Why isn’t Jake Gyllenhaal a bigger star?

[Anonymous]

He's a character actor. I think he is A list (or at least A- list) but he's not a romantic leading man. He can't play charming -- it comes off as smarmy or manipulative. Even in the romantic movies he's been in, he's always tormented or drug addicted or something.

And he does not Leo's range or Gosling's likability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think his downfall started after he dated Taylor Swift. He got a reputation as a groomer/predator because of the age difference (30 and 20), stood her up for her 21st birthday, etc.

then he broke her like a promise. so casually cruel in the name of being honest

That damn scarf is still at his sister’s house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He’s very handsome, he has great range, and he can appeal to middle America - why does he seem perpetually B list and not like a true “movie star.” He’s just as good as a Leo DiCaprio or Ryan Gosling. Why isn’t he bigger?

He was in Brokeback Mountain. He gave a great and convincing performance. Unfortunately, I also think that wonderful and convincing performance became a mental block for a lot of women to see him in a different way.

Counterpoint: Heath Ledger

Counterpoint: Heated Rivalry actors. (To the point that women can’t get over seeing hot men in a gay love story).

[Anonymous]

He looks slightly shifty. I like him a lot as an actor but he never looks entirely relaxed, which in turn creates an ever-so-slight sense of unease.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He looks slightly shifty. I like him a lot as an actor but he never looks entirely relaxed, which in turn creates an ever-so-slight sense of unease.

I wouldn't have been able to put my finger on this, but you're absolutely right.

[Anonymous]

He picks bad roles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He picks bad roles.

I'd say good ones don't pick HIM.

He has a bad rep.

[Anonymous]

I only liked him in Brokeback Mountain. I don't think he's very good looking at all. Roadhouse was one of the worst movies I've ever seen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He looks slightly shifty. I like him a lot as an actor but he never looks entirely relaxed, which in turn creates an ever-so-slight sense of unease.

I wouldn't have been able to put my finger on this, but you're absolutely right.

Totally agree. He gives off a smarmy vibe and he is not hot enough to look past it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He picks bad roles.

Donnie Darko? Jarhead? Nightcrawler?

He’s a really good actor

[Anonymous]

Who doesn’t think he is good-looking? This makes no sense to me. He has nice hair, nice eyes, and a banging body.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He’s very handsome, he has great range, and he can appeal to middle America - why does he seem perpetually B list and not like a true “movie star.” He’s just as good as a Leo DiCaprio or Ryan Gosling. Why isn’t he bigger?

He was in Brokeback Mountain. He gave a great and convincing performance. Unfortunately, I also think that wonderful and convincing performance became a mental block for a lot of women to see him in a different way.

Counterpoint: Heath Ledger

Ledger only made one good, memorial movie post Brokeback and that was a Dark Tale. He died soon after. Also, Ledger took on the role of the more manly person in the Brokeback relationship. FWIW, I loved both Gyllenhal and Ledger in that movie. I am just giving my perspective on why he Gyllenhal has not become a leading male.

[Anonymous]

He isn't that handsome - droopy eyes - and he's also a closeted bisexual or gay. The secretiveness needed to maintain that double life tends to affect the career by making a celeb less relatable and transparent to fans.

[Anonymous]

He was terrible in Othello on Broadway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He’s very handsome, he has great range, and he can appeal to middle America - why does he seem perpetually B list and not like a true “movie star.” He’s just as good as a Leo DiCaprio or Ryan Gosling. Why isn’t he bigger?

He was in Brokeback Mountain. He gave a great and convincing performance. Unfortunately, I also think that wonderful and convincing performance became a mental block for a lot of women to see him in a different way.

Counterpoint: Heath Ledger

Counterpoint: Heated Rivalry actors. (To the point that women can’t get over seeing hot men in a gay love story).

Let's see how they progress beyond Heated Rivalry. If they can do a Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton) who is openly gay, but to my knowledge has not had gay sex on screen, is accepted as a leading love interest.