Inside Brokeback Mountain’s Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal Set ‘Clash’

Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee claimed that Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger would have “friction” whereas engaged on the 2005 film.

Throughout an interview with Empire journal, which was printed on Tuesday, December 20, Lee, 68, praised attending to “witness Heath and Jake develop that relationship” between their characters.

“I noticed it unfold proper in entrance of my eyes, from rehearsal all the best way to filming,” he detailed, noting how the late actor was “at all times taking care of” his costar and future accomplice Michelle Williams after she injured herself on set.


Heath Ledger, Director Ang Lee, and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Claudio Onorati/EPA/Shutterstock

Lee went on to assert that Ledger and Gyllenhaal, 42, had their justifiable share of ups and downs whereas working collectively.

“When it got here to Jake, Heath had a really completely different perspective in the direction of their work. Generally there was friction — not quarreling, however a conflict of kinds,” the director alleged. “Generally I might mediate that, however they had been each good in numerous methods. They’d at all times take some time to discover a means via.”

In keeping with Lee, the 10 Issues I Hate About You star shaped a deep understanding of his character Ennis Del Mar. “In his coronary heart, I believe Heath knew the character of Ennis. On a technical stage, he took path very effectively, however labored alone,” he continued. “He’s not somebody you actually wanted to speak to rather a lot, as a result of he was very impartial. For me, if the result’s proper, then I’m joyful. If it’s not, I might inform him, and he would work one thing else out.”

Lee added: “So Heath’s aura powers the entire story. He did loads of preparation, totally on his personal. And he typically stunned me with what he delivered to his work.”

The critically acclaimed western explored the romantic relationship between two cowboys from 1963 to 1983. Brokeback Mountain, which gained three Academy Awards, additionally starred Linda Cardellini, Anna Faris, Anne Hathaway, Williams, 42, and Randy Quaid.

'Brokeback Mountain' Director Claims Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal Had ‘Friction’ on Set: There Was a 'Clash of Styles'

Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Reggie Collier/WENN/Newscom/MEGA

Three years after the film’s debut, Ledger died from an unintended drug overdose at age 28. Over time, Gyllenhaal has paid tribute to his former costar and their friendship.

“You understand, the connection, I believe between me and Heath whereas we had been making this film was one thing that was primarily based on a profound love for lots of people that we knew and had been raised by in our lives and a deep respect for his or her love and their relationship,” the Supply Code star instructed Self-importance Truthful in April 2020.

On the time, the California native recalled Ledger’s dedication to the story they had been telling on display.

“One of many issues I actually keep in mind in regards to the course of after the film got here out was Heath by no means desirous to make a joke,” Gyllenhaal shared, referring to the impression Brokeback Mountain had for the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood. “At the same time as I believe culturally, there have been many jokes being made in regards to the film or poking enjoyable at and issues like that. And his consummate devotion to how severe and essential the connection between these two characters was.”

Forward of Ledger’s demise, the Darkish Knight star remained shut with Gyllenhaal. After Ledger and Williams welcomed daughter Matilda in 2005, they named Gyllenhaal the little woman’s godfather.