once again and is set for a Feb release. What may have been in question will no longer be, with the great showing of Enchanted and a certain person nomination, Feb seems like the perfect time.
Her is the link to the person nominated.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/14/movies/awardsseason/14glob.html?hp
Mr James Mcavoy is that guy..
And here is the link to an article about him being the it boy
http://movies.hollyscoop.com/james-mcavoy/james-mcavoy-is-hollywoods-new-it-boy_161.aspx
And then with Jake you have the attention the Kite Runner is getting and that is big because of David Benioff and his part in Brothers, not to mention the director of Brothers as well.
Actors cannot get nominated each year, but the fact that they continue to work with great actors, writers and directors is a reflection of their talent and how the industry views them.
I agree,suvee, it's a kind of preppy style. Very basic, neutral colors. Now about that grey wool scarf...
"Now about that grey wool scarf..."
Um...... apparently she has his Red Sox cap, so why not the scarf? : )
Welcome, narcissa! Glad you found us.
Thanks, JP, for the Brothers filming info. I hope we get some extra reports for Jake's scenes.
And, yes, you did say that Reese took Jake home for Thanksgiving :)
Also, big thanks to anonymous for putting a spoiler warning. I am avoiding the original and really do not want to learn details of the plot, original or remake.
Not sure if the anon pots are from one person or several, but thanks for the Us details. I have always believed Jake and Reese are serious. The jewelry is the key!
Which is why, even though I'd love it if Reese were wearing Jake's scrf, I'd prefer a shot of her sans accessory. I'm still looking for that ring on a chain!
I've never heard of David Cullen, and I generally follow these things, so that should tell you how important he is.
I bet you fewer than 1,000 people even knows he exists.
I hope Reese's film doesn't go straight to video. I think it could do well, even if in limited release, at the box office.
I agree that Enchanted's success, James McAvoy being the it-boy right now, and the film co-starring Christina Ricci and Reese herself could attract some box office.
The problem with this film was IFC. Maybe a mid-major or one of the major's independent divisions would be interested in picking this film up.
Hey JP - in the Brokeback Mountain fan world, Dave Cullen's forum is a major player. I think it has more than a thousand members, and a lot of us had a lot of good times there.
And many people know the site because of the ad the members took out after Brokeback didn't win the Oscar.
I loved DC and have spent many fun hours there. For some myopic reason, there is a vocal subset of people there who can't deal with the idea of Jake and Reese. Many of them expressed their displeasure in crude, disrespectful ways, dissing Jake and fellow posters who take Jake at his word.
So I decided to leave. But I welcome other DCers, new and old here.
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