The plot of Enemy has been described as existential meditation on the self.
In fact aren't many of his movie choices with a existential lean to them?
What was Darko?
And Jarhead - Camus anyone?
And look at how many of his characters are about finding their identity or the struggle of identity. Source Code his character actually took on the physical identity of another person.Even Brokeback was about finding identity.
There is a theme that weaves itself through the years of his career. Are his choices a reflection of the personal struggle that seems to be his current duality?
And if choosing to play it on screen would be a way to finally resolve it?
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12 comments:
It struck me how many characters Jake has played that have some kind of existential journey or element to them.
Love the falling melodies in "Nowhere Man", the guitar solos and the opening three part harmony. Some believe that this was one of Lennon's first social commentary songs, but I think in interviews he made it very clear that it was an introspective paranoid snapshot of his inner struggle to write a song for their next album. Even though the lyrics were written in third person, it's a glimpse into Lennon's genius of how to create something so universally relatable out of something that is extraordinarily meditative and personal.
I agree that Jake has a strong tendency to be personally drawn to film roles that help him work through certain fundamental issues in his life at any given time, often related to themes like self identity, family obligations and how others/the world perceives him to be. Brokeback Mountain was definitely about his search for love and intimacy as well as being able to commit to another and pursue his dreams. And, besides the obvious uber heterosexual commercial push of Love and Other Drugs, I believe Jake also was learning how to love & accept himselfthrough the character of Jamie, essentially discovering that whoever he was, should be enough. That he didn't have to be anyone else or manufacture a false image to be respected and appreciated.
The jury, of course, is still out if this personal search (with plenty of fits and starts) for identity and acceptance will eventually lead him to an honest 360 degree affirmation and celebration of who he really is, or if the song, "Will it Go Round In Circles" might end up being his true epitaph in the end.
It struck me how many characters Jake has played that have some kind of existential journey or element to them.
You know who else has played that same sort of existential journeying character throughout his career? Brad Pitt.
I think you'll find many actors will take on those types of roles, mostly because they're interesting and have a story to tell.
I wonder how Interview with a Vampire was relating to Brad Pitt's self discovery at the time? Hmm.
I appreciate M&M and Special's thoughts on this because actually I could care less about Brad Pitt. So I can't relate to that at all.
Now Mr. Zac-y...I could maybe spend some time studying.
Some people's sole purpose in life is to disagree and discount whatever is said on OMG. How predictable. Brad Pitt? Didn't know the post was about Brad Pitt.
Yes they are the more interesting roles, but like in other professions you can see people drawn to themes over and over again because it parallels with something going on in their lives. Artist, photographers, writers, and minister who go back over and over again to the same theme, as a way of working though something that is part of their life at the moment.
MBH @mfromthesfbay
Saw Jake Gyllenhaal at Minetta Tavern tonight when I was at dinner...
10:15 PM - 20 Mar 12 via txt · Details
I think Jake is very good at playing roles like that, which is why I'm hoping he gets the latest talked-about film.
Now why does @OTHmovie tweet the exact same thing with the exact same picture two different times under two different twitter accounts? It's the exact same twitpic. On March 1, she says she met Austin on that day. As @OTHmovie, she says she met him "last week". Not too good a judge of time, is she? lol
One Tree Hill Movie @OTHmovie
A week ago I met @AUS10NICHOLS & he didn't say much about a #OTHmovie but I'm sure he will soon. ;) http://pic.twitter.com/zNj0MJi9
10:43 PM - 19 Mar 12
Brionna Rowe @Browna92
Met the wonderful @AUS10NICHOLS today! Thanks for being so kind & good luck with everything! http://pic.twitter.com/1fr3SENS
9:26 PM - 1 Mar 12 via Photos on iOS
Good catch re jakes trend in films. I recall his family saying in interviews that they saw issues Jake was dealing with in Donnie Darko.
An OTH movie? I doubt it.
One thing I do think is odd since I visit deadline hollywood often is that most announcements are for films or TV roles set. Jake has had more in negotiation films than anyone I can recall. Let's hope this one works out.
Yes... this latest part for Jake sounds like a good fit all round, and I even like the fact that there's a Canadian connection as well.
You're right destiny, Jake is extremely good at characterizing these types of roles, it's where he truly shines. The things that you, M&M and Special have pointed out in terms of his choices are all on the mark.
Now why does @OTHmovie tweet the exact same thing with the exact same picture two different times under two different twitter accounts?
I would venture to guess that the person changed the time/date of the "meeting" with Austin to place him in Los Angeles last week. There's no way someone becomes confused between meeting someone last week and meeting them three weeks ago. Particularly, when it's a celebrity you admire. You are going to remember exactly where you were and what you were doing. Leaking that pic of the back of Austin's head on the Ray Donovan shoot and now this, parallels nicely with the flashier "Manhattan Man" Just Jared post that firmly planted Jake on the East Coast. Sounds like a familiar scenario to me.
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