Essential Films of Jake Gyllenhaal

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Enemy (2013)

Jake Gyllenhaal's collaboration with Denis Villeneuve saw him playing dual lead roles in a subtle and playful manner that makes the film clever and effectively creepy.

Prisoners (2013)

The actor's artistic partnership with Dennis Villeneuve was introduced to the world with this film in which he plays the role of Detective Loki. He develops a nervous tic for his character that intensifies through the course of the film and adds a gritty, intense edge to the archetypal detective role.

Nightcrawler(2014)

Gyllenhaal embodies the "anti-hero" in perhaps his most electrifying performance in this neo-noir film, that is both a character study of an ambitious, obsessive man and an indictment of modern television journalism. The shocking transformation he went through to portray Lou Bloom shows his wildly malleable screen presence.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

This film is grounded on the vulnerable, emotive performances by both Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, leading to the actor's first Academy Award nomination for his performance as Jack Twist.

Zodiac (2007)

The actor delivered one of his most critically acclaimed performances as Robert Graysmith in David Fincher's crime thriller about the hunt for the Zodiac Killer, displaying his ability to embody the obsessive, unstable oddball for future roles in his career.

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Tom Ford's arthouse thriller saw the actor once again taking on dual roles with an ease that reflects sheer talent. Balancing romanticism and misery, Gyllenhaal shows his ability to embody the psychology of his characters.

October Sky (1999)

Gyllenhaal was only 17 years old during the filming of his first lead role in this coming of age drama. His ability to hold his own and captivate the audience with his earnestness alongside a star cast of Laura Dern and Chris Cooper made this his breakout role.

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