Jake Gyllenhaal visits a prison for role research
Jake Gyllenhaal visited a string of prisons while researching his role in Brothers, and he was so impressive with the way young offenders are rehabilitated he keeps returning to help out with writing programs.
The Brokeback Mountain star, who plays a former juvenile delinquent in the film, spent time with convicted drug smugglers and murderers in an effort to determine what life behind bars is like for a teenager.
And he was so impressed with one writing program used to educate wayward teens, he now frequents a number of prisons on a regular basis in a bid to boost interest.
He tells Fox News, “My character (in Brothers) starts off in jail so I did a lot of research at LA County Jail, Lancaster State Prison and some juvenile state halls. I came across this incredible writing program for kids that are spending time in juvenile halls, 14 to 18-year-olds participate in this writing program and that really changed my perspective on the prison system and the people inside it. I have since been back many times to work on this writing program and with these kids. It’s so life changing and extraordinary.”
Source, Fame Pictures
Thursday, December 31st, 2009 at 2:14pm
Filed under Jake Gyllenhaal | 4 Comments »
December 31st, 2009 at 5:20 pm
I applaud Jake for all of his efforts – hopefully it will turn some potential career-types in crime into something else. The percentage of recidivism might even go down (eventually), but it’s going to take more than one Jake. Some of these kids/young adults to young to go to a real prison will end up there anyway, once they are tried as adults. I hope they don’t and find a productive, useful life elsewhere, but my hope for them, in most cases, will be dashed against a cinder block cell.
December 31st, 2009 at 8:34 pm
This is an example of personal interests becoming something more noble. Out of the character research efforts, Jake has decided to reach out to the teens that need rehabilitation. It starts with him. Hopefully, it doesn’t end with his efforts. Hope more people see the potential for change in this type of work.
January 1st, 2010 at 11:22 am
If you really care about incarcerated youth, call your regional Big Brothers, Big sisters program and ask how you can help. You can sit here and type about your hopes…or you can really go out and try to make a difference like Jake is.
There are options to be a part of something…instead of just talking about it.
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