“I think it changed my perspective on the world”: Jake Gyllenhaal says he’s “learned so much” during his career working with military veterans
Jake Gyllenhaal says he’s learned a lot from working with veterans and experts throughout his career, which has included a variety of military-related roles.
Gyllenhaal, 42, chatted with AP on the red carpet of his new film The Covenant at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles on Monday.
The Oscar-nominated actor has appeared in a number of military films in the past, including 2005’s Jarhead, 2009’s Brothers and 2011’s Source Code.
The Los Angeles native – who plays US Army Special Forces Sergeant John Kinley in director Guy Ritchie’s upcoming film – said he’s gained more knowledge about the military with each project.
“Early on in my career I played a Marine, a recruit, and I met and learned from a lot of people in the military,” the actor said at the red carpet premiere.
The Latest: Jake Gyllenhaal, 42, says he’s learned a lot from working with veterans and experts throughout his career, which has included a number of military-related roles. He was pictured at the premiere of The Covenant Monday in LA
Gyllenhaal said that his experiences making films influenced his views on life.
“I think just being there and touching that world a little bit changed my perspective on the world,” he said.
Gyllenhaal said he was naturally drawn to portraying military figures, whom he admired for their bravery and sacrifices for the country.
“I’ve played against people who are ex-military throughout my career, people who have had a history in it, and I’ve learned so much from that group,” he said. “And there’s so much pride and love, the people defending our freedom — that this story draws me in.”
Gyllenhaal told the AP that he’s “attracted” to roles of people operating in “extreme circumstances,” which he says “brings out the humanity in people.”
He added: “There are no better characters than a soldier in extreme circumstances, which is perhaps one of the reasons why I’m drawn to him.”
In The Covenant, Gyllenhaal’s character’s life is saved by an Afghan interpreter named Ahmed (played by Dar Salim) and returns to the combat zone to rescue the man after he and his family are not taken to the United States as previously agreed .
The film is not based on a true story, but instead draws on details of news stories that include real-life interpreters’ accounts and their experiences following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The film, which also stars Sean Sagar, Jason Wong and Rhys Yates, hits theaters on Friday.
Los Angeles native Sergeant John Kinley plays US Army Special Forces Sergeant John Kinley in director Guy Ritchie’s upcoming film
Gyllenhaal portrayed Tommy Cahill in the 2009 war drama Brothers
The actor – who starred in the 2005 film Jarhead – said he was naturally drawn to portraying military leaders, whom he admires for their bravery and sacrifice for the country