MovieChat Forums > Southpaw (2015) Discussion > Jake/ Eminem

Jake/ Eminem

posted 8 years ago by geecee2013
4 replies | jump to latest

When I saw the previews of this movie I was not interested at all!! Was at a friends house at I was kinda forced into watching it....and I LOVED IT!! I thought it was great! I cried, laughed and was happy in the end, I then forced my Son to watch it ( he was interested either),and he also agreed it was good. Every movie we watch we always "IMDB it" and see the trivia and goofs etc. I was surprised that the role was going to go to Eminem (which I would of enjoyed watching him in another role) so....I felt as if it was Jake Gyllenhaal playing Eminem as a boxer.

[–] NotForMeThanks 8 years ago

I can't see Eminem pulling off the amount of emotion needed for this character like Jake did. Jake is clearly a far superior actor than Em.

[–] DracTarashV2 (4493) 6 years ago

Although I agree with what the OP is saying in terms of Jake possibly channeling Eminem (e.g., his speech pattern and the way he expresses himself overall — this role was written with Eminem in mind after all), ultimately Jake delivered a heart-wrenching performance and made the role his own.

Now full disclosure - I do think Eminem could’ve been effective in the role similarly to how he was in 8Mile. I mean, I wouldn’t have had a difficult time imagining him fully committing himself to the role and consequently giving an emotional performance given that, again, the role was designed for Em. That said, at the end of the day I doubt Em would’ve shown the range Jake did and be anywhere near as riveting as he was. Jake was perfect.

[–] 2coolhipdude (114) 7 years ago

I wish Eminem had played the role. Then I wouldn't have bothered watching this movie.

[–] catsidhe (1649) 7 years ago

LMAO I also watched it just for JG.