Saturday, January 12, 2008

And the accolades keep coming.

Not much news in Gyllenworld these days. Well, except for the engagement rumors. :) But we've found a few timely tidbits.

The movie critic for the Charlotte Observer made a list of the 20 celebrities who've made the most indelible impression on him, for better or worse. This was my favorite entry:

Most stunning: Jake Gyllenhaal. Virtually all actors look better onscreen than in life. Gyllenhaal, chiseled and magnetic, is a rare exception. His female counterpart would be the jaw-dropping Bryce Dallas Howard.


The readers of Hello Magazine chose Jake and Reese as 2007's "coolest new couple," with more than two-thirds of the votes:


We know that Zodiac was nominated for a WGA award, but it was nice to see Rendition pop up on a best of 2007 list. From Cinema Confidential:

6. Rendition – A bomb goes off in South Africa that kills an American diplomat. Director Gavin Hood's powerful and headstrong drama about how errors in national security can lead to unmerited torture of legal immigrants. If Anwar (Omar Metwally) is indeed innocent, the time interrogating him is a waste and distraction from looking for the real terrorists. Invaluable supporting work from Reese Witherspoon as Anwar's American-born wife, Jake Gyllenhaal as a rookie CIA analyst, Meryl Streep as an unsympathetic member in the Senate. One thing was wrong in my original review: I predicted that it would become a box office hit. Perhaps it will engage all who discover it when it hits DVD and cable.


I finally got a chance to check out the Zodiac DVD extras. The non-Jake/RJD commentary made me wish for writer James Vanderbilt not to win the WGA award. He, producer Brad Fischer and especially novelist James Ellroy really irritated me. And they got much more time than Jake and RDJ. A lot of reviewers praised the trio. But I prefer the easy camraderie of Jake and Robert. Once more folks have had a chance to sample all the extras, we can discuss at greater length.

In the meantime, I did see a brief preview of the Rendition DVD.

A chamber-piece cousin to the symphonies of destruction that are Paul Greengrass’s “Bourne” films, Gavin Hood’s tale of torture in the war on terror is “Syriana” to scale. Its parts snap into place with a puzzle-box pace and a sharp script that hands four good actors (Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Alan Arkin and Meryl Streep) verbal daggers to hold at each other’s throats. ...

Extras include commentary from Hood, two featurettes and deleted and alternate scenes.




Disappointing that there's no Jake commentary, but I hope he is in a lot of the deleted or alternate scenes. What do you think the alternate opening scene for Jake would be like?

(Pictures courtesy of WireImage and IHJ)

37 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have no idea when the special edition of Zodiac will be released over here but am surprised to learn James Ellroy was involved with the script of this movie?? I think it is the first time I have read something about this. I have no idea why he irritated you UV but I remember reading some interviews with Ellroy which gave me the impression he is not a nice man. And I thought some of his books like 'The Cold Six Thousand' were highly overrated!
(P.S. Thanks for the sweet tidbit from the Charlotte Observer. Some people do have taste after all!).

Anonymous said...

UV, I haven't had time yet to settle in and watch the Zodiac DVD, but why in the world would they clutter it up with all those commentators!!!
I've read a lot of Ellroy's work, and he's a respected crime novelist, especially of the "noir" school,and particularly LA. He had a pretty horrific childhood. I think his mother was murdered. I once saw an interview of his and I agree, he isn't very personable.

As for Zodiac, I guess it all depends on what Fincher wanted to achieve with the commentaries. I guess he wanted to really load up the DVD...when all he really needed was Jake, Robert and himself!

That settles it. Jake and Robert have to do another movie together. Immediately. LOL!!!

I was Googled about the movie critic from Charlotte choosing Jake as his "most stunning" interview. All I can say is,"Yeah. He is!"

agent_krycek said...

Given the choice of Jake working with anyone, Robert would be my number one choice, more then Heath, more then Reese, more then Ang, more then anyone. I only hope some smart writer is filling in the time during the strike preparing a really smart, intelligent comedy for them. I know I bang on about this, but the potential is all there, that one tiny scene in Zodiac about the nicknames gives a small glimpse into what could be achieved.

Most stunning - you bet!

Anonymous said...

I got a kick out of Charlotte Observer movie critic's praise of Jake. For some reason, I like hearing independent verification that he is as magnetic and gorgeous as I think he is!

As much as I liked "Zodiac", I am really excited about the "Rendition" DVD. Let's see... alternate Jake opening scene fantasies... uh, I mean, ideas. Let me think about it for a while. : )

Thanks, UV, for getting my day off to a good start!

Anonymous said...

FYI: Reese is on the cover of the new Marie Claire + article. There is a tidbit about it in People mag. as well.

Anonymous said...

Saturday Night Live will liven up "awards season" by re-running Jake's guest shot, tonight.

Anonymous said...

Of course I have no insider information, but I have it on good authority that one of the alternate scenes had Jake in the shower and his girlfriend waking up and going in to say "Good morning...." Then there was another alternate opening scene, where instead of Jake saying "there's not enough time..." He says, very persuasively, "C'mon...we have plenty of time!" Then there was still another opening scene...never mind...

Anonymous said...

Oops! I was talking about Rendition, not Zodiac. LOL! But you knew that.

FL said...

Far be it from me to complain about Jake being on my television, but doesn't it seem that NBC reruns his SNL about once a month? Well I guess whatever works. :-D

The deleted scene I'd like to see from Rendition is the scene that led up to Jake's opening scene in bed. If I can't get that - then I'd like to see all the takes from the bathroom scene with the girlfriend. ;-)

Anonymous said...

A number of people have said Jake looks even better in real life, is that possible.

There is a video of Reese on x17, if anyone has seen it do you think that is Jakes car she is driving, I think its a black Mercedes, and I don't think I have ever seen a picture of her driving it before.

Anonymous said...

I think she has had that car for some time, the photos of them at the park hiking with the kids and then in the parking lot, is this car. Also a few times when she is leaving her hair salon she gets into this car. The woman with her in those x17 photos is Reese's mother.

Anonymous said...

Wow, Reese's mom is just downright tiny. She's like two or three inches shorter than Reese. That would make her 4'10 or 4'11.

I always assumed that Jake was driving Reese's Mercedes in those sightings. I've always known Reese drove a Mercedes, but I thought Jake owned a Prius and a BMW. Thus, I always assumed that Jake was driving around in Reese's car.

In that sighting, with Tobey McGuire, where he drove up in a Mercedes, was in Brentwood. So that could easily explain why he was driving Reese's car.

Anonymous said...

Reese's Marie Claire cover:

http://www.aclasscelebs.com/forum/about42609.html

Anonymous said...

Just for clarification purposes, Jake owns a Camry Hybrid, not a Prius. A gray/silver Camry. And that is the car he is driving in the Tobey pictures.

Anonymous said...

Jake seems to have several cars. Last week when he was seen with his PA at Joans, there are pics of the PA getting into a black mercedes (she's driving, the set is over on IHJ). Jake did have a black mercedes at one point, but last year he was seen driving the gray camry.

Anonymous said...

I had no idea that ellroy was involved with the Zodiac script either!

Loved the tidbit from the Observer, stunning indeed!

Glad to see Rendition hetting some love, hopefully the DVD will give it a boost.

So we se pics of Jake and Reese and their Moms in L.A. in the same week, I don't recall seeing that bfore, hmmmm.

Jake has been seen/sighted with so many cars in the past year it's hard to keep up!

Anonymous said...

BI is the New Black"

Anonymous said...

That quote has been made public before and Jake clearly states, that "i'm not attracted to men." It's funny how the Tedheads always miss that point. All he says in that quote is that he's cool with gay people and sees nothing wrong with it.

If anything, it proves he is straight. Not only because he says quite unequivically, "i'm not attracted to men," but he also is saying that if he were gay he wouldn't fight it or hide it. This basically contradicts what Ted Casablanca and the Tedheads say when they accuse Reese of being his "beard," no?

But don't worry, you can keep grasping at straws all you want. It's all you guys have left. But really, I wouldn't be rehashing that old comment which essentially knocks down every argument the idiot "Jake is gay" crowd makes.

But then again, since when have these idiot Tedheads ever minded a little contradiction.

Anonymous said...

From this week's Star magazine (I know, I know.... I can see all the eye rolling now).

"Their first film together, "Rendition", bombed at the box office, but Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal are ready to do it again! The couple are in negotiations to play lovers who break up and then make up just before Feb. 14 in the romantic comedy "Valentine's Day".
"Reese and Jake must really be into each other," says a Hollywood insider. "Doing this movie together means they will have to
be around each other for the next year and a half, because they have to make the movie and promote it! They must believe they are really, really solid. It shows commitment."

Anonymous said...

About an alternate opening scene for Rendition, my suggestion is tasteful nudity.

Anonymous said...

It looks like they have finished filming in NM.

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Leisure/mitote_011308

weird page layout.

UltraViolet said...

Was just about to post that, anon! It also seems like Reese WAS in NM with Jake :)

And sorry for the misperception from my Zodiac commentary commentary. James Ellroy wasn't involved in writing Zodiac. He is, inexplicably, one of the people who does commentary with the writer and the producer, taking away valuable time from Jake and RDJ.

He describes himself as the King of the American Crime Novel, generally makes overblown statements and leers over Chloe Sevigny. A total waste of time, IMO.

But I think the true-crime fanboys lurve him.

UltraViolet said...

Just tallying the hoped-for Rendition deleted/alternate scenes:

The scene leading up to the opening bed scene
Naked opening bed scene
Shower
More time in the bathroom
Tasteful nudity
Douglas sex


That last one was mine.

Yes, I can see the message of the film moved us all deeply!

UltraViolet said...

Given the choice of Jake working with anyone, Robert would be my number one choice

ITA, Agent K! Have you listened to their commentary yet? (I think you might be in the UK, so I don't know if you have access to the director's cut yet.) They play off each other wonderfully.

I might have to do a DC Zodiac post. There's a lot of great stuff on there.

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure I get what the writer was saying in that piece. Are they wrapped or are they nearly wrapped? Because there was a sighting of Tobey last Thursday in NM, according to that article.

That whole thing has me so confused.

Also, the article made it seem that Reese spent a few days there. I thought she spent only ONE day --- his birthday. So that's what, three different sources now: one of the crew, the Star (or was it the Enquirer), and now this Santa Fe magazine/newspaper.

It's a pretty safe bet that she was there.

UltraViolet said...

"Nearly wrapped up" leaves room for Tobey to be there, since they wouldn't be completely finished. I'm just curious if there's more filming to be done in LA.

So we see pics of Jake and Reese and their Moms in L.A. in the same week, I don't recall seeing that before, hmmmm.

Hee - are you thinking there was wedding planning to be done, chica? ;)

UltraViolet said...

In the absence of new sightings, I figured I'd post this tidbit about the Malibu hiking pics of J, R and kids. From OK, under the pic of the four of them, with Deacon on Jake's shoulders:

Jake and Reese
Still on track

Jake Gyllenhaal and Reese Witherspoon started off on the right foot as they took their romance into the new year. The couple, joined by Reese's kids, Ava, 8 and Deacon, 4, headed to the Malibu Mountains on Dec. 31 for an afternoon hike. "They were having a great time," a fellow hiker tells OK! "Jake was pointing out and naming different plants to Deacon. Walking back to the car, Jake kissed Reese's hand and opened the door. It was very romantic!"

Earlier in the day, Jake, 27, and Reese, 31, were spotted getting coffee at Caffe Luxxe in Santa Monica. "They had a lovey dovey vibe going on," an eyewitness tells OK! Indeed, a pal of Jake's sister, Maggie, confirms that Jake recently confessed that Reese was "the one."

"There's something special about Reese, and Jake says he wants to spend the rest of his life figuring out what it is," the pal says.

UltraViolet said...

And this, from Life&Style, with two of the hiking pics and one of the coffee run pics:

Reese and Jake: One big, happy family

Jake shows off his paternal side with Reese and the kids

Reese Witherspoon looked like any proud parent while hiking with her two kids in Malibu on December 30 - and so did her boyfriend, Jake Gyllenhaal. "If I hadn't known better," says a witness, "I would have thought he was their father."

Jake, 27, certainly seemed like a natural. hoisting Deacon, 4, onto his shoulders and watching ot for Ava, 8. "He was really protective," says a second witness. "He held the kids' hands and told them to look both ways before crossing the street."

An insider close to the actress says that Reese, 31, "has been encouraging Jake to interact more with her children, and they're totally comfortable with him." Maybe that's because he lets them stay up late. "They spent New Year's Eve together," the insider says. "They had noisemakers and party hats; the kids had a blast."

The couple have a good time on their own, too. On a stroll in LA on December 29, "Reese was smiling wider than usual," says a witness. "She and Jake were really cute together."


Then, next to the pic of Jake and Ava:

Jake and Ava's body language sure is in sync! "The kids love spending time with Jake," notes an insider.

Under one of the coffee pics:

"They have a nice, easy chemistry together," says a witness who saw Jake and Reese running errands and grabbing coffee at a Farmers Market in LA on December 29.

With the pic of the four:

During a hike in Malibu on December 30, "the four of them really looked happy together," says a fellow hiker. Adds another witness, "It's obvious Jake has spent a lot of time with the kids."

Then, in a sidebar article:

Finally, Ryan accepts Jake

Over the holidays, Ryan Phillippe,33, made peace with his ex-wife's new romance by sending Reese and Jake a set of high end nonstick cookware and kitchen tools, because he knows the couple like to cook together. More important wa the message Ryan (whose Stop Loss costar Abbie Cornish was recently photographed with him and the children) sent to Reese, according to the friend. "He's okay with the kids spending time with Jake."


And next to a picture of Ryan:

"Ryan managed to swallow his pride, and told the kids to treat Jake with respect," says a friend. "He's moving on with his life."

Man, I wish these tab stories were online! I'm ashamed to buy them but I can't resist.

UltraViolet said...

In case anyone can't read the Santa Fe New Mexican link:

Shhh, shhh, shhh: Apparently, just before Christmas, Jake Gyllenhaal was spotted around town with what looked like his sweetie-of-the-moment, none other than Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon. The couple was seen at the airport and also having lunch downtown at Inn of the Anasazi. The lack of notice for the visit shows another reason stars like Santa Fe — Reese and Jake have been paparazzi-stalked for months, and their romance fodder for gossip. But in Santa Fe, the couple visit, leave, and no one pays heed. Now, they, and Brothers, the movie Gyllenhaal was in town filming, are just about wrapped up. Tobey Maguire and Natalie Portman star with Gyllenhaal in this tale of the war in Afghanistan and its affect on those left stateside. And speaking of Maguire, he was on Marcy Street Thursday, getting coffee at the shop by Mira. Interestingly, while Maguire and Gyllenhaal were seen several times around town, not one person reported seeing Portman. And she's Queen Amadila, for goodness' sake.

Okay, I'll stop now :)

Anonymous said...

Please don't UV - I'm enjoying all the J & R tidbits you keep managing to find! ;)

sass said...

Morning Sarah and fellow babblers:)
You've posted almost too much Jake and Reese information for my pea brain; it's about to explode. :lol

About James Ellroy, I read he was invited by Fincher, one of his admirers, to make DVD commentary.
I don't know much about him either, except he wrote LA Confidential and a book about his mother's murder.

Jake is chiseled and stunning and more. What a delightful reporter.

I'm sure Rendition will undergo critical revision as the months and years progress. It is a fine movie timely, well made, and well acted.

Jake is so much in love and I'm happy for him. I wish we could catch another snap of one of their sweet kisses. *sigh*
Babblers, please forgive me this Sunday Morning. I'm making myself nauseous. Feel free to jump past that last sentence as needed. :lol

Jake hasn't changed much when he falls in love. He and Kirsten moved into a house together for a while when they were dating.
When will these two lovebirds move in together? Any ideas or has it happened. Both moms are in town. When is the joint family dinner, joint family night out and who knows what other activities the two families will entertain.

TY UV, for finding us so much good Gyllenspoon news. The NM news proves Reese was there around his birthday and at Christmas.
New Mexico is proud that Julia Roberts and other celebs and dignitaries can move their and have a normal comfortable life.

Anonymous said...

"So we see pics of Jake and Reese and their Moms in L.A. in the same week, I don't recall seeing that before, hmmmm."

chica, that made me hmmmm too!

Then I thought of another possibility.... maybe J & R want another romantic getaway, and Grandma Betty is in town to take care of the kids?

Anonymous said...

Don't stop UV, I just love all the tidbits you find, being in England we don't get the same Star or OK magazines, not that I buy them anyway. Another great post and what everyone else said about the alternate scenes in Rendition, can't wait for the DVD, still not recieved my DC Zodiac (hope it's not lost in the post!!).

FL said...

My, my UV but you were busy in the wee hours. :-)

There's something to be said about dedication to one's blog when one has to manually type a lot of these tidbits - rather than just a cut and paste job. That dedication is certainly appreciated by all of us here, especially lazy bones me.

And in other places as well I note this morning. Too bad they didn't have the time to spot and correct the wee typos you made before they stole your tidbits and pasted them. Thievery is the sincerest form of flattery after all. Isn't that how the saying goes?

No matter, let's move on.

From OK! --- Walking back to the car, Jake kissed Reese's hand and opened the door. It was very romantic!"

It's always the little things that make me "awwww" and that above is one of them. Awwww.

More from OK! ---- Indeed, a pal of Jake's sister, Maggie, confirms that Jake recently confessed that Reese was "the one."

"There's something special about Reese, and Jake says he wants to spend the rest of his life figuring out what it is," the pal says.


You don't mind if I cut and paste and few verses from one of our favorite Bruce songs here do you?

With her killer graces
And her secret places
That no boy can fill
With her hands on her hips
Oh and that smile on her lips
Because she knows that it kills me
With her soft French cream
Standing in that doorway like a dream
I wish she'd just leave me alone
Because French cream won't
soften them boots
And French kisses will not
break that heart of stone
With her long hair falling
And her eyes that shine
like a midnight sun
Oh she's the one
She's the one


Awww, she's the one and. . . She's The One!

From the Santa Fe New Mexican --- Apparently, just before Christmas, Jake Gyllenhaal was spotted around town with what looked like his sweetie-of-the-moment, none other than Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon.

*SNAP* Of course she was there just before Christmas. Like 5 days before Christmas...for his birthday! So sweet.

The give and take of this relationship never fails to make me smile. To make it work, sometimes you have to travel to where your partner is. He goes up to San Fran for a few days. She goes out to Santa Fe for a day or two. All the while both are in the middle of filming their current movies. I'm sure it can get [and got] exhausting for them, but it's worth it at the end of the day to have your partner there to say "hey".

Anonymous said...

more pics of reese on popsugar

Anonymous said...

Reese takes the kids skating. You'll have to scroll down the page -

http://www.pagesix.com/celebrities/Reese+Witherspoon

UltraViolet said...

Aww, the skating pictures are adorable, but a little too close for comfort. I think there was a video, as well, but X17 seems to have taken it down. From the comments, it seems as if was even creepier than the usual video clip.

Too bad they didn't have the time to spot and correct the wee typos you made before they stole your tidbits and pasted them.

Ha - I always knew my lack of typing skills would pay off. Now I can track my work!

And you know I do my best work in the wee hours, FL :)

Now I have to listen to She's the One again.

I know all of the tab stuff is probably fiction, but I really did love the quote, so it's going in the "hoping it's true" box.