Top 5 Maggie Gyllenhaal Films

by Helen Earnshaw | 8 May 2014

Maggie Gyllenhaal is one of the most versatile actresses working in Hollywood at the moment - not to mention one of the best.

She is back on the big screen this week as she teams up with Michael Fassbender and Domhnall Gleeson for the already acclaimed Frank.

We take a look back at Gyllenhaal's career to pinpoint her standout films so far.

- Donnie Darko (2002)

Donnie Darko hit the big screen back in 2002, and while it proved to be the breakthrough film for Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie also received recognition for her performance.

Directed by Richard Kelly, Donnie Darko follows a troubled teenager who is plagued by visions of a large rabbit: visions that lead him to commit a series of crimes.

Maggie played the sister of her real-life brother in the film, while Jena Malone, Patrick Swayze, Noah Wyle, and Drew Barrymore were all also on board.

Donnie Darko was one of the most original movies to hit the big screen that year, and it has gone on to enjoy a huge cult status.

It is a movie that is wonderfully crafted and acted and uncovered some great acting talent.

- Secretary (2003)

While Gyllenhaal received praise for her role in Donnie Darko, it was Secretary a year later that was to be her major breakthrough.

Steven Shainberg was in the director's chair for the film, which was based on the book Bad Behaviour by Mary Gaitskill.

Gyllenhaal takes on the role of Lee, a young woman just release from a mental hospital, who gets a job as a secretary to a demanding lawyer.

However, their employer-employee relationship turns into a sexual, sadomasochistic one.

Secretary is a one of the most offbeat love stories you will ever see, it is also as provocative as it is funny.

Gyllenhaal just shines in the central role, and she received acclaim for her performance - not to mention a Golden Globe nomination.

This was the movie that really put Gyllenhaal on the map, and since then, her career has soared.

- Sherrybaby (2007)

In 2007, Gyllenhaal teamed up with director/writer Laurie Collyer for drama Sherrybaby: a movie for which Gyllenhaal's performance was praised once again.

Gyllenhaal took on the role of Sherry Swanson, an ex-convict who is trying to fit back into society and build a relationship with her young daughter.

Gyllenhaal really did get under the skin of this character to shin in the role.

She dived into the role of Sherry, and delivered a fascinating character study of this complex woman.

This performance is honest and raw and you really believe all of the troubles that Sherry has faced and gone through: Gyllenhaal really is just outstanding.

- Crazy Heart (2010)

Three years after Sherrybaby, Gyllenhaal was back with Crazy Heart - a movie that saw her pick up her first Oscar nomination.

Directed by Scott Cooper, Crazy Heart saw the actress team up with Jeff Bridges for the first time. The movie followed a faded music star (Bridges) and his doomed relationship with writer Jean.

Crazy Heart really was one of my favourite films of 2010, as it is driven by two actors well and truly at the top of their game.

This is a simple redemption story, and yet there is real power to it - that is larger thanks to a terrific script and great actors.

Gyllenhaal may have been in a supporting role, but she really does shine, a woman trying to find the real man behind the legend and the booze.

It is a terrific watch, and the scenes that Bridges & Gyllenhaal share really are the best moments in the film.

Gyllenhaal picked up a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination, but was to lose out to Mo'Nique from Precious.

- The Dark Knight (2008)

Gyllenhaal has not starred in many blockbusters during her career, but in 2008, she stepped into one of the biggest and the best.

The Dark Knight was the second of Christopher Nolan's Batman movies, and saw Gyllenhaal take over the role of assistant district attorney Rachel Dawes from Katie Holmes.

There is a real power to Rachel in the second movie - she really is more than just a damsel in distress. She is a strong and intelligent woman who wants to improve Gotham as much as Batman.

Gyllenhaal portrayed her as a woman who would not compromise her morals, but she is loyal to her friends and those that she loves. She really does give a terrific performance as part of an all-star ensemble cast.

The Dark Knight raised the superhero film bar, and is widely regarded as one of the best of all time. It went on to gross in excess $1 billion, and should have been nominated for a Best Picture Oscar.