Top 8 Jake Gyllenhaal Performances | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Top 8 Jake Gyllenhaal Performances

Disappointed I couldn't add "Bubble Boy."

162
Top 8 Jake Gyllenhaal Performances

Jake Gyllenhaal is and always has been one of my favorite actors to date. Not only do I enjoy a number of his films and consider some of them my favorites, but every performance he delivers is exceptional. What’s weird to me is I feel that when people mention the greatest modern actors, you will hear names like Johnny Depp, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and others like them. However, Jake Gyllenhaal has proven that his track record certainly measures up to the talents of these actors. The range of characters he portrays is remarkable and he continues to dazzle audiences with every role he takes on. Although his track record is very solid, here are eight of his performances that are some of his best and most memorable (not in any specific order).

1. Louis Bloom ("Nightcrawler")

From all of the films I have seen Jake Gyllenhaal in, I can honestly say this was the most fun role to watch him in. But if you have seen the film you will understand when I say “fun,” it is not the word to use to describe the character of Louis Bloom, a crime journalist Gyllenhaal transforms into. Gyllenhaal dove into this character so deeply that his physical transformation, in my opinion, didn’t not even closely match up with the quietly sinister nature Lou has (although his physical transformation was impressive as well) and develops throughout the film. The “hunger” to succeed and his determination to be the best is displayed in Gyllenhaal’s physical appearance where the two coincide with one another, which is what makes both sides of his transformation so remarkable.

2. Brian Taylor ("End of Watch")

I have only seen this movie once, so the fact that I’m adding this performance to the list says a lot compared to other performances by him I have seen many times. Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance in "End of Watch" is certainly a memorable one as he plays a police officer for the LAPD. It was amazing to see Gyllenhaal show two sides to his character, the devoted husband and an intimidating officer. Some scenes I felt afraid of his character, Brian Taylor. For example, if he ever pulled me over I would just put my hands behind my head immediately right there and then. But, he also has a softer side that you see when he is off duty. The way he took one character with two sides and portrayed both in an extremely believable way was great to see.

3. Adam Bell/Anthony Claire ("Enemy")

Now, in "Enemy" Gyllenhaal really plays two characters. Given this is one of my favorite movies, I feel if they cast anyone else the movie would have turned out a whole lot different. Given that the film deals with a man struggling with his identity after discovering he has a doppelganger, Gyllenhaal had to play both roles as Adam and Anthony. For anyone who has seen it, it is vital that these characters were portrayed differently but with just a little similarity to keep the audience guessing who they are even looking at in the film. Getting to actually see Gyllenhaal play two separate roles in one film really displayed his acting talents and how he can get into the mindset of not just one, but two characters for one film.

4. Donnie Darko ("Donnie Darko")

Although some might disagree and think other Gyllenhaal performances may have beat out Donnie Darko, this was such an iconic role that it couldn’t not have been added. But, what is impressive is how well Gyllenhaal did in the film given that it was just at the start of his career. Although he is an average high school boy (and when I say average, I mean in the sense that…okay, never mind, he’s not average at all), he suffers from hallucinations that cause him to see a seven or eight-foot tall bunny who speaks to him. Although the delivery of his lines are well done, the creepy looks and the visual way Gyllenhaal presents Donnie makes him one of the most interesting teenagers in a film in decades.

5. Jack Twist ("Brokeback Mountain")

This was another of Gyllenhaal’s roles that he is often greatly remembered for. The movie deals with two cowboys who are offered positions as sheep herders and the secret relationship that develops as a result between the two men. Gyllenhaal plays Jack Twist and, given the mature nature of the role, Gyllenhaal played it honestly and with intensity, where he was even nominated for a number of awards, including BAFTA awards. It’s one that really can’t be missed because it is done with so much heart and pain all at once.

6. Detective Loki ("Prisoners")

In "Prisoners," Jake Gyllenhaal plays Detective Loki, who is assigned to a case centering on the abduction of two young girls on Thanksgiving. However, Gyllenhaal did not just go around acting like a generic detective who asks the questions, records his information, and delivers it to his superiors. The slightly unstable nature of his character catches the audience’s eyes immediately. Gyllenhaal added his own touches to the character, giving him a slight twitch and quiet aggression that gives me chills. The role is so dark, but one of the most intriguing performances he has given in recent films he has done.

7. Robert Graysmith ("Zodiac")

From a first look into the film, it seems like Gyllenhaal is yet again playing a detective role. However, when you watch the film you realize his character, Robert Graysmith, is really a cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle who becomes so absorbed in the Zodiac killer case that he pursues it partly on his own. I mean what can I say, it’s a solid role in a fantastic movie and, as always, Gyllenhaal kills it.

8. Anthony Swoffard ("Jarhead")

"Jarhead" is yet another great role, but this time Gyllenhaal plays Anthony Swoffard, a sniper in the U.S. Marine Corps. It’s really cool to see how Gyllenhaal starts off as this more shy, meek character who is preparing for his training and then does a full 180 to become one of the most intimidating yet respected soldiers in his unit. The audience can actually see Gyllenhaal’s character grow throughout the film so when you compare the beginning to the end you are almost looking at a completely different person. He really nails this role.

With many more films on the way, Jake Gyllenhaal will be sure to impress audiences with whichever roles he takes on next with to his dedication and incredible talent.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
tv.com

"Friends" maybe didn’t have everything right or realistic all the time, but they did have enough episodes to create countless reaction GIFs and enough awesomeness to create, well, the legacy they did. Something else that is timeless, a little rough, but memorable? Living away from the comforts of home. Whether you have an apartment, a dorm, your first house, or some sort of residence that is not the house you grew up in, I’m sure you can relate to most of these!

Keep Reading...Show less
man working on a laptop
Pexels

There is nothing quite like family.

Family is kinda like that one ex that you always find yourself running back to (except without all the regret and the angsty breakup texts that come along with it).

Keep Reading...Show less
bored kid
Google Images

No matter how long your class is, there's always time for the mind to wander. Much like taking a shower or trying to fall asleep, sitting in a classroom can be a time when you get some of your best ideas. But, more than likely, you're probably just trying to mentally cope with listening to a boring lecturer drone on and on. Perhaps some of the following Aristotle-esque thoughts have popped into your head during class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Advice To Live By As Told By Bob's Burgers

The Belchers hold the key to a better life.

1209
Bob's Burgers
Adult Swim

Bob's Burgers is arguably one of the best and most well-written shows on tv today. That, and it's just plain hilarious. From Louise's crazy antics to Tina's deadpan self-confidence, whether they are planning ways to take over school or craft better burgers, the Belchers know how to have fun. They may not be anywhere close to organized or put together, but they do offer up some wise words once and awhile.

Keep Reading...Show less
Rory Gilmore

We're in college, none of us actually have anything together. In fact, not having anything together is one of our biggest stressors. However, there's a few little things that we do ever so often that actually make us feel like we have our lives together.

1. Making yourself dinner

And no this does not include ramen or Annie's Mac & Cheese. Making a decent meal for yourself is one of the most adult things you can do living on campus. And the food is much better than it would be at the dining hall.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments