Director's Cut

Prisoners broke it's award nominee shut-out with a Critics Choice nominee for Best Cinematography for Roger Deakins while it looks like one of Jake's previous director is finding another full award season. David O. Russell has been on an award roll since Nailed with The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and now American Hustle.  It make you want to watch Nailed as least the version Russell created just to see what kind of performance he capture with Jake. 

Early in his career Jake seemed to pick movies even more by the director than the screenplay.  It looked like he was creating his own film school working with some of the best directors in the business.  Each brought a difference to the screen,  then seem to be change - an evolution perhaps? Jake started working with "young" directors - those with only a few movie under their belt or those directors who had success outside of mainstream Hollywood, with a sprinkle here and there of a bigger name.

So here's the question:  Which director do you think had

Had best Director/Actor relationship with him?

Seem to have the best off screen rapport?

 Captured the best performance from Jake?

Who influenced Jake the most?

Who was the most challenging?

Who do you think Jake respected the most?

Didn't work as an actor director?


October Sky - Joe Johnston

Donnie Darko - Richard Kelly

Bubble Boy -  Blaire Hayes

Lovely & Amazing - Nicole Holofcener

The Good Girl - Miguel Arteta

Highway - James Cox

Moonlight Mile - Brad Silberling

The Day After Tomorrow - Roland Emmerich

Proof - John Madden

Jarhead - Sam Mendes

Brokeback Mountain  - Ang Lee

Zodiac - David Fincher

Rendition -  Gavin Hood

Brothers - Jim Sheridan

Prince of Persia - Mike Newell 

Love & Other Drugs - Ed Zwick

Source Code - Duncan Jones

End of Watch - David Ayer

Prisoners - Denis Villeneuve

And including two not seen on screen but based on off screen:

Nailed - David O. Russell

An Enemy - Denis Villeneuve

Working for the Law again?

Jake's had lots of roles that involve the law.  But could he be stepping into Jude Law's recently abandoned role?

Let's just say it's been a very bad week for Jake's friend Natalie Portman.  And it's about her-starring western Jane Got A Gun.

On Tuesday the director Lynn Ramsay didn't show on the first day of shooting, leaving the whole cast and crew wondering what's going on. In steps in Warriors' director Gavin O'Connor the very next day to take on the job, but then it happened again when lead Jude Law, who just joined the cast last week, decided he wasn't doing it either and dropped out. So now the new director and the producers  are scrambling a bit now to find a replacement  for Jude and the buzz coming out of Hollywood is that  there is a short list of three names that they are looking at:

 The Los Angeles Times has revealed the shortlist of actors being considered and the variety might surprise you. Theirs sources say that at the moment they are looking at Jake, Tobey Maguire and Jeff Bridges as possible options.  Jake and Tobey have both worked with Natalie and Jeff's Oscars are enticing. All all have Western experience with BBM, Ride with The Devil and True Grit respectively.

Based on a 2011 Black List screenplay written by Brian Duffield, the  film is about a woman (Portman) whose outlaw husband (Joel Edgerton)has run into trouble with a local gang. Realizing that their lives are in danger, the woman is forced to reach out to a former lover for help. It is the former lover part they are scrambling to fill.

The buzz is that Tobey is in the lead and many are confident he could pull it off.   Jeff , older than the other two guys, could change the direction of the movie a bit.

 But the biggest question is how could Jake step in the role? Isn't he still filming Prisoners?  Would Jane start shoot and work around his schedule until he's done?   And finally could he squeeze it in between Prisoner's and Mississippi Grind?

Movie Math

Today's it's multiplication

If you took Brothers














and combined it

with Prisoners

you could get all these new movie options:

My Own Worst Enemy

To Catch a Thief aka Finding Myself

Prison Brothers

Enemies : A Law Story

The Gyll with the Neck Tattoo I and II

 Crossing the Line: Living both sides of the Law

Six Shooter: The Multiple Personality Law Man

Brothers in Law

and

Arrested Development

(Less than) 500 days of Jake

Looks can be deceiving in a lot of ways for Jake.

When it seems he's out of the public eye a lot it is one of his more prolific periods.

In just under 500 days (461 from Brothers opening in Dec to Source Code March 11, 2011) he has/had 4 movies released in four different genres.(Drama, Adventure, Rom Com, and Sci-Fi Thriller.) And depending on the future of Nailed, there could be 5.


On average that is a movie released every 4 months (16.4 weeks). And it seems like the momentum is building with his last two movies to yet to come. The building buzz and reception of Love and Other Drugs, is trending it to be a big hit in barrage of movies during holiday season. And if Duncan's follow up to his debut as a director with Moon, is a successful as his first film, Jake will be ending with back to back hits, that reach both male and female audiences.

But the biggest question is what happens in the next 500 days? He has shown that he can remain out of the constant glare and still be competitive in an ultra competitive industry.



Is he going to let the work do the talking? Will he focus on more personal projects? Or just more private ones? Where does it go from there?

This Brother's a Keeper

Today Brothers comes out on DVD, Blue-Ray and On Demand in the US.

It took in $28,544,157 at the US box office, and so far an additional $9,715,303. Brothers has made more at the box office than Bubble Boy, Donnie Darko, Lovely and Amazing, The Good Girl, Moonlight Mile, Proof, and Rendition.

We know that some of these have gotten greater success in DVD, the best example, Donnie Darko. Some go on to get shown again and again on TV, like Bubble Boy. Brothers might not be the DVD runaway like Darko, or be played over and over again like Bubble Boy, but is poised to do well, long after the box office.


It has great performances from all its leads in Tobey, Jake and Natalie, as well in it is secondary cast of Sam Shepard, Mare Winningham, and you can't forget Bailee Madison, and under great direction of Jim Sheridan.Brothers is a story of loss, redemption and forgiveness. A story of brothers, fathers and sons. Of family and what we do for them.

There is something about Jake in this performance. He seems settled and grounded in adulthood in a different way than he has before. Again he excels in the subtly of his acting. It is those really quiet moments where Jake shines as Tommy. Seeking comfort and acceptance from step mom Elsie, his moments with Grace, walking with Isabelle over the bridge, his goodbye to Sam before he leave, those quick moments from when his father gives him his version of approval, and the best just watching his face as he the new found connection he has with Grace and the girls slips away from him when Sam returns. In that scene Jake doesn't say one word or even move, the emotion of the moment just plays out over his face as he watches.
The DVD and Blu-ray contain two featurettes, one about the process of adapting the original movie and another about Sheridan's own hardscrabble upbringing in Ireland. Plus Sheridan's commentary for the movie. That in itself would be worth getting the DVD to own or on Netflix. Just his take on things from open honest comments about the cast, making of the film, no doubt his own stories from growing up with his brothers, and bet full of Irish charm as well.

Know that some did not see Brothers when it came to theaters, hoping that more will check it out now that it's on DVD.

It's the Wolves!

Dates to Note:

Tomorrow December 3, Jake is on Jimmy Kimmel (Check Local Listings)

Friday December 4, Jake is on Sesame Street (Check Local Listings)

Friday, December 4, Brothers Opens Nationwide

and

To kick of the holidays starting with Hanukkah - OMG's 2nd Annual Cooking Klatch Recipe Swap
on Friday December 11th.

Find a recipe you'd like to share with other, an appetizer, or dessert, main dish, side dish, or even a drink recipe. Come and share in the spirit of the holidays.


After such a long break from the interviews Jake came back to interviews just as funny, silly and charming as he has always have been.

The unscripted interview with Tobey and Natalie, gave some other things to notice not just Jake talking about his band name. Jake and the Merkins would work too with a little retro feel to it.

In the chat you see that Jake talks about hanging out with Tobey and his friends, as he did talking about hanging out with Jim, and working out with Tobey. While there was speculation that he did spend time with other people and only Reese, because he wasn't seen doing so has been now dispelled.

We also can tell that Jake while being environmentally conscious is not going to be going the vegan way, but his reaction here when Tobey and Natalie talk about possibly cheating by eating and egg.



Another thing that was interesting if you look at the large clip and in the clip were Tobey is talking about his Ipod and talking about being a father and his kids, you can see Jake subconsciously nodding with Tobey, as like he knows just what Tobey is speaking. Hmm makes you wonder why.




Of course there is Jake's discussion about his body art. Interesting that he put so much thought into it about what it should be, where it should be, and why. It sound like something Austin would work through if John had had to get a tattoo for JFC. The Celtic C representing the family he still holds to despite the issues coupled the wolf, the family bond vs. the wilding and lone wolf symbolic of Tommy who in a way l comes back to protect the pack. Speaking of tats, we know that the one on his neck, his knuckles, and inside his right forearm, but do you wonder if he will surprise with any more that can't be seen in an ad?


This time isn't not about the ice, it's the wolves. Think he's going be sporting this soon?

Fraternal Paternal

Not sure how many have watched the trailer from the UK. But comparing that clip vs. the trailers that are shown in the US you can see the differences in selling the story of Brothers. One of the biggest difference is that in the UK trailer you see scenes of Sam in the war, scenes of conflict. While it is known in the story, in US that is being downplayed. Why?

Well, movies about war have been a hard sell in the US, and as Jim Sheridan says, "I think the American people just don't think there is a war on, so why should they have to go to a movie about something that doesn't exist? Their state of denial is hard to overcome,"

But Sheridan doesn't see Brothers as a war movie, but really "as a family drama about a man coming home after a long absence, and he just happens to have served in Afghanistan."


Sheridan point of view as a director is about families and relationships. He takes a bigger story, like Christy Brown in My Left Foot and focuses on the relationship between Christy and his mother's to tell it. Or telling the story of immigrating to the US, like in In America, through the relationship of a father and his daughters. The same is true for Brothers. Sheridan emphasized the family's struggle to be whole again. "It is a big thing to me to show the family at war. They are split by an event outside themselves. The war is in the family, you know."


A lot of focus in US campaign has been on Grace (Natalie) and Sam and Tommy. But the story that really emerges is more about fathers than brothers. Hank's (Sam Shepard)relationships with each of his sons. Sam's fatherly relationship with Tommy. His relationship with his girls and how that changes from forces out of everyone's control. Tommy find paternal feelings he never thought he had and stepping in as a father and how that changes his life.



Those relationships create so many themes, of expectations,disappointments, rebellion, anger, resentment, abandonment, love, acceptance, and redemption. It is a story as old as man in a setting while modern is itself timeless.



One critic talked about Jake effortless playing a father. Looking at the place in Jake's life you can see how it dovetailed from real to reel. No doubt Sheridan encouraged Jake to bring all of that into his role, relishing as Jake discovered fatherhood on all levels.


Something you might not know about Brothers. Brothers is a pretty little movie that has a powerful punch. The movie had a budget of only $25 million, with the actors talking "a quarter or maybe even a 10th of what they usually get paid," according to Sheridan.

Turkey's done

For a lot of us, today is filled with cooking, getting ready for friends and family,or traveling to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends or family tomorrow. Austin is no different as he is heading home after a successful USO Tour. Don't know where Jake will be celebrating Thanksgiving yet, but you'd think with his love of cooking he has something he was wants to make and bring wherever he celebrates. Just think the only thing he won't share is his Wild Turkey.


Speaking of Wild Turkey. Going back for thirds because there's more Turkey to feast on.



Austin Sophia and Milo stopped by the Incirlik and Izmir Air Bases in Turkey to show their appreciation to the Airmen of the 39th Security Forces Squadron.






Part of the tour allowed them to meet the law enforcement desk of the base and a chance to airmen and other personnel signing autographs and checking out flack gear that is used in the field.

No doubt the airmen, civilians and their familie appreciated the visit especially so close to Thanksgiving bringing a little taste of home. But would suspect that Austin Sophia and Milo got even more from the trip and giving back. All will have lasting impressions.


With Turkey done it looks like our favorite bird is flying home today and after a long flight will be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family and friends.


And what's Thanksgiving without seconds. Here's Jake with Ben Lyons.





That shirt Jake's got on looks a little familiar. Funny who seems to be fan of grey too? Goose if I know.

Safe travel to all those who are heading to family and friends today, and good luck to all those cooking. (Myself included, as I soon will be off to make the pumpkin pie for tomorrow's festivities.)

Square Meal

Another serving of Turkey, with sides of an early (ok fake)snow, and talking about family conflicts it sounds like Thanksgiving dinner.

Main Course:

The threesome became a foursome when Flat Stanley joined Austin, Milo and Sophia at a signing in Germany. What a lucky guy. Wonder where Flat Stanley will be off to next. Think they were so kind to let him share a ride to Turkey?

One thing we do know for sure is that is Austin is not only proud of his American roots but his Texans one too, wearing a Lone Star tshirt that will be in who know how many photo albums around the world. And he has a topic of conversation with every Texan who is serving on base. Sure there were horns thrown many times. Now that's a picture I'd love to see.

And some Westen PA sides
Snow Falling on Pittsburgh - (it doesn't have the same ring as Cedars does it)



Sunday Jake and Anne filmed at Magee Hospital, when you need winter you make it turning it into a winter wonderland Sunday. A little Hollywood magic and presto! Snow. Now we know why there was a Sunday shooting schedule. Magee is an working hospital, like all hospitals it's open 24/7. So Sunday's are the best, no appoinments, just the emergency room and in patients, and essential personnel. Love has made the most of Pittsburgh's area hospitals for various locations, and it does give an authenticity to the life of a drug rep.


Here's Jake and Anne filming another scene in Shadyside this past week.

Here's part 2 of an interview with Jake about Brothers. Here he discusses director Jim Sheridan, what it was like working with him, his reaction to the original film,the differences between this version and the original, and what the movie says about families in general.

Pictures: Sophiabush.4fans.net, Flicker, IHJ

Turkey Trot

Austin continues his USO in Turkey after making a successful stop in Germany. Next stop Incirlik Air Base. Located in NATO's Southern Region, is located in İncirlik, 5 NM (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) east of Adana, Turkey's fifth largest city, and 56 km (35 mi) from the Mediterranean Sea. The airbase is home to United States Air Force (USAF) 39th Air Base Wing. The name 'incirlik' in Turkish means 'place of fig trees' (or 'place of figs')

In response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, Operation Enduring Freedom began in October 2001. Incirlik served as a main hub for missions in support for the war in Afghanistan, including humanitarian airlift operations, MC-130 special operations missions, KC-135 refueling missions and sustainment operations for deployed forces.

On March 12, 2004, 39th Air Base Wing was activated to provide the best mix of required support and, as new mission requirements emerge, to shoulder the burden and better contribute in the global war on terrorism and support those troops seving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many traveled through Incirlik on their deployment and return.


Austin USO tour continue to Wednesday November 25th. And with a long trip it looks like Austin still we be able to be home in the US to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Check out more pictures of Austin on the USO tour at Austin Nichols Journal.

It is interesting how things connect. As Austin is meeting men and women who are going into or coming home from combat as Jake's movie about what happens when they come home comes out.



After a screening and press conference on Saturday, Jake had to scoot back to Pittsburgh to finish his work on Love & Other Drugs, while Natalie, Tobey and Jim Sheridan were there for Sunday nights premiere at the School of Visual Arts.

More reviews are coming in and overall there are good comments about the performances of the movie. Here is an interview with Jake about Brothers and a little more about his character.



No new Crazy Tree tonight, a little Thanksgiving break, it returns next Monday, but there is One Tree Hill news.

One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl will go on hiatus next year to make room for a new CW drama series, it has been announced. Life UneXpected, which stars Britt Robertson, Kristoffer Polaha and ER's Shiri Appleby, will arrive Monday, January 18 in a 9pm timeslot after a lead-in from One Tree Hill.
Tree Hill will then go on hiatus Monday, March 8, with UneXpected taking over its slot. The same night, Gossip Girl will return to its 9pm period.

From April 19, both One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl will resume their respective 8pm and 9pm slots and continue airing until their season finales in May.

Picture credits: Sophiabush.4fans.net,Wikipedia,PROFESSORFOX,IHJ
Thanks again to Austin Nichols Journal too.

Europe for Nichols a day

The Turkey has landed. Austin is now in Europe to do the USO Tour in Germany and Turkey. This weekend he will be at Ramstein Air Force Base for a meet and greet and sign some autographs.


Ramstein Air Base is the U.S.Air Force base in the German state of Rheinland-Pfalz, near the town of Ramstein, in the rural district of Kaiserslautern, Germany.It serves as headquarters for the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) and is also a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) installation.It is also the home of of the 86th Airlift Wing.

Austin will be spending the weekend in Germany and knowing Austin there will be some sampling of Germany's great traditions. (ie, beer, beer, and beer) Sure that Austin will find many fellow Longhorn fans on the base, maybe more than OTH ones. And while giving back to the troops, sure that Austin will as even more from the experience. But hopefully not hair cut again.
Next stop will be Turkey next week, before heading home, maybe in time to have Thanksgiving back in US.

Happy Austin Friday.


As the premiere gets closer there are more Brother's clips out there. Thanks for those have linked and here are some more.

I'm No Hero Clip (Tobey, Jake and Natalie)

Brothers Clip Moviefone Exclusive (Jake and Natalie kissing scene)

Quick Interview with Producer Ryan K about Brothers

Brothers Official Website