Tuesday, September 25, 2012

More Heinz Tomato


Catch up, that is. Too much to organize, too little time. Forgive another inelegant hodgepodge post.

Jake and Michael interviewed by Ben Lyons: Don't talk about my mom like that!



The whole gang:


Awkward hugging:



USA Today published a wonderful profile of Jake. They interviewed him back in New York after the L.A. premiere of End of Watch. Some snippets:


"So is Gyllenhaal anything like his character, a man both brashly confident and sweetly true-blue?

Pena says what's most endearing about Gyllenhaal is how family-oriented he is, and how much he adores his mother, screenwriter Naomi Foner, and sister, Maggie. And how he's willing to help everyone be on their A-game, including Pena -- who admittedly was out of shape before shooting started.
"He's a complicated dude, to be honest. He's really, really smart. He can be goofy at times, but his mind is always going, going, going," says Pena. "He goes on these epic jogs. He called me up and said, 'Let's go for a run.' And there's paparazzi shots of us. He's running all stealth and all you see is me dying. Meanwhile, Jake is like, 'Whatever.' "

Not exactly. Those who know the actor praise his dedication, and his unwillingness to cut corners. During the Watch shoot, Pena recalls how Gyllenhaal would step in and help him navigate difficult scenes. "Good things happen to those who are in movies with Jake. He's proud of that fact. He's pretty selfless in that regard, and he wants you to kill it," says Pena. "There were a couple of times I wasn't doing very well, he'd pull me aside and tell me, 'Dude, do you remember that thing you did in rehearsal? Do that.' His motivation comes from a good place." ...


Gyllenhaal isn't the first name on the poster promoting the play. Nor does he view himself as the star of it. "He chose a really interesting ensemble play," says director Michael Longhurst. "He's obsessive about making this production as good as it can be."

His character, says Gyllenhaal, is "thinking and doesn't say what he thinks and he feels the thoughts connecting. His desperation to communicate some kind of honesty, I fell in love with that. It's a high-energy role, so it requires a tremendous amount of focus and attention. To be able to do what I love the most is the best. It gives me energy."


Yes, you want to roll your eyes at Gyllenhaal's unabashed exhilaration and all that talk about work ethic. But there's the real sense that he means every word. "Honestly, I love waking up in the morning knowing that I'll be on stage and feel like you're part of this history of storytelling. I walk home every night," he says with a smile.

"We have a new generation. My sister and I aren't the youngest ones anymore. All those things came together in my life," Gyllenhaal says. "It's really cool to see my niece now because she really helps out. There's this video that Peter sent me the other day. My older niece was playing with my younger niece. She would turn around and surprise her, and my younger niece was so in love with her. It gave me a perspective on how much I probably felt the same way about my sister, and I do still. That stuff never goes away."

Gyllenhaal babysits, but not as much as he probably should. " I was in L.A. for the premiere, and they were all together here last night. My niece is a little sick right now because she just started school again. I felt really torn -- maybe I'm a bit of a mess, but there's this family in this movie that I didn't want to leave and I was talking to my family on the phone and thinking how much I missed them and loved them and wanted to be with them. I watched Brave on the plane on my way to Los Angeles, and all I could think about was my niece because that's her favorite movie," he says.


And if that's not enough to win you over, Gyllenhaal also is adept behind the stove and is a foodie, in the non-annoying sense. John Lesher, who produced End of Watch and became close friends with Gyllenhaal, says the actor "always knows where to get the best food and the best cup of coffee. He cooks -- I went to Seder dinner at his mom's place and he made all the food, which was spectacular. He made brisket and all kinds of stuff. He's very in touch with his Jewish side. He's always questioning everything. He's not neurotic. If he's going to do something, he's going to do it well."

He's curious and focused, adroitly discussing post-traumatic stress syndrome and the effect it has on those exposed to violence on a regular basis, like police officers. "He's interested in everything going on in the world. You're meeting Jake for dinner and then you're sitting with K'naan, this Somali poet musician. You never know with Jake where something is going. Or you're with his mom and his niece and making dinner and talking about the issues of the day. He's a very decent person, which goes a long way," says Lesher.



Jake's Vogue article. If you embiggen, you can sort of read it :)


Nice interview with Jake on opening night of If There Is:


Fan photos - haven't had these in a while!

Jake with Elliot Ross, a photographer who works with Mark Seliger. From the Details shoot:

53 comments:

UltraViolet said...

Posted yesterday but could be from the same visit already posted. Jake and Brian O'B at the Shake Shack:

#jakegyllenhaal in #shakshak #timessqur #NewYork once the crowd identified him he left 😞 only sh http://instagr.am/p/P8lEfdPFus/

If There Is makes Harper's Bazaar's Fall Hot List.

UltraViolet said...

I like that Ben Lyons got something different out of hat interview. Even though he's made the lame jokes about Jake's music taste before. We all know Jake likes more than hip hop, but he also isn't just a Googoo Dolls type!

And of course, one can only imagine the kind of thing Jake might have read about Naomi that got him mad.

Hagen said...

EoW has grossed just $784,494 in Russia on its opening weekend. The movie is #5 at the box office (Source Code: $2,562,921, #2). The movie might struggle in some countries, but still find other more favorable overseas markets. Anyway, at this point in his career it's more important for Jake to get some recognition in the U.S.

Anonymous said...

Hagen, how many screens for EOW in Russia vs Source code? I can't speak or read russian.

Anonymous said...

If "prints" are the same as screens in Russian than EOW did well we 450 prints while SC had over 700 to open.

Hagen said...

Hagen, how many screens for EOW in Russia vs Source code?

EoW: 450 screens
Source Code: 901 screens

EoW: $1,743 (per-screen average)
Source Code: $2,845

UltraViolet said...

This movie will probably not do as well as Jake's other movies have done internationally. And even though he doesn't get credit for that, I'm sure this time, people will point out the negative.

Yes, I am a pessimist :)

But it's hard to dwell on that or even the latest Taylor Swift nonsense when there's so much good Jake news this week.

UltraViolet said...

Wow -what a fantastic story about Jake in USA Today. Adding the photo and some snippets to the post. One really cool part:

So is Gyllenhaal anything like his character, a man both brashly confident and sweetly true-blue?
Pena says what's most endearing about Gyllenhaal is how family-oriented he is, and how much he adores his mother, screenwriter Naomi Foner, and sister, Maggie. And how he's willing to help everyone be on their A-game, including Pena -- who admittedly was out of shape before shooting started.
"He's a complicated dude, to be honest. He's really, really smart. He can be goofy at times, but his mind is always going, going, going," says Pena. "He goes on these epic jogs. He called me up and said, 'Let's go for a run.' And there's paparazzi shots of us. He's running all stealth and all you see is me dying. Meanwhile, Jake is like, 'Whatever.' "
Not exactly. Those who know the actor praise his dedication, and his unwillingness to cut corners. During the Watch shoot, Pena recalls how Gyllenhaal would step in and help him navigate difficult scenes. "Good things happen to those who are in movies with Jake. He's proud of that fact. He's pretty selfless in that regard, and he wants you to kill it," says Pena. "There were a couple of times I wasn't doing very well, he'd pull me aside and tell me, 'Dude, do you remember that thing you did in rehearsal? Do that.' His motivation comes from a good place."

Monica said...

awww so nice!

UltraViolet said...

It's a fantastic article, isn't it? It's nice to be able to hear from Jake alittle in the middle of the whirlwind.

And because everything happens at once... I posted a clip from the Australian journalist who's in lot with Jake:

It’s been a long running joke that I believe Jake Gyllenhaal is my future husband. A few years ago, he came to Australia for Love And Other Drugs, and I thought I’d be really sassy and funny and say “Hi future husband!” He said “Show me your left hand I don’t believe your single” and looked up at me… I saw his deep eyes, suddenly got nervous and said shakily “Which one is my left hand?” Yep, real smooth. But pulled myself together and, after reading somewhere that he like hugs, asked if he would like one, to which he obliged. Since then, I’ve interviewed him a couple of times, where I keep reminding him that he is my future husband, I figure the more times I tell him, the more he will get it. He was at TIFF to promote End of Watch, so when I walked in to my TV interview, I said “Hi future husband Jake Gyllenhaal!” to which he paused, then laughed. At the end of the interview, I thought it time for another hug, so said “After all your cop training on this film, what would you do if I came at you with a really awkward hug?” He laughed and said “Well, I’d be defenseless” So I got up and came at him with arms outstretched saying “Ok, here it comes, so much awkwardness coming your way!” Sigh. It was a good hug.

Scott said...

UV, taylor who? Please she's an immature idiot. I really pray for that Kennedy child (seriously).

How sweet that he knows that his niece's favorite movie is Brave?

bobbyanna said...

Thanks for these new treasures, UV! I love the USA Today article.
I think I remember some pictures of Jake & Michael jogging or hiking and Michael looked exhausted. LOL! It was fun to read Lesher's comments, too especially about Jake preparing the Seder brisket! : ) I think they'll collaborate on more projects together. There seems to be a genuine rapport there.

UltraViolet said...

Especially on Yom Kippur. Warm greetings for all those observing.

bobbyanna said...

Yes! Greetings to all who celebrate: )

Loved his response to the hugging Interviewer:
"I'd be defenseless!" (sigh.)
He didn't even miss a beat! : )

Viv said...

I can see EOW won't make strong box office as SC.
A cop movie about LAPD(and it's not a big action movie) isn't as popular as fiction movies.

Act of Valor did extremely well in US, but only got 9.5million overseas.

sass said...

I hope this wonderful time continues for Jake. All the articles that I have to read...Vogue, USA Today in my email this afternoon and happily read here...it's fantastic.
I hope I am still welcome to post here once in a while...I want to celebrate Jake's success because what I've always loved about him is that he is a great actor.
This success is what he's needed and I think what I've needed.
Jake's my chemo partner now and forever and I love him for being there.
s

bobbyanna said...

Jake has a strong overseas following, and LA, cops, and cartels hold a certain fascination for a lot of people, so I'm hopeful about the international box office over all.

I'm delighted with the response in the U.S. The USA Today article and his appearance on Conan Thursday, will support a decentd turnout for this coming weekend too. Not too much slippage. Maybe #2or #3.

sass said...

Not to spam too much, but I so wanted to go see EOW for a fourth time today when I left my Onc's office. I can't afford the play, but I can support the movie and @ Senior rates I will. I couldn't make it this afternoon but I will get there again. GO JAKE!
Great Jake coverage TY UV...soo
much.

s

UltraViolet said...

Hi, Sass. I hope you can get to see the play. Tell your son to wait in line and buy a half price ticket for you! Sending all good thoughts to you in your battle.

Everyone is welcome to post here. Unlike what is often said about this site and about us on other blogs, we don't insult posters or other blogs here.

Scott, it's adorable that he watched Brave because it's his niece's favorite movie. So cute.

Viv, let's hope it does better than Act of Valor!

Bobbyanna, fingers crossed for weekend two.

UltraViolet said...

Jake out and about today:

Not one to brag about celeb sightings, but sitting at the table next to Jake Gyllenhall is pretty sweet. #humblebrag
9:31 PM - 25 Sep 12

Just met Jake Gylenhall! He's hot! Lol
5:56 PM - 25 Sep 12/He's beautiful! He was in front of spw!


And:

Michael Pena ‏@realmichaelpena
Thanks to all of my friends that went to go check check our my flick. I can't believe we were number one!!! Thanks!

Monica said...

I have no expectation that this will happen, but it's fun and good and leaves a smile on my face all this talk for a Jake's movie:

2013 Best Picture Oscar Contenders

'End of Watch'
Pro:
A surprise hit at the box office, stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena received rave reviews for their performances in LAPD drama. The picture also received impressive reviews from noted critics such as Andrew O’Hehir, Roger Ebert, Lisa Schwarzbaum, David Denby and Manhola Dargis. If it can become a staple of year-end top 10 lists and the studio can get a screener out to members earlier enough, it has a shot.

Con: “Watch” will need major support from distributor Open Road Films to even fashion legitimate campaigns for Gyllenhaal and Pena, let alone a best picture run. It’s not clear if that level of commitment to play the awards season game is in the young distribution company’s plans.


Anonymous said...

http://tmblr.co/ZsTt-wU5xljn

UltraViolet said...

Nice, anon. Thanks!

Monica, I agree. Go with the fun but we won't get our hopes up. It would be nice...

Anonymous said...

Josh Batchelder ‏@PoisonKeyblade

capped off with an epic day with @danielletushh meeting Jake Gyllenhaal & Gotye and seeing him perform live... amazinggggg!
me and Jake Gyllenhaal pic.twitter.com/y1AGdVIk



Anonymous said...

Josh Batchelder ‏@PoisonKeyblade

JUST MET JAKE GYLLENHAAL WITH @danielletushh !!!!!! So perfect he was a sweetheart :)


Paula C. said...

Such a nice article from USA today, it was really sweet to hear him talk like that about his nieces and the way he loves his sister just like they love each other.

I'm really positive about EOW and i think the International box office success will depend on the country,but I'm confident on the overseas success.

Extra said...

The USA article was a fun read, love the bit about Brave!

This has been such a whirlwind, let's hope that all the great WOM keeps EOW in the top 3 this weekend!

Monica said...

William Friedkin (The French Connection):

William Friedkin ‏@WilliamFriedkin
End of Watch is a great film...may be the best cop film ever

William Friedkin ‏@WilliamFriedkin
Not kidding. I don't know these guys...just in awe of what They've captured about cops' lives


wow

Monica said...

Go with the fun

more fun:
William Friedkin's 'End of Watch' Love and an Oscar Prediction Clean Up

Jake Gyllenhaal gives an excellent performance in End of Watch as of one-half of a pair of Los Angeles police officers, and both he and Michael Pena deserve some attention. While I don't really think either will earn an Oscar nomination, it feels wrong not to include them on a list where I think they actually rank higher than some of the names currently listed.

Monica said...

Exhibitor Relations ‏@ERCboxoffice
Tuesday's top movies: 1. END OF WATCH - $1.5M ($16M) 2. TROUBLE W/ THE CURVE - $1.2M ($14M) 3. HATEOTS - $925k ($13M)


yay!

UltraViolet said...

I think Rope of Silicon has it correct, but I'm glad to see that they acknowledge Jake and Michael deserve it more than some who will be talked about.

The William Friedkin tweets are really cool. Saw that this morning. I hope the EoW twitter picks that up.

Hi Paula! Hope all is well with you and the little princess :)

Mary said...

Love the USA interview.

Glad to see EOW is still number 1.

Hagen said...

"End of Watch" competes at the Zurich Film Festival for the festival's main award for uprising filmmakers in the category "International Feature Film". The festival takes place from September 20th-30th.

EoW will open in Switzerland on January 3rd 2013 (even later than in Germany LOL). It's not yet mentioned on IMDb.com.

Viv said...


Well....who is William Friedkin ??

Monica said...

Viv, William Friedkin directed The French Connection with Gene Hackman, one of the best films ever made.

bobbyanna said...

Loved William Friedkin's tweets!!!
It's great to see Michael and Jake acknowledged in the awards season chatter, too. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a GG nom and maybe SAG love. The Indie Spirit awards are a possibility, too. I don't expect anything from Oscar.

I have my own "Oscar List" and Jake & Michael are definitely on it. : ) One thing is sure: I am seriously impressed with what Open Road has done so far with the marketing.

Paula C hope you and baby Sofia are doing well!

Monica said...

Casey Hempel ‏@CaseyJHempel
#JakeGyllenhaal is going to a screening w/ @NYFA today and of course I missed the e-mail about only taking 30 students!!!:P @EndOfWatchMovie

bobbyanna said...

Thanks, monica.

NYFA= New York Film Academy.

Hmmm. Usually the play has two performances on Weds. & Saturday.

Today is actually Yom Kippur. Wonder if it's a day off?

Scott said...

Just an influential as William F:

Movie night... Saw End Of Watch. Deep movie.

KhloéKardashianOdom‏@KhloeKardashian

UltraViolet said...

LOL, Scott. Sadly, more influential!

LOL and aww:

Angry Iranians at UN waiting for Achmadinejad. Tell Jake Gyllenhaal if he goes downtown he better move like jagger

I've never seen so many grown men tear up & sniffle in a movie theater! Great movie and awesome job.
America F, you were awesome.


It looks like there's a performance today, Bobbyanna. Maybe the screening is this AM?

Chica said...

A shout out from Friedkin, WOW!! LOL@ Khloe, hee, hee.

A screening at the NYFF :) I've said it before but it bears repeating: I never thought this movie would be getting such raves, I love it!

Thanks again UV for all the updates and the links.

Hagen said...

USA Today clearly loves Jake. They call "Prince of Persia" a box office success :-)
Jake Gyllenhaal: A career in pictures

Anonymous said...

Looper and Translyvania will be taking up most of the box office this weekend, it would be nice if Michael and Jake captured at least 1/2 or 5 million this weekend. The week so far has been good. Looper has been getting really high marks on Rotten Tomatoes, really surprised with Bruce Willis, JLG yes but not Willis.

Anonymous said...

Shane Reader ‏@ironist921

Excited to see Jake Gyllenhaal Off-Broadway today http://pic.twitter.com/QA5myh9o

Monica said...

Kristopher Tapley ‏@kristapley
Just saw End of Watch, now gonna see Jake's off-Broadway play. That's a lotta Gyllenhaal in one day.


bobbyanna said...

Twitter:

"Jake Gyllenhaal & Jerry Seinfeld are here/just walked by us "
1hr ago

Jake & Jerry were at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, a Jazz club @ Lincoln Center/Columbus Circle.

UltraViolet said...

No twitter review from Tapley yet.

More of Jake with his NY be sties. From tumblr:

Last night I partied with alot of people. I was in the same room as Beyonce, Jake Gyllenhaal & Gwenyth Paltrow. All watching Frank Ocean do his thing. I had only 1 dollar in my pocket. This goes to show that anything is possible as long as you believe. Stay classy folks.

Office of Nancy Pelosi said...

What an amazing few weeks it has been for Jake and his fans! He has to be over the moon:)

It will be interesting to see how EOW will do overseas since it's such an L.A. cop/centric film.

The USA article gives a bit more peek into Jake.

Jake seems to be hanging with Jerry a lot, i wonder if thay have some kind of project in mind?

UltraViolet said...

OONP, add Ricky to the mix:

@rickygervais thanks for making dinner more interesting you have an hilarious laugh and so good that we Brits will close the place
10:26pm - 26 Sep 12

Ricky gervais and Jerry Seinfeld dining at the next table!! Could this be a comedy great night?

bobbyanna said...

Hanging out, listening to their stories, has to be a lot of fun.


Seinfeld did a webisode of his "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" series with Gervais. If you haven't seen it you might enjoy checking out the series.

I watched the recent Carl Reiner/Mel Brooks episode, and it was hilarious and sweet. JS is usually based in NYC, but for the Reiner/Brooks piece he was in H'wood. The "spare parts" after the main part are fun, too.

http://comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com/carl-reiner-mel-brooks-i-want-sandwiches-i-want-chicken/a-lot-of-martins

Rachel said...

Seems like Jerry and Ricky did something with/on Jimmy Fallon. Isn't Jake scheduled for Fallon this week? Maybe he did a bit with them?

Rachel said...

Oh scratch that - Jake already appeared on Fallon. So hard to keep up!

UltraViolet said...

Maybe Jerry will do one of those segments with Jake! I know he's not a comedian, but it would still be fun.

New post.