He’s come a long way from the dodgy barnet of his 3rd Rock from the Sun days – Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s now a screenwriter, director, production company founder and heart-throb for those who prefer their movie stars more cerebral than stacked.
With his feature directorial debut Don Jon out now on DVD, here’s a look at the films that made JGL junkies (not an actual thing…)
1. 10 Things I Hate About You
Joe was still starring on 3rd Rock when he took one of the lead roles in this teen movie classic, a modern take on The Taming of the Shrew.
The film’s still a firm favourite because of the late Heath Ledger’s ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ routine, as well as the fine piece of slapstick when David Krumholtz’ Michael drives his moped off a cliff, but Gordon-Levitt’s comic timing and likeability means we’re really rooting for his character Cameron to win the heart of Bianca (Larisa Oleynik).
Ok, we also thought it’d be neat for Tommy from 3rd Rock to get together with Alex Mack…
2. Brick
While his hair’s somewhat of a mess, Gordon-Levitt’s a great fit for the role of an outsider and high-school sleuth in Rian Johnson’s stylised directorial debut.
It’s a smart and dense film but Gordon-Levitt holds his own, spitting the Dashiell Hamett-influenced dialogue with ease as solitary Brendan unravels a mystery surrounding his ex-girlfriend.
3. (500) Days of Summer
Released after he deployed a ludicrous costume and dodgy ‘villain’ voice in the abysmal G.I. Joe, this bittersweet romcom put Gordon-Levitt’s career back on the right track thanks to his dark and engaging performance as hopeless romantic Tom.
As Chloe Moretz, as Gordon-Levitt’s onscreen sister, informs Tom: ‘Just ‘cos some girl likes the same bizarre crap as you, doesn’t make her your soulmate.’
All the same, Tom’s doomed search for love will hit home for many viewers who’ve listened to The Smiths a little too much.
His wardrobe is, however, exemplary.
4. 50/50
Sandwiched between charismatic performances for Christopher Nolan in Inception and The Dark Knight Rises came this indie gem. JGL tugs at your heartstrings with his empathetic and fearful portrayal of a young man facing the titular odds of survival after being diagnosed with cancer.
The film also showed Gordon-Levitt’s dedication – would you trust Seth Rogen to shave your head?
5. Looper
JGL reunited with Rian Johnson for this intelligent, innovative sci-fi, playing the eponymous futuristic assassin, paid to rub out crime syndicate’s targets who’ve been sent back in time. But his lucrative life is jeopardised when the mob opts to ‘close the loop’ and send his older self (Bruce Willis) back in time.
Gordon-Levitt wears prosthetics here to better resemble Willis, but they’re barely necessary – he perfectly captures the Die Hard star’s mannerisms and cadence, making the film not just exciting, but highly emotional.
