"There is a certain point in Rendition when a haunting image will strike you. As the good battles despair, the bad seeks glory and the ugly raises its hydra-heads, Douglas stands and watches. He turns, as shadows on his face coagulate; and suddenly the light balances the dark. You notice the sadness within the blue, and the rest just turns into mundane." OMG's Exclusive review of Rendition from the premiere at TIFF, by Rattler
Rendition comes out today on DVD and while many equate this movie now more for what this means in terms of Jake's personal life at the moment, we can not lose important message of this film. This was a message movie dealing with the question when are actions justifiable? When is what seems wrong right? Is it ever? When is it okay for Rendition? When is it okay to use less than humane means to get information? Is there a time that the suspension of human rights is justified for the good of others, and how many others does it take that makes it count?
Gavin Hood's film deserves a second , third , and fourth look to understand the complexities of the story. Rendition is filled with great performances in addition to it messages. From the Washington players, the earnest of Peter Sarsgaard in contrast to Meryl Streep's icy realism with Alan Arkin's almost indifference unless it came to effecting his tenure that struck a chord. And in a world away the intensity of the twisted triangle of Omar Metwally, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Yigal Naor.
We can not forget that there are still individuals who have been imprisoned under Extraordinary Rendition. Whose families and friends are still working for their release. That rendition is not just a news blurb, a script, or a movie, it is real life. Like Sabri Ben Kahla, who still sits in a maximum security prison in Ohio in solitary confinement, despite judges orders for Sabri to be placed in a minimum security prison close to home (VA).
Rendition comes out today on DVD and while many equate this movie now more for what this means in terms of Jake's personal life at the moment, we can not lose important message of this film. This was a message movie dealing with the question when are actions justifiable? When is what seems wrong right? Is it ever? When is it okay for Rendition? When is it okay to use less than humane means to get information? Is there a time that the suspension of human rights is justified for the good of others, and how many others does it take that makes it count?
Gavin Hood's film deserves a second , third , and fourth look to understand the complexities of the story. Rendition is filled with great performances in addition to it messages. From the Washington players, the earnest of Peter Sarsgaard in contrast to Meryl Streep's icy realism with Alan Arkin's almost indifference unless it came to effecting his tenure that struck a chord. And in a world away the intensity of the twisted triangle of Omar Metwally, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Yigal Naor.
We can not forget that there are still individuals who have been imprisoned under Extraordinary Rendition. Whose families and friends are still working for their release. That rendition is not just a news blurb, a script, or a movie, it is real life. Like Sabri Ben Kahla, who still sits in a maximum security prison in Ohio in solitary confinement, despite judges orders for Sabri to be placed in a minimum security prison close to home (VA).
Gee, wonder why Reeke didn't make the cut?
ReplyDeleteHW Couples in Love
Jake and Reese not convincing enough?
And about the post - Didn't see "Rendition" in the theaters because of the bearding, wasn't going to hadd my tacit approval of the fakery by plunking down bucks. Don't plan on seeing on DVD, even through Netflix. I'm a consumer of what HW is selling - and if Reeke is their product, I'm keeping my $12, thank you very much.
Call me when the real Jake Gyllenhaal surfaces.
This has to be one of the most evocative scores I have ever heard - very mournful and fitting to the ending, very moving. :'(
ReplyDeleteI don't know what's going on with J&R, and maybe it's not my place to know. I try to separate that from Jake's work. Jake has great talent and enormous potential I think, ever since that unforgettable performance as Jack Twist, and his work since. I hope that a lot of people who didn't see Rendition in the theaters will see it on DVD, it's not to be missed. Douglas trying to make sense of it all, Yigor Nidal and Kahlil and Fatima trying to find their way in the world to me were outstanding performances, and Peter always shines.
this comment is interesting: Jake wanted to stress to everyone that he was a manly man, hence the beard
ReplyDeleteheheee
It’s about time Jake Gyllenhaal decided to ditch that Moses beard he’d been sporting for months on end. I know that after the whole “gay cowboy” thing he wanted to stress to everyone that he was indeed a manly man, but growing that beard was taking it a bit too far.
I think Jake looks great without the beard. He looks younger, cleaner and happier; maybe it was a little freeing shaving it off…sort of like when Britney shaved her head.I hope Reese makes sure to tell him how hot he looks clean shaven so that he’ll never go down the beard route again. I mean seriously, the only people that can carry off that bearded look is Moses, Jesus and Grizzly Adams.
http://www.thegossipbee.com/celebrity/jake-gyllenhaal/jake-gyllenhaal-is-one-smooth-guy_636/
Correction: I meant to say Yigal Naor in my above post. I really screwed that up, didn't I? I haven't had my coffee yet. ;)
ReplyDeleteRendition is a very good movie, IMHO, and Jake gives a better performance than he did in Zodiac. If you didn't catch it in the theatre, it is well worth watching it on DVD.
ReplyDeleteI have Rendition on my Netflix list. I was actually debating whether to rent it or not. With recent events the way they are i can't really say that i'm excited about watching it. But i'm going to try to be open-minded and give Jake the benefit of the doubt. I hope i'm not disappointed. I'm actually looking forward to Peters performance.
ReplyDeleteThey probably didn't didn't make the couples in love list because they never actually "said" they were in love...and they sure don't LOOK like they are.
That couples in love link doesn't work for me. Where is this list?
ReplyDeleteI'm not planning on buying the DVD. Just can't bring myself to watch the torture stuff. The trailer put me off right from the start. At some point I will but right now I am just not ready.
ReplyDeleteTed's column today showed considerable respect for Heath. Either he had a change of heart from his initial stance or the emails he got changed his tone.
As to the Toothy mention. So far off in looks, age, industry, place of birth. I read this as Ted's announcement to readers, and to Toothy himself, that the mourning period is over and Toothy will once again be fair game.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteYou can always skip the torture stuff. I do not like to watch anything sadistic, but there was only about 5 minutes of this movie that I did not watch and you knew when that was coming.
ReplyDeleteThe movie is not just about rendition, but also about the nature of terrorism.
I think I will get the soundtrack to Rendition. I thought about it when I saw the film, but now hearing this song, I think it's a must.
ReplyDeleteSo how many people will be buying the Rendition DVD?
ReplyDeleteFrom a Details article - interesting commentary on HW.
ReplyDelete"And there are drawbacks [to fame], like people you don’t know starting to wonder whom you’re sleeping with—though Christensen’s been relatively lucky in this regard, mostly sidestepping invasive scrutiny. He’s been linked in the press, routinely and predictably, with whatever costar he’s currently filming with (Natalie Portman in Revenge of the Sith [he denies having dated her], Rachel Bilson in Jumpers), in the kinds of couplings that always carry a whiff of P.R. brimstone—and just as reliably dissolve shortly after opening weekend. He’s also, just as predictably, been the subject of speculation that he’s gay. He’s said on the record that he’s not. He’s also said he doesn’t mind people’s thinking he is. He knows they’ll talk either way."
I am going to rent Rendition to watch it once more. I only buy DVDs that I would watch over and over again.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to buy it - I also like films that I enjoy watching over and over. I think I've worn BBM out, I never tire of it. Rendition and Zodiac are like that too. :)
ReplyDeleteAbout Reese´s comment against actors being naked on screen that was discussed in previous posts, I think she must have forgotten she did a nude scene in the movie "Twilight" (1998)
ReplyDeletewww.onlinemoviemagazine.com/preview/listing/ReeseWitherspoon/index.html
I like the performances in Rendition and its definitely a movie to watch several times to catch the nuances of the both the story and performances. So it is in on the to buy list.
ReplyDeleteI think Rendition was a well made well told story. I think when it came out, it was overshadowed by the Jeese/Reeke, and got caught in of release other movies that were similar and it never really got the notice it deserved.
I agree Special. It is a very good movie and deserves to be seen more than once. Those that can't get past J/R well that is their problem. Jake is still a very good actor to me.
ReplyDeleteI try to separate (i.e. Reeke) that from Jake's work.
ReplyDeleteMe too. If I tried to watch only movies with people who had never bearded, lied, cheated on their partner and/or did other things that I usually disapprove, my movie-watching days would be severely numbered! :D
I saw Rendition twice and loved it, despite its flaws. I plan to buy the DVD tonight on my way home.
At this very moment, I don't think that Jake was better in that movie than in Zodiac but he was certainly "different", certainly less boyish. I can't wait to watch Rendition to see if I'll have a change of heart. ;)
I only buy DVDs that I would watch over and over again.
ReplyDeleteMe too. Most movies I tend to feel if I've already seen them, I don't need to see them again. I don't really feel the need to own Rendition.
Jan 13 2008 1:29 PM
ReplyDeleteahhh i met reese witherspoon at circle k today!! and i saw jake gyllenhaal :)
omg...im so excited right now!
link
Scroll down to Amanda's comment
Check out the ears and hands on the Painting titled I Fell in Love
ReplyDeleteClaire Oswalt's art
I really like her work.
WHICH sweetheart Oscar winner doesn't always have a heart as golden as her locks? She's known for introducing her best friend for 10 years as "my assistant" when around other Hollywood types.
ReplyDeleteFrom Page Six
I liked Rendition, and I think it is extremely sad that promotion of a movie on such an important topic ended up being more about promoting Reeke. We see how well that worked at the box office. Jake is good in it and I like the fact that his character is a bit of a change for him. I do like him better in Zodiac though. Then again, Zodiac is hands down my favorite movie of last year.
ReplyDeleteAs for buying it, I too only tend to buy things that I know I'll watch multiple times, and although I do have my Jake collection, it doesn't include Proof, a movie I couldn't bear to watch again. And Rendition is not something I would want to watch multiple times, so I don't think I'll be buying it either.
OT, check out Dlisted for the latest jab at Reese.
Reese being Dlisted's answer to the Page 6 item posted by now this.
ReplyDeleteWHICH sweetheart Oscar winner doesn't always have a heart as golden as her locks? She's known for introducing her best friend for 10 years as "my assistant" when around other Hollywood types.
ReplyDeleteA lot of the comments say this could be Gwyneth Paltrow. I could see that.
I think I'll rent it at Amazon first to see how I like it. I didn't see it in the theater because it didn't play for very long.
ReplyDeleteDoes "sweetheart" get used to describe Paltrow? Sounds more like Reese to me.
ReplyDeleteCIA admits waterboarding
ReplyDeleteTotally enamored of Claire's piece called The Hat Ceremony.
ReplyDeleteLove the mixed medium, especially the use of masking tape on canvas!
Destiny, I thought that the use of "sweetheart" could refer to her role in Shakespeare in Love?
ReplyDeleteSpesh, ITA about The Hat Ceremony!
About the CIA and waterboarding: Is it right that the Bush administration is pushing for that interrogation "technique" to be considered legit?
ReplyDeleteSorry, I meant is it "true", not is it "right".
ReplyDeleteDammit, I can't access that waterboarding article nor the "golden lock" item from here.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Reese often referred to as "America's sweetheart"?
Frenchy, from the article-
ReplyDeleteCongress has been debating banning the use of waterboarding by the CIA.
President Bush has threatened to veto such a bill.
IHJ already has Rendition screencaps.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wicked. I knew about that CIA's admission but I was wondering if there had been new developments. God knows how many other "alternative" means they're using and covering up (sigh). The result, at least over here, is that now some people have started to seriously wonder if those Guantanamo guys the US government wants to put to death are actually guilty.
ReplyDeleteI think the sweetheart reference in the Page Six item precludes Gwyneth Paltrow. I know that actresses such as Julia Roberts and Reese have both been referred to as “America’s Sweetheart”.
ReplyDeleteI usually only purchase films that I’m planning to watch more than once. My Jake collection is limited to Donnie Darko, TDAT, BBM and Jarhead. Somebody gave me Jarhead as a gift. I didn’t like it enough to purchase it myself. Rendition is not on my “to buy” list. I thought it was a very good film, but it’s not something I would view again and again. That doesn’t mean I won’t watch it or other Jake films On Demand or as they show up on TV.
Seems like I'm the black sheep in terms of DVD ownership. :)
ReplyDeleteI like to have them at home so I can choose at will with the minimum of fuss. I wonder if access to a fast and reliable service like Netflix would change my current habits.
No you're not Frenchy, I like to own so that I can watch them at my own pace and schedule too. I'm not very orderly when it comes to routines and schedules, I hate them! So sometimes I'll rent a DVD and not even have a chance to watch it. I will buy the ones that I think have an important message, or mean a lot to me. I don't see Rendition as strictly being about torture. I like the message it has. To me, there are very violent films of subjects other than torture, including for entertainment, and yet the distinction isn't made. Rendition has something important to say about it, and terrorism, and the point of view of another culture. It is a shame that it came out with so many others of similar subject, and people may not have been ready for it.
ReplyDeleteI'll rent a DVD and not even have a chance to watch it.
ReplyDeleteI've rented Remains of the Day four times and I still have to watch that damn movie! So renting is no a very good option for me either. Come to think of it, I'd probably do the same if I used a Netflix-like service, lol!
Rendition was very special to me. I think all along that movie I never saw Omar's character but Maher Arar, which probably accounts for the deep emotional connection I have with it. I've not posted often about it since I know it's a painful subject for some and also quite a few fans have not seen it and don't plan to. I'm really happy it's finally out on DVD - and the copy I'll buy has the French soundtrack so everybody in my family will be able to see it again! :)
I clicked this link and got a myspace page and it has nothing about Jake or reese sighting. Am I missing it or is this post a joke? If its not real could a mod [Wicked/Special K] delete it so we dont have to play goose chase cuz a some wierdo who posts false sitings??
ReplyDeletean extremely credible Jake and Reese sighting said...
Jan 13 2008 1:29 PM
ahhh i met reese witherspoon at circle k today!! and i saw jake gyllenhaal :)
omg...im so excited right now!
link
Scroll down to Amanda's comment
Frustrated, the sighting is there. Scroll down to Amanda's comment on 1/13/08 @ 1:29 pm. It's on the right about halfway down the page. It's there, I just checked.
ReplyDeleteGood article on Heath in this week's New York Magazine.
ReplyDeleteNew York Magazine: Analyzing the Double Life of Heath Ledger
Wait a minute -
ReplyDeleteReese, 7/11 AND credible all in the same sentence?
That's the best laugh I've had since the toliet shtupping!
Re: poll from yesterday. Seems as though "Jeese" fans have infiltrated and dominated the numbers. Hate to jump ship, but the time has come. Adios, amigos!
ReplyDeleteWhy do people feel the need to say on a blog that they are not coming back? Just don't come back. It's no biggie! And, sorry, it's not like you participated that much here anyway, EVTB.
ReplyDeleteThx Wicked. I was looking at 2/13 not January , sorry. so does the 1/13 sighting in Santa Barbara go with other sightings at the time? I dont remember.
ReplyDeleteUh I think e.v. is joking. 41 votes total = 9 votes for Jeese, 32 all over the calender for Reeke.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had a nickel for every time I heard someone was "never coming back", both TB and troll. I'd be rich! ;)
ReplyDeletespecial, that you so, so much for linking that New York Magazine article. I was oblivious to everything else while I read it. :'|
ReplyDeleteI very purposefully included that last category. I wanted to see how many trolls we have who would vote. It's nine or fewer. The poll was set up so that it would only take one vote from one computer, but the same person could vote from different computers if they had access to more than one (home and work, for example).
ReplyDelete^ *thank not that :)
ReplyDeleteAnd that's why I picked her for my Mommy, cuz she's so smart!
ReplyDeleteMy collection's just like blue velvet's, with the addition of Highway. Probably won't buy Rendition, though I enjoyed it (if that's the word) in the cinema. I associate it with bad times.
ReplyDeletePeter was excellent in it.
My collection's just like blue velvet's, with the addition of Highway.
ReplyDeleteI have TDAT, BBM, Darko, and Bubble Boy on DVD.
How is Highway?
Looks like that horrible pet owner who locked her pets away and allowed them to die is Paris.
ReplyDeleteI don't have Higway either, nor Lovely and Amazing.
ReplyDeleteBoth have had so-so reviews, in fact awful reviews in the case of Higway. But I think it might be fun to watch a very young Jake (no, not as young as in City Slickers, lol). He was very good in October Sky.
Got my copy of Rendition. There's a commentary by Gavin Hoods, deleted scenes and a making-of. I'll probably watch all this this week-end. :)
I wish, no I pray that Parisite gets the worst backlash of her life for what she did to her pets. But she will probably get away with murder. :( :(
ReplyDeleteFrenchy, Lovely and Amazing is really good. I love Catherine Keener. ITA about Paris.
ReplyDeleteJust downloaded the Rendition soundtrack.
Where does it say that Paris mistreated/killed her dogs? All I see in Ted C and read about last week is she's being investigated by LA Animal Control for owning 17 dogs, past the city's dog ownership number limit. (she said it on Ellen's show). I'm not a PH lover but I hope noone starts rumors before the facts are out.
ReplyDeleteanyone knows if the Rendition DVD has any extra features?? Or is it just the movie with no extra content? THX in advance
ReplyDeleteoh, sorry guys, Frenchy has posted about it!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I have TDAT (collector's edicion), BBM, Donnie Darko (2 versions, the original one + the director's cut), Jarhead and another of my favorites: Moonlight Mile.
ReplyDeleteJust being fair, that's all, Ted hints at it-
ReplyDeleteAlso, Paris Hilton's under attack for owning too many critters. And more unbelievable than all those dogs still breathing is that Britney has managed to stay alive this long.
and this-
But as far as the animal kingdom goes, she needs to take a few steps back and see if she can support a simple goldfish. She simply has not had an at-all perfect track record with pooches in the past. Care to fess up now, Ms. H? No, shall we do it for you?
I think the above paragraph is an allusion to Ted saying in his previous column about this pet owner that he was tempted to expose her.
Ok, my turn:
ReplyDeleteMy Jake Gyllenhaal Collection:
Bubble Boy (hilarious, a must!)
October Sky (was surprised how much I enjoyed it)
TDAT (collector's edition; for Austin, of course)
BBM (original and collector's edition - the latter for the postcards only)
Donnie Darko (director's cut; I heard the original version is quite different?)
Jarhead (original; couldn't get my hand on the collector's ed., sniff!)
Moonlight Mile (really great I agree Marie! and unfairly overlooked)
The Good Girl (really one of my favorite Jake films)
Proof (one of his worst IMO; and I hate Paltrow)
Zodiac (regular (for the French track) and collector's edition (an incredible treat!))
Rendition (as of today)
Sorry for being so forgetful Wicked. I think it's the third time I enquire about L&A and the third time you tell me it's good. I'm gonna get it pronto so I stop sounding like some broken record. :D
My collection of Jake movies is smaller than I think of it as being:
ReplyDeleteBubble Boy
TDAT (just found the collector's edition)
BBM
Jarhead (collector's ed.)
Good Girl
Zodiac (director's cut)
Highway is not that great, but kind of interesting to see anyway. Totally agree with you frenchy about Proof, and I'll never buy that one. Lovely & Amazing I need to see again, at the time I saw it I remember being a bit underwhelmed after a friend had talked it up, and I barely remember Jake. I do love Keener, she is one of my favorite actresses-- she is great in Into the Wild.
Let's see:
ReplyDeleteOctober Sky (thanks Wicked)
Lovely & Amazing
Good Girl
Bubble Boy
Donnie Darko (original- 2 copies)
(Director's cut)
TDAT
Proof
Jarheard
BBM
Zodiac
Rendition is on the list.
Moonlight Mile is on that list too.
I have to admit Darko, let's see I have bought it for myself and bought it for others. (both cuts - so I can say I think I am up to buying one version or another of Darko 8 times for different occasions)
Special, is the DD director's cut very different from the original?
ReplyDeleteYes there are a lot of differences. I am linking the alternative version page of IMDB for it, it sums it up the best. One big difference is music and sound mixing (which is better). I know Richard Kelly originally had wanted INXS' "Never Tear Us Apart" but went with Killing Moon because of licensing costs. Personally I can't imagine any other song than Killing Moon. So it is a difference right off the bat.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could do a hybrid of some things from the original and some things from the director's cut -- a Special K edition.
Donnie Darko: Alternative Versions - Director's Cut
Thanks a lot Spesh. I checked the IMDB page and gosh, these two versions really feel like different movies. I only watched the director's cut but now I can understand why opinions are so clear-cut. :)
ReplyDeleteI forgot about DD, the first one I ever bought! I have the director's cut, I've never seen the "original", but I have read about the differences, especially the music. And I totally agree about Killing Moon.
ReplyDeleteSpecial K: Your post reminded me about TIFF once again and my encounters with Jake. I am dead sure that all the critics of Jake in this blog would be awestruck by his charisma and brilliant smile, if they ever stood next to him. Every time he turned to wave or look, the crowd would go awry. It was quite amazing to find that Jake, who is just 27 years old, kept his fans mesmerized and in frenzy - in the same manner as George Clooney or Brad Pitt. The man knows how to work the crowd. Wish you were there.
ReplyDelete^ I can attest to the real-life charisma too from seeing him at BAFTA last year :)
ReplyDeleteWicked, wish I could explain why I love Highway :) Well, I like everyone in it and Jake's just very good and funny playing the stoner kid. He gets a lot of earnest roles and this isn't one.
Jake & Jared - what's not to like ;)
ReplyDeleteRe the Darko director's cut- I have it but have not watched it. I saw the original Darko. I'll have to check it out. I can't imagine not hearing Killing Moon during the opening sequence.
ReplyDeleteHere's my Collection (so far):
ReplyDeleteBrokeback Mountain (2 copies, Original and Collector's edition)
TDAT (of course!) - original version, I think
The Good Girl
Zodiac (Original, will get Director's Cut too)
Rendition (To Be Purchased)
Donnie Darko (Director's Cut, although I love "Never Tear Us Apart" and that opening scene is a wonderful, I would prefer "Killing Moon" as well)so I may have to find an original version *sigh*
And I should add Bubble Boy because it is priceless and Jarhead, because, well . . . no collection would be complete without it! ;)
I have not seen Highway or Lovely & Amazing
. I am dead sure that all the critics of Jake in this blog would be awestruck by his charisma and brilliant smile, if they ever stood next to him.
ReplyDeleteYou're probably right, Rattler. But just because he's charismatic does not mean that everything he does is going to be perfect or that he's above criticism. He's human, just like the rest of us.
Word, Wicked
ReplyDeleteI am dead sure that all the critics of Jake in this blog would be awestruck by his charisma and brilliant smile, if they ever stood next to him.
ReplyDeleteAre we going to get that Jake back? Soon? Ever?
More dental center pics at IHJ. TomJersey was right about talking to s'one in backseat. Atticus was in car! fyi none are buckled up when Jake drives off. :(
ReplyDeleteBut just because he's charismatic does not mean that everything he does is going to be perfect or that he's above criticism.
ReplyDeleteThe same should be true for the critics. They too, are not perfect and above criticism. However, I am not sure how many of them have Jake's charisma and the power to draw a large fan following.
Wondering what the crap is in the front seat. Looks like dirty clothes. Maybee Reese does his laundry! or its Atticus's dog bag, a fashionable feminine straw tote!
ReplyDelete