Jake Gyllenhaal's Top 5 Performances
Spanning over three decades, Jake Gyllenhaal’s discography consists of career-defining performances. This makes the job of selecting a mere few to represent his best work all the more challenging yet equally enjoyable.
Having watched twenty four of his films I have failed to cover them all, including earlier works such as Bubble Boy and Proof. Therefore this list is not definitive and is completely opinion-based. With upcoming roles including Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride! and M. Night Shyamalan's Remain, Gyllenhaal’s career is far from complete and no doubt this list will continue to change.
So without further ado, here are five of Jake Gyllenhaal’s best performances (in no particular order).
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Jack Twist in Ang Lee’s tale of forbidden, true love remains a staple in cinema history. Based on the short story by Annie Proulx, the 2005 film depicts the complex romantic relationship between two shepherds hired to work together over a life-changing summer in 1963. The production’s exploration of societal pressure, masculinity and tragedy is often described as revolutionary, changing the conversation around LGBTQ+ cinema and its exposure within the industry.
Gyllenhaal is at his best here due to the chemistry with his equally talented co-star Heath Ledger and his quiet sense of longing and melancholy. His continued authenticity both when shooting and promoting the film highlighted his versatility as an actor and ability to play complex leading characters. Arguably, Jack Twist is Gyllenhaal’s most heartbreaking role to date and solidified his place in the acting hall of fame.
ICONIC QUOTE: “I wish I knew how to quit you.”
NIGHTCRAWLER
It is fair to say Jake was robbed by the Academy for his performance as Lou Bloom, a high-functioning sociopath fixated on capturing the most provocative news story. With this ambition comes a test in morality as Lou’s obsession turns darker, leading him to use morally ambiguous alternatives to acquire lucrative footage.
Gyllenhaal's commitment to the role went as far as following a real-life news stringer and losing 30 pounds, the actor stating he stuck to a strict diet consisting of kale, salads and chewing gum. His physical transformation captured the animalistic hunger of Lou Bloom and the characters lack of attention to his own wellbeing, instead obsessing over climbing the workplace hierarchy. What makes this role so impressive is Gyllenhaal’s skill to inhabit a figure completely separate from himself, from the character's mannerisms and body language to his flashes of uncontrollable rage, the role is something completely detached from the actor and his previous work.
ICONIC QUOTE: “My motto is if you want to win the lottery you've got to make the money to buy a ticket.”
PRISONERS
An unflinchingly bleak tale of the lengths a father will go to to find his daughter, Denis Villeneuve's Prisoners provides a visceral depiction of two families on the brink of collapse. This remains my personal favourite of Jake Gyllenhaal’s films due to its unwavering unease, flawless performances and masterful cinematography. Although the film is a harrowing watch in every sense, its tone simply adds to the tension created from the production's opening frames.
Despite Hugh Jackman’s undoubtedly stellar performance being the centre of the story (and most spoken of in regards to the film), it is Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Detective Loki I find most intriguing. A character with limited backstory, no first name and a determination which often blinds him, Loki is an embodiment of justice and the morality underpinning the production. The internal nature of his character only adds to his air of mystery, his main tell being the twitch of his eye, a nervous tick masterfully incorporated by Gyllenhaal throughout. Overall, both his character and the film itself is masterful in every sense.
ICONIC QUOTE: “With all due respect, Captain, go fuck yourself.”
SOUTHPAW
It is often a surprise to me how underrated Southpaw is. Many people I speak to have not heard of it despite it being one of Gyllenhaal’s most physically demanding and impressive acting roles. The film follows boxer Billy Hope after a personal tragedy sends him into an existence filled with destruction and self-loathing. From there he must rebuild the pieces of his life and face a fight greater than any he's experienced in the ring.
Jake’s performance is filled with fury yet remains understated, his hopelessness and arc to redemption depicting an ultimately flawed human in need of support in a world known for its cruelty. His chemistry with co-stars Forest Whitaker and Oona Laurence ground the production and make the comeback story even more meaningful, placing it high in the ranks of modern sports dramas.
ICONIC QUOTE: “I can't lose my daughter. I'll give you my everything.”
STRONGER
This entry might come as a surprise to some due to its fierce competition from more well-known and critically acclaimed films. However, Jake Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Jeff Bauman, a survivor of the Boston Marathon Bombing, is arguably his most vulnerable and raw performance to date. The biographical drama follows Jeff after he loses both his legs in the attack and his journey of acceptance and recovery under increased scrutiny from society and the media.
Gyllenhaal’s dedication to the craft can be seen through the shooting behind the scenes, director David Gordon Green recording for thirty minutes without cutting, allowing Gyllenhaal to portray the characters exhaustion and resentment in real time. Various scenes within the production could be viewed as a standout, illustrating the strength of the film itself and the actors' undeniable talent.
ICONIC QUOTE: “They keep trying to make a hero out of me.”
Whilst this list (in my personal opinion) feels fairly representative of Jake Gyllenhaal's most provocative and interesting work, a lack of films such as Jarhead, Zodiac, End of Watch, Donnie Darko, Enemy and Nocturnal Animals feels unjust. This however, highlights the expansive nature of Gyllenhaal’s career and the many award-worthy performances he has contributed to the movie industry over the years.
So this article is my petition to gift Jake Gyllenhaal his well-deserved Oscar. Afterall, what else can an actor possibly do?
