Jake Gyllenhaal’s an intense actor who creates intense movies. His upcoming boxing film Southpaw definitely looks like he’s continuing in that vein. Here are some other Gyllenhaal roles and movie moments that got our hearts racing and stomachs in knots.
Trailer - Southpaw (2015)
We haven’t even seen Southpaw yet, but just look at this trailer! There are intense moments all over the place. With all those muscles, Gyllenhaal’s scary even when asleep.
What Lou Wants - Nightcrawler (2014)
Drive is great, but there’s such a thing as too much. Gyllenhaal’s Lou Bloom presents a standard definition of what “too much” looks like, and the results are equally hilarious and chilling.
In the Cinema - Donny Darko (2001)
Donny Darko offers proof that Gyllenhaal has been working on being creepy for a long while. Watch as he matches the quiet intensity and weirdness of a guy dressed in a grotesque bunny costume. And that was almost 15 years ago!
The Basement Scene - Zodiac (2007)
The dread and intensity of this scene comes from our and Gyllenhaal’s realization that he may have accidentally just delivered himself into the hands of a ruthless and clever serial killer.
Apartment Shootout - End of Watch (2012)
Guns! Chaos! Shaky cameras! When End of Watch isn’t about its central cop bromance, it delivers some truly harrowing action sequences filled with tons of real texture and detail, all of which Gyllenhaal helps sell.
Breaking the Keyboard - Prisoners (2013)
Prisoners is a dark movie, and Gyllenhaal’s character is equally dark. Here he is throwing one of the slowest anger fits in recent memory. It’s like a storm that refuses to pass.
Opening Scene - Source Code (2011)
Gyllenhaal’s first of many repeated train rides in Source Code is one of the best in the film. The confusion and paranoia builds to a crescendo in the form of a sudden blast that kills everyone on board. And only then does the movie begin!
Final Battle - Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Yep, Jake Gyllenhaal even tried his hand at sword-and-sandals action at one point. Silly as it may look, he gives it his all in this scene where he finally outs and kills the film’s main antagonist.
“I Wish I Knew How to Quit You” (NSFW Language) - Brokeback Mountain (2005)
It may have become a corny cliché line, but that’s only possible because of the emotion and frustration Gyllenhaal puts into it. This one is a classic for a reason.
Dealing with the Police - Nightcrawler (2014)
This list wouldn’t be complete without another look at Lou Bloom, easily Gyllenhaal’s creepiest and most intense character. Here, he deals with suspicious police in a way that only makes him more suspicious in their eyes. And yet he still gets off the hook.
