Maggie Gyllenhaal Breaks Down Her Career, from 'Donnie Darko' to 'The Dark Knight'| Vanity Fair

Maggie Gyllenhaal discusses the films and television shows that make up her career, including 'Waterland," "A Dangerous Woman," "Donnie Darko," "Secretary," "Mona Lisa Smile," "Sherrybaby," "The Dark Knight," "Crazy Heart," "The Honorable Woman," "The Deuce," "The Kindergarten Teacher," and "The Lost Daughter."
Maggie Gyllenhaal stars in The Deuce. Watch Season 3 of The Deuce Monday nights on HBO.
Still haven’t subscribed to Vanity Fair on KZbin? ►► bit.ly/2z6Ya9M
Want to stay in the know? Subscribe to Vanity Fair Magazine and be exquisitely informed ►► vntyfr.com/2RuQGW2
ABOUT VANITY FAIR
Arts and entertainment, business and media, politics, and world affairs-Vanity Fair’s features and exclusive videos capture the people, places, and ideas that define modern culture.

[@elucified]

Her voice is so calming to listen to. I wish her voice narrated my inner thoughts, it always sounds like a very intimate and genuine and honest moment.

[@TheMags4life]

I would love to listen to her reading audio books or asmr

[@Lilypale]

She does the audiobook for Anna Karenina- I literally have made it so far in the book because her voice is so comforting and soothing

[@rebekahp4083]

Lilypale ahhhh I was about to comment this! Absolutely love her narration.

[@kalmykdude]

Sounds like a man.

[@drpoundsign]

@@Lilypale She Also is the spokesperson for Fedex (aired during NFL games.) Awww....she sold out to The MAN!)

[@nikkidee9383]

This is probably my favorite out of all of these. The way she reminisces about her previous experiences is so thoughtful and there is so much self awareness and growth. Wish she would have talked about Stranger Than Fiction though. What a unique movie.

[@hucz]

Couldnt agree more, I also wish she talked about her role on STF. They should have had that one ready for her.

[@davidf2244]

Tragic they missed it. My favorite movie of hers! Edit: my second favorite movie of hers is probably Secretary. That movie stays with you.

[@hulkslayer626]

Such an underrated movie!

[@BryanLomax]

Stranger Than Fiction is one of my absolute favourite movies. So underrated!

[@Nalijay]

I love that film.

[@antoniobrooks474]

I love how she paused for a few seconds after she said Heath’s name

[@antoniobrooks474]

d d it’s called a “moment of silence”

[@sha11235]

Heath also went camping with her brother Jake.

[@mila6009]

Such an underrated actress. I adore her.

[@zonk3835]

Franzi Mila unfortunately she isn’t bigger is because she isn’t the typical Hollywood Hottie

[@15Candles]

@@zonk3835 kinda true, always wonder why Jake got a lot of recognition whereas Maggie is so underrated compare to her brother

[@ns1208]

@@15Candles because she lacks the charisma Jake has & also he is much better in acting than her.

[@ramboyaltura2310]

She could 100% play Princess Leia if they make a prequel about her similar to Solo

[@natashadame4397]

omg yes

[@GeorgeAmador]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXXbdqd5mMeghac

[@Jennyfisch]

While I hope they stop with the Star Wars movies, I agree she would be perfect casting, and Carrie would surely approve

[@princebpolar8429]

Kinda also hard considering Princess Leia was considered to be 19 years old in NH (Carrie's actual age around the time of filming Star Wars), unless they use some of that deaging technology on her.

[@ramboyaltura2310]

@@princebpolar8429 Well the prequel could take place like pre-tfw and post-roftj. There's a lot of empty air with the stuff that went down during that time period. :/

[@JamJim]

00:33 - Waterland 01:30 - Donnie Darko 02:22 - Secretary 04:13 - Mona Lisa Smile 05:06 - Sherrybaby 06:31 - The Dark Knight 08:36 - Crazy Heart 10:57 - The Honorable Woman 12:28 - The Deuce 14:43 - The Kindergarten Teacher 16:10 - The Lost Daughter

[@eliottmalhotra909]

Jim Jam GOd bLesS

[@rhiannongreen2642]

Hysteria wasn't a highlight? Haha

[@davidf2244]

Jim Jam 2020

[@sulemanrana9525]

You’re the real MVP

[@leahjohnson5831]

Jim Jam thanks sm xx

[@pitpride1220]

I love that she's vulnerable enough to admit fear working on the Dark Knight. Most actors feel this. But aren't liberated enough to share that with us.

[@burlhorse61]

most actors feel the same-because of the money involved

[@ramonacunningham5954]

I have to say that when I watched TDK, I felt she was so poorly filmed and lit. She constantly looked like she had circles under her eyes. Maybe it was the weight of motherhood, to which she alludes. But still, the DP and Nolan should have taken care of her better in this regard. It is on the screen forever like that.

[@JAnderson-xo4go]

There`s something very unique about Maggie. She has a beautiful, genuine innocence and honesty. Incredible lady.

[@glenrichardson8266]

Maggie does a great job illustrating how nuanced the issue of consent is.

[@justalittleguywithsomeproz1162]

I love her and James Spader in Secretary, they play so good together, and she's just so amazing in it 😍😍

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

I've been madly in love with Maggie since I saw her in "Secretary" all these years ago. She is just the best.

[@kevlow9494]

That's also my favourite performance of hers, alongside Crazy Heart.

[@sha11235]

She's a good person.

[@KimsLantern]

I loved this interview. She is all *woman.* The way she talks and carries herself is beautiful and wonderful. She’s inspiring to me.

[@nknownnknown7613]

Toxic femininity

[@losd9817]

lol is that u maggie??????? hahaha

[@CrankyB1tsch]

Dafq does it even mean? And what that dumb toxic femininity comment is about 😂 jeez people are just nuts these days

[@KrystalMimms]

Thrilled she talked about Sherrybaby, Maggie is one of those actresses that isnt afraid to give it her all and plays gritty characters incredibly well. Her in The Duece is unmatched...such an amazing show.

[@KatieKamala]

She's smart and classy and someone who remarkably hasn't been ruined by Hollywood.

[@thebunnyfoofoo]

Probably because her mom, dad and brother are in Hollywood.

[@AntonioHernandez-li7kv]

Yep, and thats amazing

[@justme7625]

Out of all such interviews, this just won me over. She’s just so articulated in her words. And the way that she expresses those experiences, there’s something about it that’s just so well thought and candid. It seems that there’s just so much self-awareness inside of her, which is something that is pretty rare these days in the industry that she works in

[@moeshickenyay]

She’s been in some pretty badass movies.

[@mousse4444]

It's incredible how much talent she and her brother have.

[@tiagofincher]

Secretary is such an amazing movie. Just wonderful! Stranger than Fiction also, a joy to watch! And now The Deuce is coming to a end and I will miss Candy very very much. So yes, Maggie Gyllenhaal is one of my favorites actresses.

[@afrolovely]

my gosh I love hearing Maggie talk!!! "Secretary" will always be one of my favorites, but now I need to watch her other films.... great talent!

[@Vekna666]

She has a quality to her which is difficult to put into words

[@37thraven]

Serene. Wise beyond her years. Inviting.

[@sweiland75]

Charisma.

[@elizabethsmith9624]

Extreme arrogance. She puts on this serene, calm voice but she's anything but. She's pompous and a bad listener

[@aikaterineillt9876]

Do you know here personally or do you know something we don’t? You keep replying the same thing under every comment.

[@hehnitea]

I’m heartbroken they didn’t show Frank 😔 but Maggie is honestly amazing in this interview though, very thoughtful & warm

[@LuisMedina1]

Agreed. Frank is amazing and she's so memorable in it.

[@BigDan98]

Only ogs will know she voiced Elizabeth in Monster House

[@mim_zy487]

Her English accent in ‘nanny mcphee n the big bang’ is SO good I generally thought that she was an English Actress

[@nishalnandwani]

that pause when she said "Heath"..

[@obviously1871]

stop making everything dramatic

[@nishalnandwani]

@@obviously1871 ok coolio. obviously, you're not in tune to obvious social hints.

[@kerry9025]

*I absolutely adored “Secretary”. It’s definitely different & not a lot of people get it but I just love it. I have it on DVD & watch it fairly regularly. Loved “Crazy Heart” too & have it on DVD also.*

[@natalieitliongfechter6073]

Love her! She seems so down to earth and really enjoys her craft of being an actress!

[@MukeshKumar-jo3jl]

How come she has no cheek lines? I've had them since I turned 39. I'm 40 now. And Maggie is 41

[@superheroedits1315]

Mukesh Kumar who cares? why are you being judgy

[@MukeshKumar-jo3jl]

@@superheroedits1315 I'm not being judgy. I would just like to know how she prevented them. Maybe that way I can get rid of mine. Back in April last year, I had none

[@MrKinghuman]

She’s not. Was online behind her in a coffee shop in manhattan and she’s very posh and cold to people. Some girl was trying to get her attention for an autograph or a picture and she ignored her like she wasn’t there. She gives off a weird vibe.

[@brittanyr9471]

@@MrKinghuman maybe shes just awkward. Just because you're well known doesn't mean you're okay with strangers coming up to you and asking you for things. It's okay to be shy and awkward in person

[@Sare787]

Mona Lisa Smile! One of my favourite movies.

[@jasonspencer8558]

I love her dynamic with Jake in Donnie Darko. They felt so comfortable.

[@Omomoification]

I feel like I've really slept on Maggie Gyllenhaal. She seems really laid back and good at her job and just. Aware?

[@elizabethsmith9624]

She's very pompous IRL

[@sha11235]

@@elizabethsmith9624 Listen troll, what is the issue here?

[@elizabethsmith9624]

@@sha11235 Oh hi Maggie!

[@Crazy_Diamond_75]

@@elizabethsmith9624 What makes you say that, out of curiosity?

[@MrShortM]

My favorite role of Maggie's was so unexpected, in Stranger Than Fiction. Love it to this day

[@jacksonmarschall7005]

Such a great voice! I loved her reading of Anna Karenina on Audible.

[@chasehedges6775]

One word to sum this video up: *RACHEL!* Also, she was in Nanny McPhee Returns. She was also very good in that film. 6:32-6:36: RIP Heath Ledger.

[@MikeClarke85]

Wait, so 'Stranger Than Fiction' doesn't even get a look in?

[@JuiceMyRandomness]

MikesRambles I loves that film!

[@shruggling]

I was waiting for it too!

[@sha11235]

They couldn't do all her films. Maybe that wasn't a big role for her? They didn't do Won't Back Down either, although she is one of the leads.

[@enegmatixerebro]

She's fantastic 🍻 Time to go watch Monster House! It's spooky season boi!

[@loveforeignaccents]

Always found something so attractive about her, as well as her brother, and such great actors too!

[@elizabethsmith9624]

Both are very self-important people

[@natatatt]

Great actress. And loved her early role in Mona Lisa Smile, you could tell she had the ability to stick around in the industry.

[@TheLexieWilson]

I love the pause after she said; "Heath". I'm not even sure she noticed it. We lost someone so great when we lost him. We still feel the ache of his loss. :(

[@sonablom]

Sherry baby and secretary are such fantastic movies with really interesting and vulnerable main characters.

[@Juudithshine]

Its great that she talked about the consent at the end in detail! Nicely summarized!

[@37thraven]

Maggie's most repeated line in this: "We hung out." How did Maggie Gyllenhaal break into Hollywood? By being her authentic accessible self - By hanging out :) Destined not to become yet another cliche starlet

[@Squival138]

Or you know, her hollywood parents and brother...

[@Jennyfisch]

Next to talent it is really important that you get along with co-stars, directors and also crew. Many (often talented) people have ruined their careers by being insufferable.

[@gzer0x]

Some people call it Networking

[@angelmora3660]

@@Squival138 Like, yeah she is talented. But it's mostly because of her parents - at least in the beginning.

[@gavsterdb]

"My Dad directed Waterland"

[@TheLexieWilson]

Secretary is when i found her and fell in love with her as an actress. I learned about her as a person after and i just loved her and Jake since I have a little brother too. Older sisters to baby brothers are just different kind of women. :) I admire her - she's so incredibly smart and talented. :) and just beautiful!

[@VeeLondon1449]

Falling in love with Jeff Bridges 9:17 “Against All Odds..” no pun intended!! Lol..

[@user-ev9yz1yb7l]

This is a beautiful video. the music, the softness and thoughtfulness in her voice. I love it and I love her.

[@norabui]

She’s so graceful, articulate, and thoughtful about her craft ❤️

[@nafseltaeb]

Where is stranger than fiction?

[@mattimeo12345]

One of my favorite movies. Wish it was talked about.

[@VanGtfogh]

Came here to say this

[@FjarilGoddess]

My thought exactly,one of my favorites such a unique little gem, I waited for it to come up and yet they never come to it 🤔 also "Wont back down"...

[@montanasojourn]

In reality, Will Ferrell was the star. I am not saying she wasn't good, but the other movies showed off her acting more. But, I love Stranger than Fiction.

[@delialouis]

Seriously slept on as a movie, and one of my favorites! The scene in the bakery where she force feeds Will Ferrell hands down would have been perfect here, particularly when we get her backstory. One of my favorite performances of hers by far.

[@Mikki220]

I love Secretary.

[@pigpiggypigbigpig681]

Every time I've seen her on film she's gotten better and better. Now I look forward to anything she does. She helped make The Honorable Woman one of my favorite recent shows and her character Candy is the main reason I watch The Deuce.

[@ColourfulSushi]

VF i'm absolutely in love with this series and Maggie is one of my favorite actresses. Especially in the deuce! This series makes me feel a lot closer to the actors and the series they brought to life. Would you be able to do more Career Breakdowns for Actors of color? I would love to see Angela Bassett, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis, Megan Good, Kerry Washington... And on the male side, Taye Diggs, Terrance Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Morris Chestnut, Denzel Washington, etc? Thank you so much!

[@burlhorse61]

is the deuce on netflix?

[@Goland454]

I loved her in Stranger Than Fiction!~!

[@eduardomerino8098]

Fun fact Maggie Gyllenhaal was one of the many actresses considered for the role of Rose in Titanic. I think she would've played the role well alongside Christian Bale.

[@ToryIsCooliest]

I was hoping she would talk about Frank because I love that movie and thought her character was so interesting

[@JustCallMeMeghan]

Secretary is such a great film. Made me fall in love with both Maggie and James. Very powerful.

[@bernig]

Phenomenal actress and such an interesting and complex filmography. Still have vivid memories of seeing her do Uncle Vanya in NY. Can’t wait for what’s to come!

[@shelbybutler9714]

The Lost Daughter was a great film. Not every woman has a "maternal" instinct. I love how Gyllenhaal illustrated that with such compassion. :)

[@RealLeystar]

Meeting and having a meeting with you was one of the best highlights of my life

[@ed-edd-n-eddy]

This entire family is talented. Love The Deuce, especially Maggie's character.

[@katienc2000]

she’s so hypnotiizing i forgot where i was and everything just wow

[@Flint1545]

Crazy Heart is one of my favorite movies. She was so great in it

[@Sin_Del.42]

I do not know much about Maggie Gyllenhaal, but watching her and talk about her career, tells me that her goal was never to be an actress, it's like she gave it a shot and got hired for a lot of projects. Like she just saw it as a job, not fame. If she got a part great, if not cool. She vibes a very humble approach to the profession and offers more than amazing skills to her performance. I remember watching the Batman begins and I thought Katie Holmes was another supporting actress that eventually would be replaced, as a character, like the other batman movies. Her performance didn't really stand out and gave me vanilla vibes. Then the second movie came around and I see the same character and my gosh even though she didn't have a lot of scenes Maggie, to me, outdid herself, I even cried when her character died. Knowing Nolan, I think he made a great choice in Maggie. I think Katie Holmes is a grade B or C actress, in which a lot of people liked it because she is pretty, and many because I have seen the comments, threw shade at Maggie because she didn't meet the standard that Hollywood has portrayed in a love interest for the hero. But Maggie Gyllenhall is gorgeous! and a grade A actress, it is all about performance and how the character is conveyed!

[@silviebee]

She's so wholesome and beautiful. Love her charisma

[@katieturner6685]

What an amazing actor! I have always loved her xx

[@persoballauron5457]

She is so sweet and inspiring. I love her.

[@dead_beatbunny]

Maggie is so underrated. So many actors focus on the words but she performs with her whole body. Watch her in anything and you'll see.

[@Joshhicks1186]

She is awesome, a true artist.

[@adalovelace521]

she's an excellent actress

[@JuiceMyRandomness]

Seriously one of my top performers 🖤

[@magnolianame8818]

I adore this woman. I could listen to her talk about Secretary and Sherrybaby and The Kindergarten Teacher.

[@indiiedreamer]

I'd forgotten about Secretary! What a good movie!! I have to rewatch it!

[@sena.eksiii]

i wish they had ask her about the monster house too, since they did mocap for that movie and all that..

[@texas8887]

Loved you in deuce😍😍😍

[@hayleyannamathieson674]

A class Act. So talented and Inspiring.♥️

[@tanyasherriff2146]

love her Secretary one of my favourite films

[@sleepyparade]

i need more of this woman

[@Daiin0]

One of the best actresses right now

[@marikrios]

I loved her in Riding in Cars with Boys

[@adamlancsak6606]

I fell in love with her in Mona Lisa smile then I didn't really follow her career and then fell again in The Honorable Woman.

[@joscar062]

*All we need is Jake Gyllenhaal to break down Broke back Mountain*

[@LeraTri]

Oscar Jimenes he’s already done it at GQ

[@joscar062]

@@LeraTri what's GQ?

[@LeraTri]

Oscar Jimenes it’s a magazine and a channel here on YT

[@minkjindal]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGiXo5uAbpmZjrM 16:35

[@MrsGreenCrocs]

Stranger 👏🏾 than 👏🏾 fiction 👏🏾

[@elidatboi12]

her performance in The Deuce was incredible.

[@tracynelson9789]

Ohhhh she is so lovely and thoughtful. Her energy is so serene, confident and authentic. Best actress of her generation.

[@PodJanina]

100% She is one of the most underrated actresses the last decade!!!

[@veerchasm1]

She is excellent in everything she stars in

[@gavinhenderson7250]

Well The Lost Daughter is now on my radar.

[@AntonioHernandez-li7kv]

such a gorgeous actress so Talent and I hope to see more of her in the future, bless her 😍✌️

[@editingman95]

Joker will be like Well help beautiful

[@lesliekhouck]

WHERE is Stranger Than Fiction? I decided I adored MG after that role ❤❤

[@chrisking2799]

I love her so much. She is such a natural talent. She is magical. A great Actor.

[@miikkavalimaki]

Oh my, she is so precious and lovely.

[@samuelsitompul1619]

Great scoring. Really well produced.

[@contis_house]

I love her. A very talented and beautiful human being.

[@uosdwiSrdewoH]

Maggie Gyllenhall is easily one of the best and most fascinating actors of this generation. No matter what she's in you cannot stop watching her. She's mesmerizing.

[@tiffsaver]

In my opinion, "Secretary" was her best and most riveting performance of all. BRILLIANT.

[@norskawarrior1919]

She reminds me of Annette Bening. In that intelligent, sophisticated and sultry kind of way.

[@kyliebolding1875]

Secretary is one of my favorite movies, love this lady ❤

[@PeaceNLiebe]

Nothing could have prepared me to watch Secretary when I was 10 lmao I was mortified but could tell Maggie was an amazing actress

[@lizsmith4104]

I Love Love, Away We Go! Her character in that movie was really funny

[@valentinamaggie1253]

I love you Maggie! You are among my favorite actresses! You deserved to win the Oscar for Sherrybaby and Crazy Heart!

[@sha11235]

Amazing she didn't even get nominated for Sherrybaby. Well, at least she has one Oscar nod now and who knows what will happen down the road?

[@TomRipley7350]

"The Honourable Woman" is when I sat up and took notice. She was outstanding. I'm English and it didn't occur to me she wasn't.

[@DonovanPresents]

I'm so glad she brought up the movie secretary! 😅 I thought they were going to cut out talking about the film for... Reasons.

[@SwordShieldMirror]

I'm so glad she made "The Honorable Woman"! That is the part I identify with her the most and it's great to hear she felt transformed by it.

[@JuiceMyRandomness]

I love Sherrybaby 🖤❤️🖤