Jake Gyllenhaal doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to one particular fan group. As much as fans of Taylor Swift will shame him for being a bad boyfriend, a fact that is undeniable is that he is an exceptional actor. Fans of cinema know this fact all too well. A huge majority of projects that he has been a part of have gone on to be extremely critically acclaimed. He has an Oscar nomination under his name and a huge amount of people who adore him as an actor, being phenomenal at his craft.
Gyllenhaal, born on 19th December 1980, celebrates his 43rd birthday today. On this occasion, let’s take a look back at some of the best films made by the actor, celebrating all that he has contributed to the film industry as a whole.
5. Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant
Jake Gyllenhaal’s The Covenant, made by Guy Richie was certainly a memorable film. Having an exceptional cast with actors, like Anthony Starr, who is known for his work in The Boys as Homelander, the film received a lot of attention, having an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Following the story of a local man trying to save an injured sergeant against the backdrop of war in Afghanistan, the film delivers a beautiful message. It features themes of action and suspense, all tied perfectly together by the actor’s performance.
4. Brokeback Mountain
Next is perhaps his most well-known film, Brokeback Mountain, where he starred alongside Heath Ledger. Having released in 2005, the film features a homoerotic love story that was done exceptionally well. Not only is the film well known for its story and the beauty of it but both Ledger and Gyllenhaal were praised for their exceptional performances. Both actors received Oscar nominations in the categories of Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively.
3. Zodiac
Zodiac is truly a classic when it comes to thriller and mystery movies. Based on the real-life Zodiac killer, the movie focuses on the perspective of Jake Gyllenhaal’s character who is with thoughts of this serial killer and tries to figure out his identity. On top of his performance, both Robert Downey Jr. And Mark Ruffalo are exceptional in this movie.
2. October Sky
October Sky is much older compared to the rest of Gyllenhaal’s classics, however, it is certainly an extremely strong contender. Having a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie shows complex and real human relationships, seen through the dynamics between the sun and the father. Gyllenhaal plays the role of Homer Hickman, whose father is played by Chris Cooper. Laura Dern is also a part of the movie and altogether, the 1999 play film is truly beautiful.
1. Nightcrawler
Finally, the best movie that Jake Gyllenhaal has been a part of has to be his 2014, crime film, Nightcrawler. It is a well-established fact that the actor is phenomenal in this. On top of this, the fan has an exceptional story with the writing in the direction. It takes being very intense, and going hand-in-hand with its cinematography. It cannot be emphasized enough how good Gyllenhaal’s performance in this is, with many calling it his magnum opus.
