Actors in focus: Jake Gyllenhaal

• Indie Hits

Gyllenhaal built his name mainly in indie films, becoming a cult icon with his role in Donnie Darko (2001). Although not an immediate commercial success, this film has grown to become the epitome of a cult classic film. Of course, a film based around a troubled teen with psychological problems followed around by a giant bunny and its apocalyptic message might not be to all tastes but the great soundtrack and visual effects are what make it notably impressive. However it is Gyllenhaals’s portrayal of the disturbed Donnie, in which he blends rebelliousness, awkwardness, humour and both normality and otherworldliness, that really makes the film (reflecting his schizophrenia and the equally confused plot).

The film encapsulates Gyllenhaal’s strange but charming appeal, which is excessively parodied in Bubble Boy (also 2001), where he plays Jimmy Livingston, a boy who lives in a bubble dome in his bedroom because he was born without an immune system. Despite being scathingly judged by critics, it shows off Gyllenhaal’s typical sense of innocent and vulnerable humour and his endearing qualities. However, after this brief wackier escapade, Gyllenhaal settled down to much more serious and familiar territory, exploiting his talent for playing unsettled teens. His subtlety of emotion, understated intelligence and sensitivity combine to intense effect. Yes, he could be criticised for repeating the same character in many of his early films, but if you’re a fan of his angst ridden, broody ways then you probably won’t be complaining.

• Hollywood Blockbusters

Despite his success and comfort with these types of roles, there is of course only so long that you can play a disaffected youth when you’re almost thirty. Upon hitting mainstream success, his roles have been decidedly more mixed, moving from a gay cowboy to a U.S. Marine to an epic hero in the space of just five years. In 2005, Brokeback Mountain provided the turning point to his career that he really needed. Although the subject of many a camping-related joke, this movie is truly heart wrenching and it is a testament to both his and Heath Ledger’s sensitive acting that despite the graphic sex scene, it is still both beautiful and moving. He also manages to put his own spin on Jarhead, as it features a traditional Gyllenhaal-esque character study, rather than the overt political messages that you’d expect from a war movie. It is more of a look at his personal plight and the effect of military life upon the individual than it is a criticism of America’s approach to war.

• Future projects

With the romantic comedy Love and Other Drugs being released at the end of this December, it seems Gyllenhaal’s mainstream career is taking off but how far he can appeal to a mainstream audience is still questionable. However, as he states, “the truth is, most of the films that make a lot of money no one remembers, and I’m not interested in making films that no one remembers.” Hopefully, we can expect a return to his indie roots, perhaps even playing a disaffected middle-ager...

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