Jake Gyllenhaal is not afraid to dive into the research process for a movie role.

The 33-year-old actor recently discussed the time he witnessed an actual murder while preparing for his part in the film "End of Watch." According to Gyllenhaal, who is currently starring in thriller "Nightcrawler," the moment was very important for him as an actor and as a person.  

"That was a pivotal moment for me, in that I started realizing where I could really learn from the process of preparation for the roles that I play, and the severity of real life, and how even though what I was doing was fictional, there was a responsibility I had," said Gyllenhaal in a Reddit AMA on Thursday (Oct. 30). The actor played an L.A. police officer in the film.

"And it's really wonderful that you asked that question, because it was a real turning point for me in how I approach the process of what I do," he added. "And I could see how absurd it is, what I do, and yet at the same time it has great import, and that was specifically a very shocking but very moving moment for me - as a human and as an actor."

When asked about his feelings on celebrity culture and how the public's fascination with movie stars affects him personally, Gyllenhaal explained that he understands why movie-goers have a hard time separating an actor from his or her persona onscreen.

"What I've realized is that there's a real intimacy being in a movie theater with someone in the dark. And I have connections with people whom I see in that context, and the movies that they are in really move me," said the star. "But I think it's really important to see that STORY is the most important thing. Ultimately it's not the person, but the story that has the greatest impact."

Jake also added, "I always find it fascinating being the face of the story. Because I think all the feelings that come with the story get put on the actor. And it really has to do with many, many people's work who created what you're seeing. So it's a great irony. But I also think it's very wonderful when people are positive. I'm also a firm believer in performances and movies and any type of art eliciting many different types of responses. So I love hearing people's opinions, good and/or bad, about things that I've created."