While in self isolation, on this worldwide — well almost, hello New Zealand and Sweden — lockdown due to a tiny virus with a potent plan, I’ve been thinking a lot about my favorite things. And persons. Among my most beloved actors Jake Gyllenhaal always tops the list.

Why? Because he’s one of the most exciting acting talents we have around in our generation. But also because he’s a producer, of more great things and those also happen to be favorites of mine. Along with Riva Marker they form Nine Stories Productions and they’ve allowed films like ‘Wildlife’, ‘Hondros’ (which I mistakenly called “Budros” on the clip how shameful, and ‘Stronger’. In pre-production at the moment is ‘The Division’ by David Leitch, a film about a modified strain of Smallpox being released onto NYC (eh hum, actual anyone?!) and they are responsible for some great theater too.

‘Wildlife’ you can watch on Amazon Prime, through their Showtime special deal.

In their upcoming files is ‘Sunday in the Park with George’ starring Gyllenhaal himself, which may or may not go on as scheduled in London due to the current crisis.

What I love about this company, Nine Stories, is how they send out an inspiring newsletter every month, containing some suggestions on what to watch, read and listen to. This month’s is all about listening to theater and features excerpts of Gyllenhaal and Tom Sturridge performing their roles from Broadway’s production of ‘Sea Wall/A Life’. I got to watch them live and boy, did I enjoy that! You can get the whole play on Audible btw. Sign up for the newsletter at hello@ninestoriesproductions.com. You’ll thank me for it.

Gyllenhaal also belongs to that rare breed of celebrities who actually is kind and easygoing in person. When I got to interview him in Cannes some years ago, I found him charming, but in a way I didn’t expect. I sat right next to him and while he put me at ease, I also managed to soften him up. I love when people, humans, allow themselves to be touched by the energy of the other person. We are so often caught up in our own worlds and spend way too much time talking instead of listening. Even to our mutual vibes.

Films to watch with Jake Gyllenhaal are plenty and as different one from the next. I love Tom Ford’s ‘Nocturnal Animals’ which you can find on Netflix, Dan Gilroy’s ‘Nightcrawler’ and ‘Wildlife’ directed by Paul Dano. But there are so many many more. like ‘Demolition’, ‘Velvet Buzzsaw’ and of course ‘Brokeback Mountain’. The list goes on and on.

For my hands I used FaceD lifting hand cream which I purchased from Sephora. I love being able to treat myself a little during this dire time and buying online from Sephora is painless and leaves my wallet feeling happy.

My ring is from Forever21, the blue rose clip/pin is from H & M and my shirt from French company The Kooples. I adore their fashions and typically buy them on sale. The shirt I’m wearing I purchased last year but they make a similar model every year. These days I’m addicted to buffalo prints, from jackets to scarves to shirt. This shirt appeases my need for buffalo print, without having to buy anything new.

Finally, the quote “do you want to be right, or do you want to have peace”, which I paraphrased on the clip is from Doctor Phil. My mom watched his, Phil Donahue’s and Oprah’s show to learn English in the US and often quoted their wisdom. I have heard that so much it’s become part of my inner mantra. And these days I’d rather have and receive peace, not be right.