Jake Gyllenhaal in 'Source Code': Is He Just Reliving Previous Roles?

Have you ever heard of the Yogi Berra saying , "It's déjà vu all over again"? That may be what Jake Gyllenhaal was feeling while filming for his newest role in "Source Code." The theatrical trailer begins when Gyllenhaal's character wakes up in a Chicago-bound train within the body of another man. He is part of a secret mission, " Source Code ," that enables him to live the last eight minutes of another person's life in order to find a bomber who is planning to attack the train again. If he can find the bomber, "millions" of Chicago civilians will be saved.

In the last 20 years, Jake Gyllenhaal has successfully portrayed a myriad of characters. From his sheltered life as " Bubble Boy ," to his controversial role in " Brokeback Mountain ," Gyllenhaal has shown he has range. However, time travel and a reluctance to lead seem to haunt him in multiple roles. Will he eternally be typecast for these roles, or are they not so similar after all?

The Time Traveler

In the 2010 Jerry Bruckheimer blockbuster " Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time ," Jake Gyllenhaal plays Prince Dastan, a young prince given the near impossible task of protecting a magical dagger. This dagger contains the precious 'Sands of Time' that has the power to transport the holder of the dagger back in time. Just as in "Source Code," time travel is used here to protect others from impending death.

Both Gyllenhaal characters employ time travel in order to save the lives of many and are willing to use whatever means necessary to do so. In addition, both characters are the only ones aware of their ability to travel through time, leaving everyone else blissfully unaware of what just happened. Rather than be rattled by their difficult task, both must use this unique power to save the lives of others before it is too late.

The Reluctant Leader

Another repeating theme in Jake Gyllenhaal films is the reluctance to lead. In " The Day After Tomorrow " he played the son of a climatologist who recognized the gravity of an impending storm that could wipe out humankind. While everyone else around him panicked, acted irrational, and blindly followed the lead of others, Gyllenhaal's character had to rise to the occasion and prove to the masses that he can help them be safe.

The pivotal scene in the "The Day After Tomorrow" comes in the New York Public Library where his character, Sam Hall, has to convince a building full of people that they will die if they walk out into the cold. If they listen to his direction and stay inside, they will be saved. Sam's riveting speech is only able to convince a few to stay behind. OK, maybe riveting is a bit of an exaggeration. Despite the less than stellar performance, this scene transitions Sam from a quiet follower to a strong leader. Although he may have been reluctant, Sam takes the challenge and is ready to lead.

Jake Gyllenhaal is undoubtedly one of the hottest young actors in Hollywood today. Does the future hold more time traveling and reluctant leading characters for him? Let's hope he can take on some more diverse roles and continue to grow as an actor, while still making ladies swoon.