End Of Watch (2012)
Whether it was the extraordinary grit of writer-director David Ayer’s film, or whether this film simply tipped the balance of work that had accumulated over the previous two decades, End Of Watch is significant because it marks the beginning of a new era for Gyllenhaal movies. From this movie onward, every Gyllenhaal movie is of the unmissable, remarkable variety, and it also marks his first time producing.
Shot in the style of a documentary, End Of Watch follows two officers from the Los Angeles Police Department as they carry out their shifts in notorious South Central Los Angeles. With Michael Pena as his partner, and Anna Kendrick, America Ferrera and Frank Grillo in the supporting cast, Gyllenhaal creates a portrait of a young man dedicated to his job, and dedicated to his loved ones. The film is most notable for the fact that Gyllenhaal and his co-stars were able to improvise a lot of their interactions – something that really highlighted the capabilities of all involved.
Since End Of Watch, there have been no misfires or stepping stone projects in Gyllenhaal’s resume. Prisoners, Nightcrawler, Southpaw, Everest – each one is a giant, intensive, critically acclaimed drama.