Heath Ledger was undoubtedly one of the most talented and dedicated actors of his generation. Once Ledger committed to a role, he gave it his all. He was known for his willingness to go to great lengths to embody his characters physically and emotionally.
Jake Gyllenhaal, who acted along with Heath Ledger in the landmark movie Brokeback Mountain, revealed his experience working with The Dark Knight actor. Gyllenhaal recounted how devoted Ledger stays during filming and how he follows some strict rules during the times so that he never deviates from the seriousness of the character he plays.
Jake Gyllenhaal on His Brokeback Mountain Experience With Heath Ledger
In 2005, Jake Gyllenhaal appeared in the American neo-Western romantic drama film Brokeback Mountain, in which he played the role of Jack Twist opposite late actor Heath Ledger, who depicted the character of Ennis Del Mar.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Jake Gyllenhaal opened up about his experience working in Brokeback Mountain, particularly alongside Heath Ledger.
“One of the things I really remember about the process after the movie came out was Heath never wanting to make a joke,” Gyllenhaal told the outlet.
“Even as I think culturally, there were many jokes being made about the movie or poking fun at and things like that. And his consummate devotion to how serious and important the relationship between these two characters was.”
Describing his experience on set as “a really deep and fun one,” Gyllenhaal shared:
“You know, the relationship, I think between me and Heath while we were making this movie was something that was based on a profound love for a lot of people that we knew and were raised by in our lives and a deep respect for their love and their relationship.”
The seriousness and intensity towards the character by Heath Ledger was so impressive for Gyllenhaal as it was another example of the level of devotion that Ledger had put into the film, as he did with all of his roles.
Brokeback Mountain is a Timeless Tale of Love and Sacrifice
Released in 2005, Brokeback Mountain stands as one of the most poignant and groundbreaking films in cinematic history. Directed by Ang Lee, the movie tells a story that transcends time and societal norms, focusing on the themes of love, identity, and sacrifice. The film is based on the short story by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Proulx.
The film revolves around the lives of two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar (played by Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) who meet while working as sheepherders in the rugged Brokeback Mountain area of Wyoming.
Initially, their connection is purely professional, but as they spend long, isolated months together in the wilderness, a deep emotional and romantic bond develops between them. However, the two men go on to live separate lives, marrying women and raising families.
It has since been considered to be one of the best films of the 2000s and of all time. And, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal’s performances as Ennis and Jack are nothing short of exceptional, breathing life into two characters who struggle against the constraints of their time and societal norms.
Brokeback Mountain is available for streaming on Starz.
Source: Vanity Fair
