Jake Gyllenhaal's most iconic roles ranked
What's the story
Jake Gyllenhaal has made his mark as a versatile actor in Hollywood, thanks to his knack for taking on varied roles. Over the years, the star has played some unforgettable characters, leaving a mark on audiences as well as critics. From intense dramas to thrilling mysteries, Gyllenhaal's performances have shown his range and dedication to his craft. Here are five iconic roles that prove the depth and talent of this phenomenal actor.
Time travel
'Donnie Darko' - A cult classic
In Donnie Darko, Gyllenhaal brought the titular character to life, a troubled teenager haunted by visions of a mysterious figure in a rabbit costume. The film's themes of time travel and alternate realities, with Gyllenhaal's compelling performance capturing the complexity of adolescence, became an instant classic. It also helped establish him as an actor capable of pulling off such intricate stories.
Forbidden love
'Brokeback Mountain' - A groundbreaking role
In Brokeback Mountain, Gyllenhaal plays Jack Twist, one of two cowboys who form an unexpected bond. The film was groundbreaking in how it portrayed love and relationships, and received critical acclaim and several awards. Gyllenhaal's nuanced performance was a big contributor to the film's success, proving his ability to tackle challenging subject matter.
Media frenzy
'Nightcrawler' - An intense transformation
In Nightcrawler, Gyllenhaal plays Lou Bloom, an ambitious freelance videographer who gets sucked into the world of crime journalism. His performance is intense and disturbing, proving his dedication to morph into complex characters. While the film touches upon problems in media ethics, it also gives the audience an indelible performance from Gyllenhaal.
Detective work
'Prisoners' - A gripping thriller
In Prisoners, Gyllenhaal plays the role of Detective Loki, who has been assigned to find two missing girls. His character is extremely methodical, but is also rattled by the challenges of the investigation. The film is famous for its suspenseful narrative and powerful performances of its cast members. But it is Gyllenhaal's performance that is particularly gripping.
True crime
'Zodiac' - Unraveling mysteries
Gyllenhaal stars as Robert Graysmith in Zodiac, based on real-life events surrounding one of America's most infamous unsolved cases: The Zodiac Killer murders during the late 1960s San Francisco Bay Area era. As Graysmith becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind these crimes, you witness how far determination can push someone towards unraveling mysteries.