19 years after being turned down forMoulin Rouge, Jake Gyllenhaal delivered a performance inJohn Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunchthat reveals one genre he should pursue more often.John Mulaney’s stand-up specialdebuted in 2019 and departs from his standard comedy routine. The 70-minute series incorporates various musical skits featuring huge guest stars, such as David Byrne andPoker Face’s Natasha Lyonne. With a myriad of talent on offer, the program’s highlight is Gyllenhaal’s performance as Mr. Music — a completely absurd role that is perfectly suited to the actor.
John Mulaney brought twonewSack Lunch Bunchepisodes to Comedy Centralin 2020, after his first feature opened to a delightful reception from audiences and critics alike, though Gyllenhaal is absent from the succeeding installments. Duringan interview with Jimmy Fallon, Mulaney revealed the Hollywood superstar was the top contender for theSack Lunch Bunch’s eccentric Mr. Music role after seeingGyllenhaal’s villainous characterinOkja. The late arrival of Mr. Music inJohn Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunchcomes after audiences are already invested in Mulaney’s comedic routine, heightening the zany effect of Gyllenhaal’s performance.
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Jake Gyllenhaal has been in so many great thrillers, but it’s a pity that musical is the one genre missing from the actor’s outstanding repertoire. Gyllenhaal auditioned forMoulin Rougealongside the late Heath Ledger, before Baz Luhrmann ultimately awarded the role to beloved Scotsman, Ewan McGregor (viaPeople). This is perhaps whyGyllenhaal was so eager to undertake Mulaney’s bizarre character, but in any case, the end result is nothing short of a triumph. The actor welcomes the absurdity of Mr. Music and amplifies it, and regardless of the repetitive and off-beat tune to “Music Everywhere,” it’s clear that Gyllenhaal is an accomplished singer.
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The actor benefits from his first mainstream role in comedy just two years prior. His outlandish performance as Dr. Johnny Wilcox inOkjashares many similarities with Mr. Music. Both performances are very physical, but Gyllenhaal’s performance inJohn Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunchis characterized by exaggerated physical gestures and movements, andhe showcases his full vocal rangethrough using every octave. Both features are essential for musical performances, highlighting his faultless vocal ability and setting him up for success in the genre.
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Gyllenhaal is best known for his intense performances in films such asNightcrawlerandPrisoners,but he’s also a skilled performer with Broadway experience, having starred in the musical,Sunday in the Park With George. His three-day opening performance was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews.Gyllenhaal’s exquisitely articulate portrayal of George was a standout for critics, who were surprised by his “voice of richly flexible timbre that confidently elicits the most delicate shades of passion,” (viaThe New York Times). Gyllenhaal’s exceptional vocal talent makes him an ideal choice for a musical film, coupled with his powerful dramatic performances that would only further elevate his role.
Gyllenhaal rarely showcases his vocal ability but is willing to flaunt his vocal prowess wherever possible, and with good cause. In addition to his Broadway experience,Gyllenhaal showcased his impressive vocals during the season finale ofSaturday Night Liveearlier this year. During the final episode of season 49, Gyllenhaal sang a tribute alongside four other cast members in an alternative rendition of “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men. Gyllenhaal’s vocal performance onSNLexposed his talent to a much wider audience than Broadway or his role inJohn Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch, implicitly solidifying his affinity for the musical genre.
