Jake Gyllenhaal wants to become a director.

The 34-year-old actor has received critical acclaim for his performance in front of the camera in various movies, including 'Southpaw', 'Nightcrawler' and 'Donnie Darko', but says he also has ambitions to helm a movie of his own.

Asked if he'd like to make the transition into directing, Jake said: ''Yes I would. It hasn't come up yet. It's starting to, but I see how hard it is, and I see how many people think they can do it.

''You really have to know what you want to say. And you really have to be very prepared: not just in terms of skill, but as a human, because it takes such patience. I have more to learn, but I'd like to try my hand at it some day.''

Meanwhile, Jake also revealed he weighs up a number of different factors before accepting a film role.

Asked if the director dictates whether he chooses to appear in a film or not, Jake told Time Out magazine: ''Sometimes it is, and sometimes it's the director, editor, cinematographer, set designers, producers.

''A movie is never made with just one mind. I try and have the knowledge of every single department, and what they've done.''