Costar Jake Gyllenhaal
Back in 2001, Jen filmed The Good Girl with Jake Gyllenhaal, who at the time was a relative newcomer (his credits at the time included Donnie Darko and Bubble Boy). Not only did they share the screen in the quirky flick, but they shared a love scene, which for both actors marked a first. Jen was notably apprehensive about simulating such a private moment for all to see; she told In Style upon the film’s release that “unless you’re someone who gets off on having people watch you - which I’m certainly not - it’s weird having 40 crew members look at you in such an intimate situation.”
However, she did find solace in Jake’s own approach to the moment, as she told the magazine that “Jake was as nervous as I was. Finally you just go for it. I couldn’t ask for a better, sweeter person to be devirginized on film with.” For his part, Jake discussed his experience working on the scene: “We had been making out for weeks in other scenes, and this was just some more hip grinding; some more kissing. Jennifer turned to me at one point and said, ‘That wasn’t so hard. I’ve faked it before.’” Throughout the production, he developed something of a protective stance toward his leading lady; he says that at one point, “I remember we were in bed one day, and Miguel Arteta screamed, ‘Stop joking around.’ And I thought, ‘This is Jennifer Aniston, motherf***er. You don’t yell at her.’”
Furthermore, they have continued to show a great deal of respect for each other’s work over the years. In 2005, Jen was on hand at the Hollywood Film Festival to present Jake with a Hollywood Breakthrough Award. Earlier this year, Jake returned the favor, presenting Jen with her GLAAD Vanguard Award. He gave a great presentation speech, citing Jen’s warmth and integrity as traits that he has come to know personally, and upon her arrival onstage he greeted her with a kiss. As Jake himself put it, “Everybody falls in love with Jennifer, and I have to say, it’s always her fault.”
Jennifer Aniston, Jake Gyllenhaal, The Good Girl, costars, GLAAD Media Awards
December 12th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Jake sort of made Jen feel uncomfortable at GLAAD. Jake was obviously trying VERY VERY hard for the camera to prove that he isn’t gay, and he used Jennifer to do it. Jen played along.
December 12th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
haha Jake seems so sweet to Jen! and i totally agree with the whole “Jake making Jen feel uncomfortable at the GLAAD Media Awards” I mean geez we know she’s gorgeous, just dont stare at her like that!
December 12th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Mitali: you can see Jen has her fist clenched ready to smack him one !
December 13th, 2007 at 12:16 am
actually i think it’s just because she’s holding her award