Tag Archives: Jake Gyllenhaal

SOUTHPAW (2015): Nothing New But Good Performances All Round…

Southpaw (2015), Jake Gyllenhaal
Southpaw (2015), Jake Gyllenhaal

Antoine Fuqua is the man in the director’s seat for Southpaw; the movie where Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Billy Hope, a successful boxer seeking redemption after an unbearable tragedy derails his life completely.

Gyllenhaal’s physical transformation is noticeably impressive but it comes second to everything he manages to achieve with his character’s emotional journey.

As you watch Southpaw, you may find yourself cursing testosterone for being the cause of at least one of the bad things that happens to Hope. However, what seems like an absence of good sense is likely also part of the problem.

Overall, there’s nothing particularly surprising or refreshingly new in Southpaw. Though, there is one key aspect of the plot that would have been a great surprise – had it not been revealed in the trailer months prior.

Watch Southpaw because you like the filmmaking team and you’re curious about the movie’s exploration of redemption, regret, second chances, starting over and of course, the sport of boxing.

Forrest Whitaker, Naomie Harris and Rachel McAdams also star.

Happy Film Loving,

G

NIGHTCRAWLER (2014): Jake Gyllenhaal At His Darkest & Creepiest Yet

Nightcrawler (2014), Jake Gyllenhaal, Bill Paxton
Nightcrawler (2014), Jake Gyllenhaal, Bill Paxton

Nightcrawler is not quite a horror movie. However,  in the role of Lou Bloom, an L.A. Crime Journalist, Jake Gyllenhaal has never been more gaunt and terrifying.

It’s not just his deep, dark and sunken eyes that might give you nightmares. The audience learns rather quickly that not only is Lou smarter than the average person, he’s also, definitely a sociopath.

Nightcrawler (2014), Jake Gyllenhaal
Nightcrawler (2014), Jake Gyllenhaal

The tensions in this great work, written/directed by Dan Gilroy exist because the audience realises rather quickly that Lou is a little more than just a tad unhinged – which of course, can only mean bad things for all who establish any kind of relationship with him.

Gilroy’s film is good and it’s dark, both thematically and aesthetically. There’s also some brilliant dialogue here. My favourite moment is Lou’s parting line in one of his last exchanges with Bill Paxton’s character.

Besides Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo and Ashton’s great work, the character of Rick is a brilliant turn for British Actor Riz Ahmed.

Overall, Nightcrawler does a good job of highlighting some of the issues with the world we live in today, plus the characters it can produce, plus the danger that can exist in the vulnerability of the truly desperate.

Watch it and cement your appreciation of Gyllenhaal’s skills.

Happy Film Loving,

G