Jake Gyllenhaal: Look how far we’ve come since Brokeback Mountain
"I was really proud of Brokeback Mountain and everything it had to say"
In the decade since Brokeback Mountain hit theatres and ignited debates around the world, a lot has changed.
So says Jake Gyllenhaal, who portrayed Jack Twist in Brokeback. Asked by BET whether it was easier now for leading men to accept gay roles in Hollywood, Gyllenhaal was enthusiastic in his response.
“Oh definitely it’s changed. I think playing a role and living a life are two very different things,” Gyllenhaal said. “I think telling stories, and all different stories, is what makes acting so great. It’s why I was really proud of Brokeback Mountain and everything it had to say. And it was an interesting journey to go on to learn about that world.”
Gyllenhaal also touched upon last month’s historic marriage ruling.
“When I heard about the news I thought, wow, how far we’ve come in a decade,” he said. “And how far we have to go in so many things. But I think hopefully something like that in terms of—the resistance of society and seeing that it’s possible to change was such an amazing thing. I remember thinking, my mom sent me the decision.”
He added that he thought Justice Kennedy’s decision was “so beautiful,” while his mom described it as being “all about love.”
“My brother said to me a few weeks ago, all we leave behind is the wake of our lives, that’s all we have,” Gyllenhaal continued, “And to know that [love] wins out sometimes is an inspiration to me.”
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