Jake Gyllenhaal Career Retrospective | SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations

A career retrospective with Jake Gyllenhaal. Moderated by Jenelle Riley, Variety.
Jake Gyllenhaal, an Academy Award nominee, has established himself as one of the finest actors of his generation. With his new production company Nine Stories, he is also on his way to becoming a filmmaker of note - sourcing material, developing it from the ground up, collaborating with bold storytellers, and shepherding the projects through release.
In 2014, he starred in Dan Gilroy’s Nightcrawler, which he also produced. For his performance as Louis Bloom, Mr. Gyllenhaal received BAFTA, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, Critics’ Choice, and Spirit Award nominations, as well as Best Actor citations from numerous critics’ groups.
He received an Academy Award nomination, and won a BAFTA Award, for his performance as Jack Twist in Ang Lee’s classic Brokeback Mountain, also for Focus Features.
Working with some of the world’s finest filmmakers on both independent and studio features, Mr. Gyllenhaal has also starred in David Ayer’s End of Watch, which he executive-produced; Dennis Villeneuve’s highly acclaimed Prisoners and Enemy, playing a dual role in the latter; Richard Kelly’s cult hit Donnie Darko; Antoine Fuqua’s Southpaw; Jean-Marc Vallee’s Demolition; Baltasar Kormákur’s Everest; Jim Sheridan’s Brothers; Duncan Jones’ Source Code; David Fincher’s Zodiac; Sam Mendes’ Jarhead; John Madden’s Proof; Miguel Arteta’s The Good Girl; Brad Silberling’s Moonlight Mile; Nicole Holofcener’s Lovely & Amazing; Joe Johnston’s October Sky; and Ed Zwick’s Love & Other Drugs, for which he received a Golden Globe Award nomination.
In 2014, Mr. Gyllenhaal made his Broadway debut in Nick Payne’s Constellations and his musical theatre debut in the Encores! production of Little Shop of Horrors. The actor made his New York stage debut in 2012 starring in If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet, for the Roundabout Theatre Company, which earned him nominations from the Drama League and the Lucille Lortel Awards. The latter marked his first stage work since 2002, when he starred on London’s West End in Kenneth Lonergan’s revival ofThis is Our Youth, for which he won an Evening Standard Theater Award for Outstanding Newcomer.
He recently formed Nine Stories, a production company acquiring and developing new material. The company is in development on a number of titles, including Denis Villeneuve’s The Son, which is based on Jo Nesbo’s critically acclaimed novel of the same name; a scripted limited series for A&E centered on cults throughout history; and the cartel drama The Man Who Made It Snow, to be directed by Antoine Fuqua. Additional projects in development include Theater of War, based on an episode of “This American Life,” which will be directed by Alex Timbers; and Ubisoft’s film adaptation of the Tom Clancy video game “The Division,” in which Mr. Gyllenhaal will also star.
Through Nine Stories, he has produced Stronger, inspired by a true story and based on The New York Times bestseller of the same name. The movie, directed by David Gordon Green and to be released in 2017, is the deeply personal account of the heroic journey of Boston Marathon survivor Jeff Bauman (whom Mr. Gyllenhaal portrays).
He currently stars in Focus Feature’s Nocturnal Animals.

[@laurenlockhart4668]

Watching Jake Gyllenhaal interviews is self care.

[@katerinatasiou966]

whenever I am sad, depressed or sth, I immediately go and watch a Jake Gyllenhaal's interview so as his talent and humor make me happy again

[@souldiver101]

Katerina Tasiou That is exactly why I am watching right now. : )

[@user-yu9nh1ic4y]

And me! Just love to watch him talking. He is such a nice person.

[@Kattungi]

I feel you! Have you seen the clip of him singing "Finishing the Hat"? It's the same with that one for me. I absolutely adore his interviews with DP/30 as well. He's just such an intelligent person.

[@naruto00nix]

and also his steadiness and dedication. he is truly an inspired and inspiring person :D

[@winniecheoh3823]

Katerina Tasiou thanks for making me realise that I’m not the only one! His interviews cheered me up whenever I’m having a bad day!

[@QueenJaneway]

I feel like he's shy? It's adorable

[@spiritsofelderflower]

I am a little jealous of the people that asked questions because Jake really searched in the crowd and would smile at them and made so much eye contact and essentially was having a conversion with them.

[@cranberrylanssie6500]

He is probably the most dazzling man in Hollywood , beautiful eyes, contiguous smile, beautiful hair, magnetic voice!

[@pitpride1220]

I can listen to Jake talk about craft forever. He's so thoughtful. Pretty much every long term interview with him turns into a masterclass. He's also a master at making you feel welcome and important. At the end, you realize you don't know really much more about him personally. But you know a lot about him as an artist. That's how it's done.

[@CitizenDevi]

I'm watching Jake's interviews non-stop. So interesting.

[@lolaispure4296]

I love ur profule picture.

[@rebeccadumaurier8003]

She is a fabulous interviewer. So warm and engaging. I like how she asks questions that evolve from the conversation not just what she has written down!

[@ro79uj]

yes!!!!!! i agree she is lovely this whole thing is lovely

[@goodwh]

Rebecca Du Maurier, I’m sorry, but I beg to differ. She seems really needy, unfortunately. He’s just great, on the other hand.

[@daubipiccoli]

Yes! I think it's terrible when a interviewer just asks but doesn't comment about the answers.

[@saraoliveira8836]

he's obviously tired in this one and still making an effort to[successfully]giving interesting answers, love his professionalism and how passionate he is about his job

[@AndresGarcia-kj3jq]

Man...I nearly teared up when he was talking about the dying of craft. I always admired Gyllenhaal, but knowing how committed he is to the art and how much he respects it... This man is amazing and a true role model.

[@aaronkaminski9357]

I can't resist those blue eyes.

[@madhavnene2739]

I like his way of talking,his body language n his cute smile

[@Yeodoongiiie]

Every time I haven't seen jake in a while, I think to myself "what's the big deal with him? He's not that great". Then he begins talking and i remember why I love him so much. I could listen to him speak all day.

[@hnrbdrh]

This was probably one of his best Q&A's. Jenelle Riley was witty and funny, and Jake was so comfortable (yet tired). A delight!

[@krunchielloyd]

He seems like he would be a pleasure to work with. Great actor.

[@Zeldaspina]

He's so great and sensitive, clever, beautiful and thoughtful. Truly charming and more. He's completely committed to his job, which he treats as a real total passion, nothing but that. Amazing. I've been following him for something like 9 years now. I was in my early teens when I discovered him, and I'm never tired of his movies, ideas and whatever. :) thank you for this!

[@QueenJaneway]

Carmen Crem I have been following Jake since 2005! Glad to see another like me haha. I was OBSESSED about him and Brokeback Mountain!

[@MsCCarolinee]

I'm so crushing on him. At first I only liked him but listening to him, watching him, he is such a great human being. Now It's serious :D

[@Dorschdy]

For me, a man in his mid-twenties, he is an absolute role-model.

[@elmojedburgh3481]

MinaVagante Who's The Detective That He Mentioned At 41:34

[@mezznj]

She's my favourite interviewer, she is always really enthusiastic, always asks really good questions and keeps each interview really interesting

[@shukis17]

Dude finally talks about the process of him getting the role of Donnie Darko and it was the funniest stories he told in the whole video, I didn't expect that.

[@madhavnene2739]

I like Jake so much

[@noziapapuzia9509]

Ok. I've been ''in looove'' with him for so long, but after watching this I'm just like- he's my soulmate man

[@Fatinum]

He's so quick with that Hugh Grant impression! Great actor!

[@avely4163]

He has such soft and soothing voice

[@loveyourself9017]

5:50 that little clap when he mentioned October Sky .. yes ..i would have done the same .. cannot help but to appreciate it 🥺 incredible movie..and incredible acting ..still one of my favourites First movie i watched of Jake's ..

[@beltstyles3610]

Seems like a great person. So nice to hear an interviewer ask interesting questions instead of asking about things that don't matter (re: questions to celebrities on "Tonight Show" programs). Nice to hear an interviewer not interrupt a guest, too! Love her interview style.

[@ShaunGRAQUI77]

She is such a great host and interviewer. Lovely woman

[@aboutkimmy]

He's so shy and it's kinda adorable

[@Nazaba09]

I love his passion for remembering your lines. It’s so soul crushing when you meet an actor who doesn’t remember anything about a favorite movie.

[@luzclaritas.dealmeida4890]

he is extremely charming and talented and has an amazing sense of humor

[@Trina18]

I love interviews where he gets to talk without being interrupted all the time, bcoz he has so much to say that is definitely worth hearing. And that Hugh Grant impression was so damn cool

[@misquotes__]

This man deserves to be remembered for years and years as he is history in the making. Love you Jake. That's the first time I am saying that to a 'stranger'!

[@najmaismail2042]

Cut to 2 years later, he is in a one man show.

[@GChrisLovesSawyer]

the fact that he loves watching other great actors and watch them shine shows how much non-narchissist he is. SO REAR for an actor and so charming ! I LOVE YOU JAKE

[@charlie5115]

I came here for Jenelle Riley, love her, such a great interviewer and person!

[@michaeldonovan4793]

by his relaxed manner you can tell, like richard gere, he's a buddhist and meditates regularly...no ego game there...

[@ArjunRaj719]

What a great interviewer! She should have a talk show.

[@alguemai7792]

I would love to have those late night talks with him He has that sarcastic and ironic humour but he is also very thoughtful and down to earth, you know

[@taka-taktak]

This is why I am so in love with him lol..the duality. He has this light humoured sarcastic side but he also has this sombre, thoughtful side....

[@apseudonym]

rarely would i describe a man as 'bubbly' but jake is champagne

[@lionessmummy4418]

He has such a genuine smile. I love it.

[@wanikak913]

This man means so much to me

[@michaeltalbott4496]

She is a fantastic interviewer, and JAKE IS AN AMAZING TALENTED AND WONDERFUL INDIVIDUAL.

[@nepfordtwo4859]

i will never get enough of jake :)

[@jfrv2244]

There's just no getting over you I know I'm just a fool who's willing to sit around and wait for you But baby, can't you see there's nothing else for me to do? I'm hopelessly devoted to you Jake Gyllenhaal

[@fera1395]

It's 2019 and I am still watching it :) Why would anyone dislike this video?

[@arimax888]

Aww,his voice is so sweet!^___^.. & I enjoyed his insightful responses

[@ViktorijaFaith]

Jake Gyllenhaal is one of my favourite actors of all times! So talented

[@Mishy82193]

when they talked about Sign Language

[@jayestacio4390]

Jake gyllenhall is the best actor ever and down to earth that why he need to win Oscar in STRONGER....

[@josepha133]

He's my all time favourite actor!

[@WupWup68]

Jake is always a joy to listen to - and a joy to watch! Thank you Jenelle, for another great interview.

[@greeling907]

I think I m having the worlds biggest crush on this man 😢

[@kokoloka1223]

I like to listen to interviews with Jake (especially when i am stressed or sad) cause he has really calm voice. Greetings from Poland! Pozdrawiam!

[@anabeatrizsilva3237]

WHAT A MAN 💙

[@sammillanrj1]

Jake is THE BEST!!!!!!

[@jadesmith7088]

I enjoy Jenelle Riley very much as an interviewer. She is so insightful with her questions however personal on a kind level...

[@beatriceboldorini8606]

50:22 his love and admiration for "Annie" Hathaway is always showing 😍

[@aimee-hyj]

the way i’d die for this man

[@DarkGlam13]

Such a good and funny interviewer! she makes the conversation so fluid :)

[@courtrtney]

I love her dress

[@dennis4005]

Jake Gyllenhaal's commitment and passion for bringing stories to life are outstanding. I believe Jake would deeply appreciate savoring the insights into the constitutive nature of "story" as the fundamental expression of our striving to be fully human, contained in the remarkable writing of Judy Cannato in her books "Radical Amazement" and "Field of Compassion." Judy so eloquently explicates the phenomena of our being human, through her explanation of how our individual morphogenic field intertwines with our human nature which inherently longs to share our "personal" stories with others. Thank you, Jake, for the art, craft and work you so graciously and seriously share with us. Dennis Crowley

[@valeriejuffs7193]

I recognised Jake on Brokeback Mountain went on from there 🤪 Great actor sad about Heath Ledger x

[@sweetness371]

I'm so glad he's getting his chance to do Sunday in the Park with George again. I got my tickets. Can't wait to see it! This guy is great. By far my favorite actor.

[@noziapapuzia9509]

Have you seen it yet? I'm so curious, wish I could see it :)

[@sweetness371]

I'm going tomorrow night! I literally just landed in New York!

[@noziapapuzia9509]

omg ! So, can I be excited for you and with you tomorrow? Is there a tini tani chance for you to take a picture of the play and send it for me? That would mean a world to me! Hugs from Poland you lucky girl ;)

[@sweetness371]

I will try!!

[@noziapapuzia9509]

Thank you so much! I don't care if it will be blury or whatever :D

[@bellalitsa862]

oh my god. I'm seeing him in person this saturday in sunday and I'm SO EXCITED

[@all-timealien4483]

Donnie Darko is grown as hell now

[@caitlyn6303]

My favourite actor without a doubt! Love Jake so much, his personality is perfect and he’s so attractive!

[@iuliamic9735]

Is anyone else out here thrilled that he actually did that one-man show and also got to see it?! I'm talking about Sea Wall/ A Life, of course.

[@annawhite3585]

amazing interview, Jenelle is brilliant...but Jake is something else...

[@vernrogers2041]

i always thought Jake would have been a perfect Peter Parker in the spiderman films...really enjoy his work...very versatile

[@kaesthetyc]

I am so in love with him, thank you for this interview.

[@nicolewilliams3434]

"Moonlight Mile" , til this day ,is one of his best films bar none and no one ever talks about it .....

[@Cinni808]

Why is Jake just the best xD

[@claudes.whitacre1241]

I've watched a lot of these interviews. By far, Janelle Riley is the best interviewer. She makes the actor more interesting and lets them tell the story.

[@lynninfinite]

I watched the Boston bomber movie on a plane and seeing how much Jake prepared for this role makes my view of the movie that much greater. So much respect for him!!! I didn’t know he even spent time with the guy he portrayed. Wowwww!!! And the CGI in the movie too!

[@vespertinevolta806]

Jenelle always conducts such excellent interviews. Bravo.

[@fjfjncldwlis]

this interview is the best ever!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@b.carmen6020]

Thank you SAG-AFTRA for finally posting this!

[@theresaheyer537]

Jake's just great....humble and wonderfully real!thank you....evolution in progress.....xperience....

[@katieox3607]

Truly remarkable man and actor! ❤️

[@cocolily6609]

jake is a god damn legend

[@viriruiz1381]

He. Is. Amazing. I love him so much wow

[@angelinecohl9716]

Probably the BEST and SEXIEST actor of his generation so far! Congratulations Jake!

[@taka-taktak]

He says now that he was taking himself as an actor too seriously, I hope he did not mean this because I really admire the burning passion he had for what he did here.

[@ns1208]

Yeah..I want him to do his dark,gritty roles again.but Jake's unique feature was always his versatility.I don't mind his big budget films but I hope he returns to indie or classic films.

[@taka-taktak]

@@ns1208 what I mean is I hope he doesn't see his perspective of his profession which he had here as wrong.

[@blueberrymonday]

this interviewer is awesome

[@hawadiallokane7298]

Watching this with my 3 years old niece, she seem to like his voice. (Have to say it calms me too lol)

[@shoddypockets9666]

I love this guy. He's unique in the industry if you ask me. I know everyone is unique but he's kinda fully unique 😮!

[@Jessica-pn2ru]

I died at that Hugh Grant thing 😂 Hugh and Jake are still one of my faves 😄

[@lenasmrs]

Hilarious and smart

[@iqbalfebri4082]

This was so great interview , even tough jake look tired but this make him more kind of cute haha .. all of the question really flow away and i pretty much enjoy this .. both of them are great .. but i always see Jake just hard thinking looking by his eye when he don't like it , but i can see happy face and joy when he likes it haha .. really good interview so far

[@camillazonta2336]

he's so handsome I can't really I want to die

[@pillettadoinswartsh4974]

On Donnie Darko: Vince Vaughn turned down the lead role - Despite meeting with director Richard Kelly on four separate occasions to discuss playing the lead role in the film, Vaughn had some (legitimate) concerns about whether he would be able to pass for a 16-year old and eventually passed on the opportunity. Jason Schwartzman had to back out of the role, too - Although he liked the script and the storyline, the actor, best-known for his appearances in Wes Anderson films including Rushmore and The Grand Budapest Hotel, had to pull out due to scheduling clashes, which opened the door for Jake Gyllenhaal.

[@pitpride1220]

I think Jason is the one that Jake was referring to. I don't see him being intimidated by Vince's dramatic chops. Not that Vince is bad. He has some of the best comedic timing out there along with Jason Bateman. Which translates to well written drama perfectly. But I think Schwartzman picks the roles and films Jake would admire. They seem to have similar taste.

[@Rhowski]

oooow. that's the man I love to hear out. thanks!

[@Horrormoviefan9]

I love him

[@AllisonChains64]

I've noticed that he always seems a bit nervous. I see him fidget with his hands a lot.

[@jn5912]

Very good interview. well done

[@professorcarrothd]

I'm your biggest fan jake

[@highheartwellness]

That was an insanely good interview. Go Jake! Nice work Jenelle :)

[@shankarbalakrishnan2360]

Hello jake❤❤

[@amazingsupergirl7125]

This seems sooooo old. I guess it’s only four years ago? A lot has changed for him. All good stuff!

[@norawax1328]

Thank u Jen and love u Jay. I'm a big fan

[@Visitor1234]

That dress though 😍

[@rtjahyadi7868]

What a handsome man he is

[@oliviabourne2888]

sexiest man alive 2021 petition

[@haleypickelsimer7242]

Its his birthday today!!! Happy birthday Jake!! 😋🎉💖😚🤗