News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media

Trish Bendix

by Trish Bendix

Maggie Gyllenhaal is the light in "The Dark Knight"

In an interview with The Onion's A.V. Club this week, Maggie Gyllenhaal said she had refused the part of Rachel Dawes in The Dark Knight because she had no interest in playing a woman "in peril."

The truth is, what I didn't want to be was just the sort of empty lady who gets thrown around by different guys and doesn't have anything to do but look scared. I just wanted her to be a real person.

It's understandable, then, that her male co-stars in the film have given quotes to the media about Gyllenhaal's steadfastness in not being a damsel in distress after she did eventually take on the role. Even when her character is being threatened by The Joker at knifepoint, Gyllenhaal does not flinch (something tells me the original Rachel, Kate Holmes, would have started to cry at this point.)

Gyllenhaal has a strong sense of the roles she wants to play, and her instincts haven't seemed to fail her yet. Even in her smallish role as Rachel, she is convincing (and stunning, of course) as a lawyer who knows Bruce Wayne's secret vigilante identity. Though the male stars of the film have been getting most of the attention, Gyllenhaal graces this month's cover of Marie Claire. In the story, her co-star Aaron Eckhart is quoted as having said, "Maggie's got a lot of sass. She has very strong opinions on acting and things outside moviemaking. She's not afraid to speak her mind."

Full of sass, opinions and undisputed talent, Gyllenhaal alone is worth seeing The Dark Knight. But to truly experience all of the above, rent Secretary or Sherrybaby, where she's the rightful star.

Frank Grimes's picture

I don't get all the fuss.

She's really not that special imo.
Koo's picture

Oy

I gotta say I was not at all enamored with Maggie Gyllenhaal in this movie. It was a little unbelievable to me that both Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent would fall for this chick. To be brutally honest, she doesn't possess the physical beauty that a woman needs to have to be paired up with a Bruce Wayne or a Harvey Dent. There should have been a balance between Holmes and Gyllenhaal because Maggie isn't as pretty as her brother. I can't say what I really want to say because I would be spoiling the movie so I will leave it that. And Heath Ledger alone is enough to see The Dark Knight.
SpecialK7's picture

Health Ledger is the light

And Heath Ledger alone is enough to see The Dark Knight.

I second that. His performance is amazing. I couldn't even tell it was him underneath the make-up.

I've never really thought Maggie was that great. She did a good job in this movie, but not great (though the role is limiting in and of itself).  But I do have to say that that picture of her in the suit jacket without a shirt is not bad at all :)

jerseygyrl1983's picture

I'll admit that I have not

I'll admit that I have not seen the movie yet.  But, of course, I've seen plenty of previews and I think you're right: Heath Ledger seems to be the most impressive star in this film, which shouldn't be surprising when considering his interesting performances in other movies (i.e., "Monster's Ball" and "Brokeback Mountain").

Of course, the film was also trying to promote the idea of Gyllenhall as a sultry and smart love interest; but I couldn't see it.  Maybe it's because I don't find her attractive; or maybe it's because her sex appeal has always seemed a little thin to me...  Anyway, after watching the first preview, I felt like Kate Walsh may have made more sense in that role.  But, again, I have yet to see the film.

Amy M's picture

Is it because she's white?

Kima, Do you find her unattractive because, as you've stated in another thread "I'm not into white women at all. I am often mystified as to why black men and black women go gaga over them"

Is it because Maggie Gyllenhaal is white? I do have to agree that Jake Gyllenhaal is "prettier" than his sister.

 

I thought she did a much better job than Katie Holmes, and she held her own among Oscar-caliber (literally) actors. And I think the fact that she was written as strong, intelligent, and his best friend from childhood was an intentional contrast with the bimbos Bruce Wayne appeared in public with to keep up his shallow playboy public persona.   

My one complaint about The Dark Knight was how few strong roles for women there were. The Batman comics, tv shows, and even cartoons have always had a significant number of powerful females (Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Batgirl, Detective Montoya, etc.) Couldn't they have included the female equivalent of a Lucius Fox, or a love interest for Batman/Harvey Dent that was a female superhero or even villian who was an equal rather than "the token girlfriend in distress?"  

 

Koo's picture

Don't go there, please

This is got nothing to do with the fact that she's white. She had bags under her eyes the whole friggin time. It's merely my opinion. I don't find her attractive. Batman has always had lovely girlfriends...in the original one, Kim Basinger was beautiful and strong...they should have found a balance between the actresses of Holmes and Gyllenhaal is all I'm saying. YMMV.
brackishtea's picture

Oh she went there!!!!

I just laughed on how silly it sounded "Is it because she's white!?!". Granted I liked the bluntness because I was expecting a rather tactless version of the question above. Regardless of your tastes, it is your opinion and I find it rather funny for her to go all her way to "point" out your preferences. Like the on-line vigilantes of nonsense. Make sure your comments come with a "warning" or you might be hounded by them again!!!! Oh it kills me!*laughs*

Maggie rocks my socks in Donnie Darko *hints at dinner table scene*

Yes the brother to me is prettier...too pretty!!!!!

 

Through_the_Rye's picture

I love her. She's got some

I love her. She's got some steel ovaries, this one.
Crank Heart's picture

Katie Holmes...

"something tells me the original Rachel, Kate Holmes, would have started to cry at this point."

Nah, she would have just remained as wooden as she was throughout the rest of the film. 

---------------
3waytv.tv Go now, go often.  

 

Nathiest's picture

She like every one in this

She like every one in this movie was just ok. god this movie sucked! sorry.

Don't be dissing pore Kate Holmes just cuz the girl was to busy being pregnant to start the filming of this movie.

-Nathiest
the devil is in the details

svucetic's picture

must see...

I completely agree. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a beautiful and strong actress. The Secretary is one of my favorite movies and a must see.
deathbyblonde's picture

What?!

"I gotta say I was not at all enamored with Maggie Gyllenhaal in this movie. It was a little unbelievable to me that both Bruce Wayne and Harvey Dent would fall for this chick. To be brutally honest, she doesn't possess the physical beauty that a woman needs to have to be paired up with a Bruce Wayne or a Harvey Dent. There should have been a balance between Holmes and Gyllenhaal because Maggie isn't as pretty as her brother. I can't say what I really want to say because I would be spoiling the movie so I will leave it that. And Heath Ledger alone is enough to see The Dark Knight."

 

That's kind of harsh. She doesn't have enough physical beauty? I beg to differ. The girl's gorgeous. And even if she weren't, why is it neccesary for her to be a knockout to grab the attention of Batman or the other guy? I've seen plenty of funny-looking girls with guys smarming all over them because they were totally charming/fun/smart/interesting. Jack Black and Kate Winslet may be unbelievable; Maggie Gyllenhal and Christian Bale/Aaron Eckhart is not.

 

Nathiest's picture

Bruce was into her because

Bruce was into her because he has always been into her and Harvey was into her because he worked with her and she was the only woman that he felt under stood him.

Don't be mean Maggie is smoken hott!

 

-Nathiest
the devil is in the details

Through_the_Rye's picture

I agree, I think Maggie is

I agree, I think Maggie is stunning!

Jack Black and Kate Winslet - that pairing will give me nightmares.

 

shortypants's picture

I Agree>>

I agree with deathbyblonde (btw- is that a Devotchka reference?). 

Maggie may not be Ava Gardner (but who is?  There was only one of those) but she is a strong actor who more than holds her own with The Boys.

As for the character of Rachel, I firmly believe it's not about 'looks' it's about 'worth.' For example, in the hands of Katie Holmes, I just didn't buy or 'get' why Bruce was into her.  She  was lovely enough but dull as dishwater.  In the hands of Maggie, the character really fleshed out: she brought grace, charm, wit, fire, spark, brains, confidence and a no-nonesense attitude . She is a chaarcter who isn't afraid to fight anyone or anything. In Katie's hands, Rachel and Bruce or Harvey don't make sense.  In Maggie's hands, both pairings make total sense because of all the things she brought to the character.  If Katie were still playing the part, I would have thought of both Bruce and Harvey, 'You can do better.'  In Maggie's hands, neither of those guys is gonna do any better b/c Rachel is as good as it gets.

 

deathbyblonde's picture

Why, yes it is ;)

You're the first person to have gotten that. DeVotchka = love.

Thank you for nicely articulating what I was fumbling to say. I agree, Maggie gives her characters life, as oppose to a perfect bone structure (well...that too).

 

In conclusion! Maggie is awesome. Yes.

alexc9's picture

brilliant!

i cant stress enough how much i enjoyed the dark knight.

maggie was fabulous, and while i agree that she may not be conventionally / hollywood beautiful, she's pretty freaking fantastic in this role. she brings a gravitas and grace that katie holmes could never have - katie may be beautiful, and is certainly capable of looking sophisticated, but the moment she opens her mouth, it's usually ruined. maggie, on the other hand, was sexy and thrilling and smart.  shortypants, i completely agree with you. maggie made perfect sense in the role of rachel dawes in this installment; whereas katie would not.  in a movie full of men, she more than stood her own, and i think in some ways, neither man was meant to fully deserve her.

cant end this post without saying that heath was absolutely amazing. he and the entire cast (gyllenhal, oldman, bale, freeman, eckhart, caine!!) took a movie that could have been just okay, and brought it to life. ledger was absolutely brilliant as the joker, and while i initially laughed off the oscar comments, after seeing the movie, i firmly believe heath deserves at least the nomination.

and if you havent seen it, get up right now and get to a theater. by far the best of 08.

badpenny's picture

She's DeLovely

Wowser!  That last pictire of Maggie.  Be still my thundering heart.  OMG!

Look, Katie is cute to look at, but she's so flat (and I'm not referring to her boobs).  Maggie breathes energy and I WANT to get to know her.  Her characters are layered and there's always a twinkle in her eye.  That's real spirit.  She's one of the few that I would go to see her in anything she did.

I haven't seen Dark Knight yet, but I'm really going for Maggie and Heath.  (Aaron, too.  Thank You For Smoking was the bomb!)

michellesandiego's picture

writing

I like to read your posts. Just throwing that out there.....
alexc9's picture

not gonna lie...

me too!
rachg82's picture

Ah, Maggie Gyllenhaal. 

Ah, Maggie Gyllenhaal.  I would see her in just about anything.  She was totally on my hot 100 list this year.  Ever since I saw her in "Stranger Than Fiction" I've had a crush on her.  So cute! 

*** 

EMILY:  You were on the phone.
RICHARD:  Long distance.
LORELAI:  God?
RICHARD:  London.
LORELAI:  God lives in London?
RICHARD:  My mother lives in London.
LORELAI:  Your mother is God?

Tscgrad06's picture

Loved Her, Loved The Dark Knight!

I don't get people who say they didn't enjoy this movie! lol This is the reason movies suck, because they get the wrong people in those surveys about movies, damn those test audiences! I'm not even into these kind of movies, but DAMN! This was a winner people. EVERYONE outdid themselves. I liked Gyllenhaal, I loved her even more in Stranger Than Fiction. I think the hippie look suited her very well. Brava! TsC
ajsecure's picture

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Maggie

I absolutely, completely, wholeheartedly LOVE Maggie Gyllenhaal. I think she is georgeous. Not to mention a brilliant actress. Two of my favorite roles for her were "Stranger Than Fiction" and "Mona Lisa Smile." Both Movies were brilliant and "Mona Lisa Smile" was a great study in women's roles in the fifties.
Pyewacket's picture

Richness.

I feel there is a richness to Maggie Gyllenhaal.

I have not seen all of her movies...but my attention was always drawn to her in both Mona Lisa Smile and Stranger Than Fiction.  There always seemed to be more going on.

When I found out that she was playing the female role in The Dark Knight...it seemed to indicate that it was no longer a throw-a-way role as it was when Katie Holmes had it.

 

Through_the_Rye's picture

Oh god, I love your user

Oh god, I love your user photo. Julie Andrews is mad hot, especially in Victor/Victoria! She has that special something about her.
jennifer from pittsburgh's picture

I loved "Sherrybaby". I'll

I loved "Sherrybaby". I'll be honest, it made me feel better as a mother. Nothing hammers out validation like someone who is waaaay worse than you. That said, I think MG took the character of Dawes in Batman to a whole other level. When you get down to it, the character is a throw away, meant as a means to a very angsty end. Yet, it didn't feel like that at all in the movie. Instead, I suspect, she'll haunt the halls of the new Batman franchaise for many movies to come. It'll probably be the ghost of Heath Ledger who haunts the actors, but to the viewer, it'll be channelled through Rachel Dawes. It's all so odd, the dead living and the living dead, and all fulcrummed on a nonzombie premise. It's like free extra sprinkles on a sundae while somebody unseen whistles 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' during a stroll through Evans City Cemetery.
Melissa257's picture

Maggie has my vote!

I know some people just don't see it but Maggie Gyllenhaal is strong, sexy and in my opinion a very strikingly beautiful Woman!! Some of my guy friends have been wanting me to go see it this weekend, after reading this I'll finally give in and go see it!! Maggie def. has my vote!
FlyHigh's picture

Maggie =)

I definitely want to see the Dark Knight, the reviews from everyone are great ("greatest movie ever") and I enjoy seeing Maggie on screen. Props for her for being in this movie and not submitting to become the "damsel in distress". I hope she starts a trend.

I like Gyllenhaal's looks and I was instantly drawn to her headstrong role in Stranger than Fiction. I thought she was sexy in that movie and that was before I knew I was gay =P.

Sub.Textual's picture

Maggie

This was Heath's movie I thought.  That said, Maggie caught my eye in the movie Happy Endings.  I found her character, Jude, to be fascinating for some reason and it had everything to do with how she played her.  I agree that she may not be the classic Hollywood 'beauty' but, unlike some women on this board, to me sexy or beautiful means the whole package.  It starts with the exterior but includes far more.
SportyLady's picture

Ooo Maggie

I thought Maggie did a fine job in the movie and she was A LOT more convincing then Katie Holmes. Gyllenhaal played a strong, sexy and very determined character, like she does a lot. She's great at playing these roles. The only problem is that she and Christian Bale had zero chemistry but I don't think Christian Bale has chemistry with many of his female leads. But Maggie did have chemistry with Aaron Eckhart and he blew me out of the water with his acting in The Dark Knight. A worthy watch even if Heath wasn't in the film in my opinion.

The movie was also a lot more emotional then I expected. There were a few times I got a little choked up but that could be because I'm a sap.

The Almighty Buffster's picture

I'm actually mad in love with Maggie

ever since donnie darko..... and then in stranger than fiction, oh man. I really like Heath Ledger and he gave a strong perfromance but honestly I went and saw it for Maggie and was not dissappointed, so glad she replaced Katie Holmes
tenten1988's picture

Batman is Asexual along with most super heros

I'm a major fan of batman; i've read his comics from Marvel created by Stan Lee. I watched his cartoons ever since I was six, even Batman Beyond. Well, people who are true fans of Batman know that Batman, doesn't fall in love at all in the original comics. The media and society hypes him up to fall in love but because he doesn't get involved with any woman in the comics, the relationships in the movies always fail.

Stan Lee doesn't want any of his comic book characters to be in love or get involved with females (even males) because it interferes with fighting crime. The only super hero who fell in love was spiderman to mary jane. however, in a recent comic book issue and volume, Mary Jane and Peter Parker are no longer together; in other words, he's a single man again (long story).

Jean and Cyclops from the X-men are the only surviving love couple in the Stan Lee marvel comics.

and super-man lets not even get into him.

maggie is...okay, i would say. we all have our own opinions. her brother is way better and hotter.

So those of you who wish that Batman should have got with Maggie or any other woman, it wont happen unless, they put a end to Batman all together. Stan Lee wont allow it, nor his desedents.

joubu's picture

What? Um... Batman is on DC

What? Um... Batman is on DC Comics, not Marvel. Batman was created by Bob Kane.

Stan Lee has never written anything for Batman, considering he owns the rival comic book publishing company which printed Batman. So that whole idea of Lee trying to stifle Batman love is completely wrong.

tenten1988's picture

bob kane...

... went to Stan Lee and told him about the idea but Stan Lee turned the idea down, but offered to help him out with the process. Bob Kane wanted an image of his super heros to be that of similarity to Stan Lee's, and one of the images is 'not falling inlove'. so yeah, i guess, you're right about the Bob Kane thing.
alphaxys's picture

  can i just say THANK

 

can i just say THANK YOU for that picture, haha. i have always thought maggie gylenhall was sexy. i can't decide who's sexier though, her or her husband.

 

so much shouting,

so much laughter

Engstud's picture

The BATMAN

Just reminding people that Batman was written by Bob Kane and released on DC Comics, not Marvel. Superman is also a DC Comics character, not to be confused with the Marvel clan of X-Men, Fantastic Four, Dare Devil, SpiderMan, and many others. I'm also a big Batman fan and have a few books and many posters...maybe too many. Going to see the movie this weekend on IMAX. Can't wait.

 

 

probablytripping's picture

Maggie Gyllenhaal is a terrific actress.....

....who apparently the directors must have told to act like Katie Holmes in order to create continuity for the character.  Unfortunately, that's telling a good actress to intentionally act like a bad one.  I was greatly disappointed by her performance in Dark Knight- though I tend to want to blame it more on the director for making her act like the horrific Katie Holmes.

Don't get me wrong-- I love most of Maggie Gyllenhaal's work, and greatly respect how she picks and chooses roles that intrugue her and/or challenge her as an actress...and these roles tend to be in more indie and experimental films... instead of roles that will get her the most notoriety.  Because of this I was super excited to see her in the Dark Knight because I love her work, the new Batman movies are entertaining, and I was/am greatly intrigued by Heath Ledger's process and character development for the Joker. Also, I'm sorry but this movie is NOT worth seeing just for Maggie-- Heath Ledger makes it worth seeing.  And not because he's dead but because his dedication to the role and the character development is incredible.

 

but Go See It. for real. it's friggin amazing.

lolitastic's picture

I love love

I love love LOVE Maggie Gyllenhaal. She's so darn cute and such a wonderfully talented actress. I'll never forget her in The Secretary—she astounded me! Granted, however, she isn’t enough to make me see any Batman movie. Ugh, Batman movies… Will they ever end?

 

 

~ Bianca

Porcelain-Doll's picture

 I love Maggie

 I love Maggie Gyllenhaal!! I first saw her in "Mona Lisa's Smile", and for me she really stood out in it. "Sherrybaby" is a brilliant film also, and she's amazing in it IMO. I haven't seen the Dark Knight yet, as i've never really been interested in the whole Batman thing. But I think I might go and watch it, even if it is only to see Maggie :)

 

My war paint is Sharpie ink.

Munchkin_licker's picture

I LOVE Maggie.. she's

I LOVE Maggie.. she's smokin' as well as a great actress.. which also helps. Loved her Secretary.. .. I'd pick her over Katie holmes anyday :)
Ahhh_Cool's picture

Oh Maggie. I love

Oh Maggie.

I love you.

I don't care what anyone says, you're beautiful and amazing and I would marry you upon request.

 

Um... I mean...

 

[insert intelligent, well thought-out comment on Maggie's personality and acting ability here]

undiesinabunch's picture

Mmmm Maggie

I think Maggie is gorgeous. There are times when she looks a little worn out but most of the time I think she looks amazing. Especially in that picture of her in the hat. I guess beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

I also agree with the people that said she looked pretty hot in stranger than fiction. Haven't seen the Dark Knight yet but I will at some point.

7Up's picture

Batman and the Joker

Maggie Gyllenhaal rocks always, been a major fan for ages (go Brooklyn girls, hiya neighbor)!!!!

Still I have to say it was very emotional watching Heath Ledger's performance. He really was amazing, and it was terribly eerie, I kept getting chills down my spine, and at one point I had to leave the theater for a few minutes.

lalinebrandao's picture

She is a good actress

But she is not beautiful to me. Sometimes she can be a little sex, but that's rare. She used to be a bit more good-looking when she was yonger.

But, the thing is that she is believeble in every role she does and that's why I like her. I mean, she was not a to kill for beauty is this movie, but I bought that Batman and Dent were both in love with her.

Andnothing with the subject here, but I must say that Heath Ledger was great in this movie. He was perfect, It's overhelming, it's... I dn't have the words to discribe really how his Joker was the As in this Batman movie.

LoveLillianGish's picture

Maggie Gyllenhaal

I can't put my finger on exactly why I like her but I do. She certainly is a good actress and she has a lot of flexibility/range in her roles. I think I loved her most in Stranger than Fiction. I will admit she was great in the role of Rachel in the new Batman, I was thrilled that Katie Holmes wasn't playing her again because I find her acting somewhat flat, no offense to her I just think Maggie is a better suited fit. She actually made me care for her character. And I LOVED when she fought with the joker in her own tough feminine way. The entire time I was saying yes! that's great! I barely remember her in Donnie Darko, but she was great in The Secretary and Sherry Baby even though I cringed at moments. Overall she seems intelligent, oddly quirky in a cute way, and poised. A woman who has a strong opinion and sticks to it is attractive. Her lips are also very cute.
Casuefan's picture

TDK

LOL...I think some here being hard on Holmes reads too much trash.

 Honestly....nothing beats the original and Katie outclasses Maggie in every way. Katie had that All American girl next door vibe...the idealism...innocence and sweetness..the moral compass for Rachel that Nolan really wanted. Nolan and Goyer created Rachel Dawes after Holmes if some of you didnt know that.  So many audiences and Batman fans on many chats and forums could not buy the romance because of Gyllenhaal and are not preferring Holmes stayed for the part.   It would have been cool because Katie is beautiful than ever and more of a woman perfect sparks for Bale and Eckhart.    I buy the ansgt by Holmes on Rachel too....Maggie made Rachel more of a prick....obnoxious and try hard sex kitten when she is not. Sorry but she looks like the joker(see her Tatler magazine).  I see why Katie left....overall superhero gfs are thankless roles even the supershero films i.e.Aeon Flux,Catwoman etc...I have yet to see from Hollywood get this right.  Margot Kidder and Michelle Pheiffer still stands the test of time but back then their scripts were cheesy and cartooney too but it little has changed in today's damsels in distress directions.   Katie was better than Maggie and Maggie isnt that great.  Im sure if Katie did pornish roles like Maggie did she would be more watercooler and way heralded than Mags esp that the public and media watch her career and personal life like a hawk.   I personally hope Katie remains grounded as in no sexy spreads and porn-esque films just to get the attn of Hollywood.

Casuefan's picture

TDK

Oopps sorry for the errors here...obviously Im new on this stuff. I meant fans are getting nostalgic over Holmes as Rachel Dawes. Men and women are targeting Mags face,acting and chemistry with the men.   Its a tame forum here because the Batman ones are really tough.
Batman's picture

I love Maggie

I'm actually getting pissed at how many women I talk to personally that say she was sexless in this film...then I hit them and run.  Loved the film, loved maggie. she is so friggin hot (to me), and Aaron was incredible to me too. ( I have to add that his Dent was the best thing I've see, both Two-Face and Joker together were just...yea.)

________________________________________________________

got Cloverfield? 1-18-08-underground.com does...
Yukiko's picture

Maggie

The first time I saw her on screen I thought she is a strange looking woman. Definately not my type. The more I saw of her in that movie the more intrigued I became with her. She may not be beautiful in the Hollywood sense but I can not get over her. You might say I'm a bit obsessed with her. I'm not into Batman comics or films but may have to see this one now. She is a great actress and I would like nothing better than to meet her.

 

pixiel87's picture

drool....

Man, I have always thought she was so gorgeous and pretty and had a major crush on her, but that last picture... there are no words, only drool.

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