Two new pictures today from the race at Leadville at the weekend. Jake Gyllenhaal - aka Local Art Gallery - decided to take pity on the world and display his arms in their fabulous entirety. This is a sight to be savoured as the beard continues its mission to cover Jake's whole body. And, as you can see, that would indeed be a shame...
In this second photo Jake watches and learns as a pro demonstrates the method behind how to hold a tape, while Peter Sarsgaard continues to hone his own disguise skills.
And the trail for Jake continues! The last possible sighting was yesterday when one person tweeted that he met Jake Gyllenhaal in the Home Depot at Scottsboro in Alabama.
And speaking of arms (and chest), there are some fine photos over at PoPsugar today as Jake has made it to the final shirtless four.
Today I thought I'd take a break from all the sport by watching a different sport, in addition to a bunch of other sports that I've been hooked on for the last two weeks. That means cycling and the Tour de France which kicked off today but not in France. Someone said to me this week 'If you don't have a bicycle you may as well be dead' and, while I would argue with the validity of that assertion, it is indeed true that you cannot race the Tour de France without one. Lance Armstrong began his final Tour campaign today (although not for the first time) and one can't help but wonder that if indeed this is the last Tour then maybe at least the final scene can be added to the Lance Armstrong Biopic.
During the last four years we've heard no end of rumours connecting Jake Gyllenhaal to the Lance Armstrong biopic. And that isn't surprising because, in 2006, when Lance was following rather than competing, Jake not only accompanied (from a bit of a way back) Lance up the hilliest stage of the Tour, he also spent much of the summer with him. Along with another candidate for the Lance role, Matthew McConaughey.
The three amigos spent so much time together, a play was written about them. But the movie and cycling worlds are fickle and before too long Matt Damon was the name mentioned, even Rob 'The Pale One' Pattinson and Chris 'beam me up Scotty' Pine got a look in. One fact remains, however: Jake Gyllenhaal is indeed a cyclist and he has the spandex to back it up.
Back in 2006: 'Jake Gyllenhaal talked to the press about his new buddy Lance Armstrong while in the French Alps with the cyclist to watch the Tour de France. "We became friends just recently, a couple of months ago. He's a pretty straightforward guy. He called me the other day and said like, 'You want to go riding?'" Gyllenhaal recently started riding as training for a film, and of his ride with Armstrong through the Alps, the Proof actor said, "When we first started riding it was pure adrenaline that kept me going. Then, up the hill, across the way, you could see him like a plane in the sky, he was moving so fast... I just learn from Lance every day, the tips I get. I have never pushed myself so hard as I do with him." Gyllenhaal also joked about his other mutual pastime with Armstrong - beer drinking - saying, "That's been the primary training." Next on the agenda, Armstrong is taking the actor to his seaside villa in Nice.'
Obviously I'll make a good cyclist because that's the kind of training I'm an expert in. Jake has spoken of that year to New Weekly: 'Q: How did you get into it? JG: My best friend is a cyclist and he had a tandem bike. One day he was like, "Let's ride." I got on the back of the bike and we were riding and we just started pushing so hard, working together on this tandem bike. It was so much fun. I just remember that one ride — from then on I started riding. Then I guess Lance Armstrong heard that I biked and so he called me one day: "You want to go for a ride?" Q: There was this phase where there were always photos of you, Lance and Matthew McConaughey … JG: [Laughs.] Yeah. Well, then I had to go to work. We all hung out during summer, then we all had to go to work.'
'"The rumour started because Lance and I are friends". When asked about Lance, Jake praises his friend "But what has impressed me most about him is what he has done for people." "What is it that Lance Armstrong has done for people?" You can almost hear the pause and the sharp intake of breath: "He's motivated them! Thanks to him millions of people have started to think about themselves and tried to find out what's inside them."'
More recently, this year, Jake said: 'Lance Armstrong said to me, “Just break a sweat once a day.” Break a sweat once a day — and not out of stress — and you’ll stay healthy for the rest of your life. And I think that’s really true. Find something to get your heart-rate up, that’s what I did with this. But it’s good also to get paid to do it. That really helps.'
As a keen supporter and campaigner for LiveStrong, I wish Lance Armstrong all the best for the Tour, as tomorrow it leaves Rotterdam and heads on to Belgium.
Moscow!
Jake Gyllenhaal is enjoying the delights of Martha's Vineyard and I can't say I blame him - the island is gorgeous (even though the sea there frightens me as that's where Jaws was filmed...). But after posting the pictures yesterday from Moscow, I have to revisit that place because Jake and Gemma both shone there. I visited Russia several times in the mid-late 1980s, during the Gorbachev years and just before. There were adventures. There were long journeys by train through snow and ice with steaming tea, burning vodka and dashing guards. Not surprisingly, I love the place. I remember sitting to watch the Moscow State Circus while a child behind plaited by hair and watching the Bolshoi Ballet with an American marine who'd snuck out from the embassy.
Jake took part in a number of interviews in Moscow. I'm afraid that my Russian is extremely limited (although at one time I could work my way around a menu). But here are some of the things that Jake said in one interview:
'Well, I don't want to make everyone sad, but nobody knows how much time he has left on Earth. So you should get everything out of life. Therefore, wherever I go, I like to get into a little trouble. For instance, when I went to Moscow, I thought - we must see the sights, but there are places that tourists don't see. I'd like to see more than that. I also love to climb mountains, for example.'
'When we shot one of the swordfights, John Sio, our operator, said: "Jake, don't think about anything, it's just a fight, wave your sword", and he always followed me with the camera. In the middle of the battle I had... And John got a sword in the face. It was rubber of course, but I remember being terribly frightened when he fell on his back. We stopped shooting, I told him: "Oh, forgive me, forgive me!" And he said: 'Damn, that was fun! "This shot went into the film. Now that was unexpected.'
'And the worst day was when Alfred Molina kissed one of the ostriches on the neck!'
'Oh, I have, oddly enough, very much in common with the horse. Much more than with anyone else. We became close friends. Incidentally, afterwards, he went with me to Los Angeles, and is now living in West Hollywood. We ... I don't even have the words to express what I feel! He always supports me in everything. He is my best friend. If we say that there is someone special in every life, then that is my horse - he easily saved my life. He has carried me through everthing, and still supports me. I taked to him yesterday by phone, incidentally. I said: "I'm in Moscow!"... This is a special relationship, thanks for the question!'
Source Code: 'Well, there are lots of explosions in the film. We do a lot of fights. A very dangerous fistfight... Duncan Jones, the director of the film, is very good with psychology and amazing in science fiction. So the film has a strong dramatic feel, it's not just a thriller. Instead, it's clever fiction heated with napalm, which will satisfy any fan of action games.'
Who was the boss on PoP: 'Actually, I think Jerry... But in terms of interaction with the actors from scene to scene, the boss - Mike... They always worked together, I saw that. But it's still a Jerry Bruckheimer movie. He's a big producer, people go to watch his films... But in my opinion, I'm still the boss!'
Gorgeous blue-green eyes, long lashes, disapproving manner, 55-60, male? You could be Jake Gyllenhaal's dad and the role is up for grabs.
'Casting forces for filmmaker Ed Zwick have been talking to candidates to play the father of Jake Gyllenhaal in Zwick’s “Love and Other Drugs” film also starring Anne Hathaway. The ideal actor should be between 55 and 60 years old and it couldn’t hurt if he has gorgeous blue-green eyes with long lashes like Jake’s. But anyway, the character is a doctor who disapproves of his son’s career as a pharmaceutical sales guy. Also being cast for the flick, which rolls in September, are his younger brother and mom.'
The younger brother and mother don't get much of a look in here, but, presumably, you'll want to keep your lashes long for these roles as well.
Talking of film fathers, one who looked to me like a good match as a dad for a young Jake was Dennis Quaid in The Day After Tomorrow. "We had Dennis in mind because he is strong, smart, likable, fatherly and tough," [Producer Mark] Gordon says. As for Gyllenhaal, last seen with Dustin Hoffman in Moonlight Mile, "you could believe Jake is Dennis' son, and not just physically. Together, they are charming, funny and warm." For me, it was the dimples...
Another film producer, Frank Marshall, has been talking about his future projects including the future Lance Armstrong biopic: 'Despite the various casting rumors, Marshall says an upcoming unknown actor is looking likely to take the role of the famed cyclist as the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal and Matt Damon are too old - “The book really only takes Lance up to the first tour, so he’s only 21.”' This surprises me because it suggests that, even back in 2006, when Jake was out cycling with Lance on what seemed like every Summer Sunday, he would have been too old. It also makes me think there'll be a Part 2.
Proof
It was wonderful to see the Brokeback Mountain videos from Venice and, with extra thanks to Monica, we can now see the photocall from Proof's showing at the same festival. Proof may have been overshadowed by Brokeback but if you want to see Jake strike a pose then look no further.
And finally...
As an update to yesterday's post, surprisingly and disappointingly, and despite her presence in the UK of late, Maggie Gyllenhaal wasn't at the Edinburgh Film Festival last night.
Sam Mendes and John Krasinski (and Sean Connery) were. We (and Sam) already know John Krasinski.
This evening was my first experience of spin cycling - ie cycling like a creature possessed while going absolutely nowhere. Obviously, this now qualifies me as an expert on all biking matters. Just as well, then, that it's today that we get a long, long overdue update on that project that has hung around Jake Gyllenhaal like a cloud of mosquitoes for a good three years or so - The Lance Armstrong Biopic.
The Frank Marshall/Kathleen Kennedy production now has a writer, Gary Sea Biscuit Ross 'and could shoot as early as next year, according to producer Frank Marshall.' Lance Armstrong's comeback this year has given the project a bit of a kick up the bum. Jake and Matt Damon have both been associated with the lead role - hardly surprisingly since Jake spent much of 2006 cyccling round the hills of Malibu with Lance, not to mention scaling the odd Alp. But this news comes at a time when Jake has been attached to almost every movie in production during the next year and so new candidates are being suggested, such as Robert Pattinson and Chris Pine.
I always had the feeling that this was a role Jake would personally have relished, the subject even popped up during Rendition promotion. Jake's love for cycling is not in doubt, nor is his extensive wardrobe of matching spandex and arm warmers, many of which carry the yellow and black of LiveStrong.
Jake has even taken that one extra step - I'm sure we all remember our consternation when Jake emerged with shiny, bald legs. Our preoccupation with Jake's hair is extensive. For now, at least, Jake's legs are safe - a compensation, perhaps, for the worrying possibility of a mullet on the horizon.
Back in the summer of 2006, we were an anxious bunch. Jake Gyllenhaal was cycling around the busy roads of Hollywood and Malibu and one feared that Jake would constitute such a lethal distraction for drivers - most especially when he undid his spandex shirt and shifted on his saddle - that at any time he could come a cropper. But fortunately Jake survived the Cycling Summer of 2006, albeit it his legs were the sometime victim of merciless waxing, even managing to scale the Alpine heights of the Tour de France.
This week the rumour surfaced that Jake's cycling champion Lance Armstrong is to return to competitive cycling and this is indeed confirmed. Lance aims to use his 2009 return to highlight the never diminishing risk of cancer which claims 8 million lives every year. Wet Dark and Wild is a supporter of LiveStrong and, in particular, the incredible fundraising of one Jimmy Fowkes, who, also back in 2006, participated in the Texas Ride for Roses alongside Lance and Jake.
Back in September last year, we had a little fundraising mission of our own here and I'm proud to say some money was raised for Jimmy's charity fund. Unfortunately, since then Jimmy's cancer returned and again he has had to endure chemotherapy and all that that entails, but he has been determined to enjoy his summer with his friends (even going to see Jack Johnson in concert, but nobody's perfect!). So the fundraising continues and if you fancy helping Jimmy and his sister Molly, here is the link.
Jake had a whole succession of 'pinch me' moments during his time on the Tour de France with Lance. You can hear all about it, in Jake's words, in this podcast which you can download. And, even better, you can see Jake here discussing it.
I love that Jake's love of cycling began on the back of a tandem: 'My best friend is a cyclist and he had a tandem bike. One day he was like, "Let's ride." I got on the back of the bike and we were riding and we just started pushing so hard, working together on this tandem bike. It was so much fun. I just remember that one ride — from then on I started riding. Then I guess Lance Armstrong heard that I biked and so he called me one day: "You want to go for a ride".
When Jake was asked if he managed to make the Tour de France Alpine climb, he replied: 'Yes, I did (laughing). You don’t ride the Alps with Lance Armstrong and not make it. The movie’s not definite yet. Matt Damon is developing it, so it’s his movie at this point. But, I would love to play Lance and make a movie about cycling, because it’s my favorite sport.' I think it's time for Jake to dust off the spandex...
Obviously, if England had managed to qualify for the Euro 2008 tournament we would be getting ready to watch them lose in the final tonight, but they didn't and they won't and so instead we can sit back for some stress-free footie fun as Spain and Germany take each other on. It does make a change from the tennis, after all.
So through this extremely tenuous link, it seems appropriate that in a Q&A at the beginning of the new Parade magazine, there is a question about Jake: 'Is it true that Jake Gyllenhaal will star in a biopic about New York Jets great Joe Namath? A: Yes. Jake - who says he's often told he resembles the lengendary playboy-quarterback - is looking forward to playing "Broadway Joe." But the red-hot star has a busy dance card, and it could be a while before he slips on Joe's famous NO. 12 Jets jersey. Jake will soon start shooting Prince of Persia and has two other movies that already wrapped. Nailed, a political satire with Jessica Biel, and Brothers, involving the Afghan war, with Tobey Maguire.' Thanks to Trekfan for the information!
Jake has said 'I used to play football here and there, but I don't anymore.' No doubt, that will have to change in the run up to the biopic. Back in 2006, Jake was seen attending a game in Texas along with Lance Armstrong and Matthew McConaughey. He may have to catch some more games.
The possible sightings of Jake and Reese around London - being listed as among the attendees of the Nelson Mandela birthday concert and shopping in London at the weekend - gather pace and I wonder if Jake's going to be spending this evening in the traditional English manner of watching 'proper' football over a pint of lager and some pork scratchings. But Spain or Germany?
'He was a good man' - Christian Bale on missing Heath
For the main focus of Parade - Christian Bale and The Dark Knight - you can find out more here, including this quote from Christian about Heath Ledger: 'He was a unique character, a very infectious character. He was a good man, and I was glad to have spent time with him. He was somebody who I’d been seeing on a daily basis for months. It takes a long time to accept that someone’s gone, when all body and mind are telling you that this is somebody you will know for a great deal of time. He was something of a kindred spirit to myself.'
Sometimes I think Gyllendom does it on purpose - I finish today's post with the glorious news that Jake is on the cover of December's Genius Issue of Esquire (please don't miss it - see below), only to finish and find a new interview with Jake in the Inquirer. This interview comprises a series of quotes from a press conference that Jake participated in for the publicity for Rendition, and they include some wonderful, lighthearted comments about Brokeback, his family, Ramona, women, sex, and Peter, and - wait for it - The Lance movie! It was too good to wait for tomorrow so here are some of my favourite quotes.
As the reporter begins 'Perhaps Jake Gyllenhaal was just in a joking mood. Or maybe, because his mom, scriptwriter Naomi Foner, was around, he wanted to keep the press con light... Jake always gives humor-tinged interviews, but on this particular Sunday morning, he was especially funny. Even on the few answers that he managed to be somewhat serious, he couldn’t help but end them with amusing quips.'
Q: Are you looking forward to being a father someday? JG: I know what a responsibility that is, and I don’t say that in a romantic sense. It requires presence of mind and selflessness. I don’t know if I have those qualities just yet, but being a dad is something that I look forward to.
Q: You and Peter shaved your heads in “Jarhead.” Now, you both have beards. JG: Peter and I are dating (laughter). I can see the headlines now. Seriously, I look up to him. If he shaves his goatee, I’ll also shave mine (laughter).
Q: Did you grow your beard for a role? Do you like wearing one? JG: Peter is merely doing it for vanity—he’s really vain and full of himself (laughter). We all know he’s a bad actor, so he needs to cover himself up. I, on the other hand, am doing it for a role (in “Brothers”). I’m playing a character who spends time in jail in the first part of the movie... It’s gotten to a point of weirdness, because usually I grow my facial hair and it’s okay. If it becomes itchy, I shave it. But now, I have to keep the beard for the movie even if I want to shave it!
Q: What qualities do you admire in Reese, as a person and an actress? JG: She can grow a mean beard, that’s for sure (laughter)! I don’t know if you’ve seen her beard—it’s amazing! She’s one of the best actresses of her generation—that’s the truth. She’s an incredible mother—she’s devoted to her life and her work. But, every actor I look up to values his life over his work.
Q: Will you comment on rumors that you are dating Reese? JG: No. Apparently, I am dating a lot of people, not only of the opposite sex (laughter)—it’s very interesting and amusing.
Q: You talked freely during that interview. You have become a star since. So, has your sex life changed? JG: I’ve become an ascetic—I live in a cave now. That’s why I am growing a beard. I have no sex, so I’m much more interesting!
Q: What have you learned about women from your mother and famous sister? JG: I grew up with a particular type of woman—both my sister and mother know what they believe in. I respect a woman’s mind. I believe that women hold much of the power and energy in the world... My respect for every woman I meet comes from them. But, anybody can open his eyes and spend some time with a woman and see how extraordinary—sex is (laughing)!
Q: Did you make it (riding in the Alps for the our de France with Lance)? JG: Yes, I did (laughing). You don’t ride the Alps with Lance Armstrong and not make it. The movie’s not definite yet. Matt Damon is developing it, so it’s his movie at this point. But, I would love to play Lance and make a movie about cycling, because it’s my favorite sport.
Q: You’re not a Republican. How is it like to have a friend like Lance who’s a staunch Republican? JG: I don’t discriminate. I have many friends who express different opinions. You can have some fun that way. Otherwise, you’re just in a bubble!
For today's post I'm going to ask for your forbearance and patience as I'm going a little bit off topic. Occasionally you have to. A few days ago, I did a feature on the Ride for Roses, which took place in Austin, Texas, in October last year. This was a private race hosted by Lance Armstrong for his LiveStrong Foundation, which raises money for the fight against cancer. This event was also noteworthy because Lance was supported by Jake Gyllenhaal who, through his presence, was able to draw attention to the cause.
One of the most memorable images of the day, for us, was of Jake signing the shirt of, and posing with, the very young and inspirational brain cancer survivor Jimmy Fowkes, winner of the LiveStrong Challenge Award. A few days ago, Jimmy's story was featured in a newspaper, in which Jimmy said 'I wouldn’t trade the last seven months for anything because of how cancer has shaped me as a person...Cancer has also inspired me to help other people.'
Jimmy needs to raise $30,000 in order to participate in this year's Ride for the Roses event, but he is aiming higher and has set himself a goal of $50,000. At the moment, he has raised $22,000. In my original feature, I reported that I had little doubt that Jimmy would achieve his goal but it seems I was wrong. I've been contacted by Jimmy's father who has told me that this is far from the truth - Jimmy needs immediate help to meet his target and I am asking the Gyllenhaalic family to help - Lance has not been in the public eye much at all this year and that has undoubtedly been to the detriment of the efforts of his young supporters, such as Jimmy, who have set themselves such laudable targets. So, if you would like to help, please visit Jimmy's fundraising page at LiveStrong. And if you fancy reading something inspirational, you may like to read Jimmy's entry on the LiveStrong site, What cancer has taught me.
I think this also goes to show just what a help it is for a charity if they have the support, and presence, of a star such as Jake.
I'm sure you'll be delighted to hear that Jimmy's dad told me that 'Jimmy finished his cancer treatment (15 months of radiation and chemotherapy) this past March, continues to regain his health and strength and will start his sophomore year in high school this week'. The term 'sophomore' is a mystery to the Brit in me, but it sounds good!
As a runner myself, albeit a terrible runner, I want to remember Jane Tomlinson tonight - she was a remarkable woman, who was given six months to live for breast cancer but turned that time into seven years of marathons and epic bike journeys across the US and Europe, raising money and awareness for cancer research. She lost the fight last night.
The UK Total Film magazine did a poll to discover which directors were the favourites of its readers. Not surprisingly, Alfred Hitchcock was No 1 but there at No 10 was David 'Never Enough Takes' Fincher.
The list is illustrious and I'm pleased to think that Zodiac had a hand in placing David on this list, along with the likes of Martin Scorsese, Stephen Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola and Stanley Kubrick. There's only one person missing, and that is Ang Lee.
Today is 1st September which means that today is Maggie's first day as the representative of Agent Provocateur, and we get our first glimpse of her in her frillies. These pictures were taken just six months after she gave birth to her daughter Ramona, which is quite some tribute to the Gyllenhaal metabolism. I do think I would prefer to see Maggie in the news for her undoubted acting skills rather than for her charms as a model of lingerie. When in Cannes, my hotel was adorned with posters of George Clooney advertising coffee - should we see Jake go down this line, I wonder what product it would be...
But here's Maggie and there are more pictures here.
Ride for the Roses 2006
Last summer we were treated to months of Jake riding around LA and Malibu on his personalised bicycle with Lance Armstrong and sometimes with someone else who rarely wears a shirt. This culminated in a private eight-mile Ride for Roses in 2006, when Jake cycled alongside Lance, in Lance's hometown of Austin, Texas, in a charity ride to raise money and promote understanding in cancer.
Today an article appeared in which one of the young riders from last year's event, Jimmy Fowkes, a survivor of brain cancer, recalls his experiences cycling for the LiveStrong Foundation, for which he has raised thousands of dollars. Jimmy is now keen to participate in the 2007 event, for which he must first raise $30,000 in order to enter. Jimmy could do with some immediate help to reach his target, so if you would like to contribute please visit Jimmy's donation page. Jimmy is pictured here with Jake and Lance.
At the event last year, there was a Saturday banquet, during which Lance gave a talk and Jake sat enraptured - this is one of my special favourites and here it is untagged (click on it and it shall be bigger).
