Jake Gyllenhaal performs an excerpt from Sea Wall / A Life | Live from Here with Chris Thile

[@CaseyMugar]

Single guy, no kids, and for some reason the line, "I wonder who is going to say our child's name for the last time" hit me like a ton of bricks.

[@jammyd33]

Me too bro.

[@devroyspa]

SAME

[@leif1075]

Do you have kids?

[@CaseyMugar]

@@leif1075 nope

[@corgis713]

It just sounds like he is telling his life story. What a great actor

[@Bamgeutcutiepie]

Wauw. He just WAS this character. How can he remember such dialog as if it’s his own speech. It’s not improvised. It’s a speech. It’s very impressive.

[@babyzillakilla]

Violet Daisy now imagine doing that for about an hour

[@3letterox]

its called a monologue

[@Bamgeutcutiepie]

Marisa Smith ok.

[@leif1075]

He probably practiced and rehearsed quite a bit..

[@Bamgeutcutiepie]

@@leif1075 you dont say.....

[@FullyMartin]

"I want to kiss her, and I want to tell her that I love her... but I don't." This line is so strange. Honestly, it encompasses so much emotion, and is so beautifully complex.

[@annah3585]

FullyMartin do you know what minute?

[@FullyMartin]

@@annah3585 6:55

[@symeiqbal1356]

Does he mean that he doesn't tell her or that he doesn't love her

[@FullyMartin]

@@symeiqbal1356 well it's up for interpretation, but for me: it's that feeling when you watch someone you love suffering. There's a mix of wanting to comfort and knowing what to say, but it's halted by an opposite emotion of fear and guilt and uncertainty. He does love her and he does want to hold her, but is it enough? Will it even help? Even though it's true, those words and actions feel like they're not enough

[@katherinetielking]

@@FullyMartin so beautifully said!

[@valeerie6423]

The transitions are seamless. Emotions are all too real. The characters have depth. They are people on paper, humans from his words. I want to laugh at times but it feels wrong. The suspense is exhilarating. I applaud you behind my screen, Gyllenhaal

[@jacesaces15]

yea, the ones that laugh do really get it.

[@leif1075]

Im not sure I get it..and what transitions?

[@lol-sl4oj]

@@leif1075 im not a hundred percent sure, but i think by transitions they mean the transitions between the two “stories” i guess, like the parts with his dad switching to the parts with his wife and just switching back and forth

[@peteb1206]

This is the sort of boundary pushing "acting but not acting" that the great Laurette Taylor tried to pioneer on film but was rejected for because she didn't appear to be acting. Jake is brilliant here, his phrasing and timing are masterful.

[@pawelzabicki7785]

It reminded me this ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iISXapqAZ8p-qLs

[@yasminxlbs]

i didnt realize he was acting, it’s so natural

[@GRANDerSimpsonizer13]

Gyllenhaal's ability to describe the scene and act from the excerpt is admirable. Such talent!!

[@Catalinauribe16]

I saw this show on August 24 and it's the most spectacular thing on Broadway. Jake is a roller coaster of emotions, it makes you laugh and the second makes you cry. I don't understand why they haven't given him an Oscar!

[@butterflystardust3143]

Yeah I saw this on Broadway and I was thoroughly impressed as well!! Such range!

[@Dani-vb9ux]

Because you don't get Oscars for Broadway performances

[@saitamatrash2527]

catalina Uribe you mean a Tony.

[@lbdan80]

They probably didn't mean an Oscar for this, they were probably just saying for his movie roles he definitely should have an Oscar. I think he's truly underappreciated and underrated.

[@cartmanbruh23]

he should have been nominated for nightcrawler!!!and won that.

[@Fran-le5pk]

I got lost in listening to this wonderful acting that I forgot that this was only a ten minute clip! Shame that I live in the UK and so won't be able to see this live :(

[@Adi-jb7nm]

Fran Smith same here man I wish they could play it at a cinema

[@Beautybycassiexo]

im pretty sure its going to london next year

[@abs0lutelya]

@@Beautybycassiexo Yes, he is!

[@Fran-le5pk]

@@Beautybycassiexo brilliant! I need to convince someone to come with me lol

[@Beautybycassiexo]

Fran Smith same lol I’m gonna travel over from Ireland

[@katwil89]

He makes it look so easy.

[@fatherlucid4995]

Wait I didn’t even know this was acting I thought he was just talking

[@Cyambao]

Hunter I was waiting for him to sing

[@mcrettable]

acting is reacting, and talking with your best mates!

[@comreality]

*that’s when you know*

[@fatherlucid4995]

Christina Yambao Me too

[@lligwoca]

They said it was a monologue when they introduced him.

[@aksnesnaval5907]

Both Jake Gyllenhaal and Tom Hiddleston should have their own podcast channel, where I can listen them all day

[@ObviouslyNaomi]

Duuuude. YESSSS

[@keilaizzlefoshizzle7499]

Naval MuFc YES

[@ani_sans]

"I remember reading somewhere or maybe somebody telling me about this idea that there are three kinds of death: the first is when our bodies ceases to function, the second is when we bury the body or I guess... set it on fire. And the third is the moment- sometimes way in the future, when our names are spoken aloud for the very last time. And I'm thinking with myself but I don't say it, I wonder who is gonna say our child's name for the last time." This honestly brought me to solid tears, what an astonishing experience must've been to be there and watch his and Tom's acting in person. Unfortunately I'm from another country, so even if it was still playing, I wouldn't be able to go, but I'm happy this exists somewhere else for us to listen.

[@coryogata]

Jake Gyllenhaal is such hair goals

[@pietra3099]

Jake Gyllenhaal is a walking piece of art

[@frostychickenprods]

Pietra Perondi Sater Thank you, on his behalf.

[@srishtigupta1093]

Couldn't agree more.

[@xiav3318]

I think this is the first time that I've REALLY been moved by acting. Of course there are movies, and reviews, and I understand why people say that an actor or actress had an "incredible" performance. But this, this is next level. How Jake made every single line he spoke his own, but remained in character. The emotions. The timing. The delivery. It was so human, and so real. Bravo.

[@redmoon2813]

WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST WATCH? this man is beyond talented it's crazy how i felt so many things in just 10 minutes omg!

[@kathrynnobbe]

Voice, tone, gestures, face, overall physicality-so much emotion and depth. He is magic and born to work live like this.

[@imperiumdivinity]

Oh my god- Jake’s beautiful acting is enough to bring me to the verge of tears, might as well buy a ticket and fully cry at the show, am I right? ✨

[@unesco2433]

Omg jake I want to soooo badly go personally witness this masterpiece in New York but I live all the way here in Europe and I can’t pay for my travels. 😭😭 this performance was mind blowing. His emotional and mood fluctuation is beautiful

[@olakorona2211]

i feel you. my heart breaks everytime i see an ad or sth related to this on instagram or youtube.

[@katakunamo1257]

m d they have to release this somewhere

[@officialsoledad8298]

same...

[@miashaw1599]

Yeah same, every time I see a post from Seawallalife channel it hurts because I wanna see it so bad and I can’t afford it and I can’t get there

[@jonathanpensado7190]

They released it on audible!

[@Tupapi294]

This is the kind of performance that, at the end, causes to you to inhale deeply and then silently just allow the emotion to run its way through you. Brilliantly done.

[@ellaminnow]

I wish I had been aware of this when it was on broadway. I listened to the audible performance and I was captivated.

[@elizamullins1795]

The most incredible actor... What an amazing performance. So much love for him.

[@JulieBugEchelon]

Wow!! I'm shook how well he transitioned from story to story and maintained to evoke emotion in both at the same time. Bravo

[@sophiamanly621]

I really want to go see Seawall / A Life, but I can't. I realize this is only 10 minutes of the monologue and yet I still cried. Its incredible

[@lex1088]

watch Andrew Scott doing it. he's sooo good, I cried A LOT.

[@srishtigupta1093]

@@lex1088 omg yes Andrew Scott is amazing! Do you have links to his Seawall performance?

[@lakshmi4224]

@@srishtigupta1093 kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5y0nqRtrthmjbs&pp=ygUUc2Vhd2FsbCBhbmRyZXcgc2NvdHQ%3D

[@michelle80025]

I am so jealous I wasn't able to see him in this show, he's so engaging, I could listen to him all day. Absolutely incredible actor

[@frilanstranslator]

10 minutes and nothing seemed even a little bit off. Mastery of an art.

[@nagellajean-baptiste747]

I could listen to him talk and not get bored ever. Only him and my son I don't get bored and annoyed listen to.

[@xiav3318]

I cant express my admiration for him. Just in absolute awe of how insanely talented he is. The emotion that he invokes, creates, its powerful, and unexplainable.

[@sweetlittlemagic]

im crying in my room at 4 am now thanks to you

[@RayPurcell]

I had the privilege of seeing this on Broadway and it's was such an incredible experience to see Jake and Tom perform it. Two of the most talented actors of a generation.

[@tammydavis4219]

I'm crying thinking about my own dad that died in this manor with heart failure. His doctor was not so kind and was impatient with me. I was alone at the hospital with my dad when he died and the doctor rudely said as he opened his eyelids "see, he is unresponsive". He did this because the nurse and I saw his arm twitch a couple of times and she brought him back in. So much for bed side manners...

[@rens3333]

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. It's hard enough to go through that already...

[@bjnm32]

Tammy Davis So sorry about you lost, I lost my dad due to the same thing 2 years ago my dad’s doctors were great but the day he passed away was like time standing still

[@eltravos99]

WOW

[@dertrix37]

Please report that doctor! That is unacceptable behavior!

[@rosariorob6954]

I have just listened to the full monolgue an audible. He is sooo good! I cried like 5 times. I really can't understand why he hasn't been nominated for an Academy Award. One of the best actors of this generation!

[@l0realparis]

he was nominated in 2006

[@Merely]

So good! That 10 and a half minutes felt like 3 minutes! XO

[@lukenarlee8118]

I attended "Sea Wall" earlier this month and it was amazing! Both actors did a fantastic job, but Jake is just on a whole other level. He had so much energy, charisma and stage presence. And his acting was phenomenal. The audience kept switching back and forth from laughing to crying. He's my favorite actor and I was certainly not disappointed. I didn't want it to end! Definitely go see this if you ever have the chance.

[@shellcryptid]

Absolutely blown away. Left hanging and wanting more!

[@alyserendipity]

I saw Jake and Tom perform this at their final show in New York. It was the first and last Broadway show I’ve ever seen, and it was absolute beautiful perfection. Two incredible monologues. So happy there are clips online!!

[@chasitysavannah7903]

He was acting 😲 I thought he was doing a spoken word about his life. I kept thinking to myself when did he get married 🤔🤦 That's some great acting.

[@amoghskulkarni]

I love how he primes you for the events to come in a very subtle way. For example, he uses the phrase at 3:17 "plate full of bones" in such a peculiar way - people never really talk about someone else's plate, you know. And what follows is the moment in the hospital with his wife, where they're looking at "a pile of a tiny kitten's bones" 7:22. Priming the listener's mind with these subtle literary devices is quite common, but it's hard to get it right. This is just one example, and may be I am seeing patterns where they aren't. But I thought I should share this with you all.

[@whengrapespop5728]

Amogh Kulkarni I perceived the “plate full of bones” part in the sense that she had already finished her meal, and being in a conversation while staring at a plate when there’s only bones left instead of looking at the person you’re talking to gives dimension to the “colder” emotions she’s giving off. If there was food on her plate, the moment would be less dramatic, and keeping her gaze at the plate of food wouldn’t necessarily imply that she was acting “distant” as much as it would when there’s only bones.

[@lakshmi4224]

Same with the phrase 'exact, in contrary opposite' !!

[@lakshmi4224]

So good. And also, saying the empty cheese casing was made of 'wicker' ... a material usually used in reference to coffins ...

[@inamiinas]

this is honestly so amazing, i love how it doesn't even seem like he's acting it's just rolling off of his tongue so fluently.

[@suzannaheike2302]

How does one memorize that much text I mean......

[@alien2571]

Literally 😮

[@milesurbanozo7230]

Great Actor this guy! He also had a good diction that even the auto generated captions are all correct.

[@fjel_m]

Oh my. I can listen to/watch this man all day. That was amazing.

[@shalz26]

Was lucky to catch this in person on Broadway Aug 2019. Such an amazing, moving performance by both the stars. This 10 min clip is just the tip of the iceberg, it only got better and better.

[@bri3176]

This hits really close to home for me. My dad died from a heart attack when I was a little kid and the next morning when I found out I ate donuts with my family.

[@Kristine_202]

I just listened to the entire monologue on Audible. I really hope he wins the Tony. He was brilliant. I wish I could have seen him perform it live.

[@cc-gx8hr]

It takes a great actor to allow the audience to experience the work exactly as it is intended, through the mouth of the character and not the mouth of the actor. So believable, it’s unbelievable!!! Great job Gyllenhaal!!

[@jensenrichardson2519]

Why is this man a perfect pure angel?

[@leoniemelodie7]

Gosh, I feel so vulnerable after this. At the end when the guy hugged him it conforted me too.

[@mlily6119]

He’s so good at story tellingggg. I listen to him read the great gatsby on audible when I can’t sleep

[@isabelah3023]

When he finished, I almost clapped by accident.

[@ktrob2495]

What do you mean almost? I did clap. I clap after most performances on Live From Here though 😉

[@DariusVincentHughes]

Honestly he’s been my favorite actor for over 6 years now and this just exemplifies why. Him alone talking to himself on stage for 10 minutes and I am immeasurably moved. Obviously a big part of this is the excellent writing but with the wrong person performing it, it could come across as awkward and jarring. He absolutely is 100% honest up there and believes every word. Completely captivating.

[@sufjan4877]

He plays all the female parts as though he's trying to impersonate Maggie.

[@bellciante]

yess i noticed that too, kind of sweet though

[@romina3323]

I love him! He is a completely artist! 👏👏 Jake Gyllenhaal is a master ❤️!!!

[@Sashacalderon]

I swear if he doesn’t get nominated for a Tony for this show I’m going to be very upset...it’s so natural to him

[@falonsmith1215]

Update he was nominated 🥰

[@michelle80025]

Do we know when the Tony's have been rescheduled for? I really hope Jake wins best actor ❤️

[@firefox1578]

@@michelle80025 by any chance it you don’t know it’s on September 26

[@delightlovesmusic]

Wow whatta lovely man.

[@fanattaj4889]

This was so amazing. I was lost in the story, so much emotion. What a fantastic actor. What a privilege it must be to see him doing a live performance. I only wish I could...

[@JeffinBville]

We need more of this.

[@hanahanony679]

He is amazing

[@shay9491]

This is so beautiful. I don't have a chance to see this live cuz I live in a different country and I really feel like I'm missing out, so thank you for uploading this!

[@Ellewolf20]

Me too but watching this only made me sadder that I will never be able to see the full live version because it was so amazing!

[@hinaakhtar115]

I really hope someone uploads the full show! Feel the same. 😢

[@yourname5121]

10 minutes but I feel like it's only 3, damn this talented man

[@IsaiahMarcellino]

That is insanely impressive, I started crying thinking about my dad dying like that.

[@edwincatalan5000]

This Is amazing , this Is acting , he delivers so many emotions so many stories , feelings , wooow definitely one of the best actors in history and in our genaretion. He Is genious.

[@taka-taktak]

I think this monologue is an alternating juxtaposition of two scenes: his father's death and his child's birth. It was like he was telling his own life story, didn't even feel like he was performing.

[@astrangermagi]

Man I was so so into it, I want to know how it ends? You can't leave me hanging like this?

[@camille141]

Jake is such a brilliant actor! I have watched SWAL three times at Hudson Theatre last year, I want to watch it one more time. Also, Jake is so sweet, kind, and beautiful ❤️

[@slimefudge]

That’s so sad. I got teary-eyes towards the end. Would love to hear the rest

[@joanneweiss3864]

Now I'm glad I couldn't get tickets to this but saw him do this monologue here! Having had one miracle son 25 yrs ago after 9 early miscarriages, and my dad dying at home of a silent coronary at 50, I knew I'd cry at his magnificent perfor but I had to pause now at 6 min I'm sobbing so hard, he's incredible!!!

[@iamjuliesmith]

I wish I could have seen the whole play(( brilliant

[@kaiadaigle937]

The ADHD in this monologue is 👌🏻

[@nicksurfs1]

Kaia Free haha, good point! I forget not everyone’s brain works like this. I do think it adds to the narrative though. It’s interesting to switch between the birth and the death without all that clunky “meanwhile, while this was happening” language.

[@MrLukacf]

YES!!! I have ADHD and it's really like that!!!

[@bashiordache]

wait, what do you mean ? you're noticing something i'm not and i wanna know what it is, can you point me to some examples/resources ? thanks

[@sufjan4877]

@@bashiordache He is relating these quick transitions to two different scenarios with how someone with ADHD thinks... One thought and bam! Another and so on..

[@muktagandhi4675]

Exactly what I was thinking. Glad someone thought the same.

[@realbite966]

Daddy Jake! You are amazing!

[@Evitadp]

Having suffered a placental abruption myself at 6 weeks of pregnancy, with all that comes with it, ie. the blood and the rush to the hospital in the middle of the night, followed by the relief of the nurse's smile, I can say he's so honest with his performance it's hard to believe he hasn't been through the same ordeal.

[@HorseMuse]

This guy can do anything, such depth of talent! He is so blessed!

[@aaliyahstark1083]

I really hate that I live in California...just those 10 little minutes made me feel a whole rollercoaster of emotions! I long for the rollercoaster to be longer. This was amazing! Made me want to cry but then laugh and then feel panicky with Jake but then confused as well. Wow just wow

[@LaurenOrion]

He’s so good I literally thought he was just talking

[@zez4497]

it was hard to even know that this wasn't his story and that he does this all the time. i would love to see this show. my dad's ex saw it and her daughter got to meet jake gyllenhaal. lucky.

[@sammy68]

Someone take me to see this show before it ends! 😢

[@dollykings937]

The amount of emotions I just went through are insane. He is so good!

[@Negative_NBG]

That line about the 3 deaths hit me so hard

[@scubagrace]

Wow I'm so tired and I wasnt going to watch all of this but I got so hooked!!!! It felt so natural, like I was just listening to him talk about a real event in his life. This man is incredible.

[@zhm96]

Sometimes it really sucks living in Australia. You miss out on all the great theatre that both the US and the UK have to offer

[@bonbonS1969]

At least you get good public welfare.

[@saracummings6077]

Was fortunate enough to experience this play live At the Hudson theatre three weeks ago... no words for how entirely.. yeah, still no words. So good.

[@kasandraclemente6591]

Brilliant! I, too, thought he was just talking. What a memory! Wonder how many times he memorized this!

[@burpie3258]

I... cried during this. This was amazing.

[@1Megan1Grace]

This was so stunning to not only listen to but watch

[@coverblown21]

i just saw the full show on broadway today, and i sobbed for nearly the entirety of Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance. he is truly incredible in it and the writing is brilliant, devastating, funny, biting, etc etc etc. see it if you get the chance

[@melissasotelo9931]

I’m glad I get to relive at least a small part of the show again. Truly beautiful

[@sayakahayashi8227]

His talent is just remarkable

[@Itgyrl909]

Absolutely Fascinating... a Legend he is.

[@unemisanthrope1407]

After this adorable acting, he looks so nervous, with his hands in front of him and his curved back, forgetting to say goodbye to the host. I almost want to tap his back and say "It's OK, stand tall, you've been great"

[@bmth1992]

This was absolutely superb! Can someone give him ALL oscars please !

[@nadaandroid97]

Thank you for uploading this, truly! I live so far away and I'd never be able to see it live but this small clip was enough to give me a glimpse of what the whole play might be. So so beautiful, it made me cry.

[@marcelaludenia2240]

I feel like inside the emergency room , fart flashback and babycoming at the same time , wellcome Norberth , thank you Jake, we love you so so much.

[@ashwhite3810]

I love this mans talent and he seems like a nice, funny guy.

[@the1whereIwatch]

I saw this on broadway and he was FANTASTIC!

[@TheNyah5]

The most underrated actor of our time.

[@sherlock.117]

I’ll be honest, I skipped through the video to find the point where he recites the excerpt. It sounded like he was just talking thru the whole thing. That’s how good of an actor he is. Fantastic memorization and emotional projection

[@SavanaBoehm]

He did this beautifully. Magic.

[@cassgray9340]

Beautiful performance, very real and fragile. I held in laughs at times, cringed at others (in a good way) and yearned for the safety of this captivating character and his family. “I didn’t realize that you could plan for a birth, in fact I thought the exact and contrary opposite was the case.” Can’t plan for a death? I believe that’s his meaning, at least -and how true. I wish I could see the entirety of the show :-)