Director: Dan Gilroy

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo & Bill Paxton

Running Time: 117 mins

Release date: 31 Oct, 2014

Worldwide Gross: $10,909,000 (US)

 

 

 

 

Basic Plot:

 

Petty thief and sociopath Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins making a living as a nightcrawler, a freelance video journalist who sells footage of accidents and crime scenes across Los Angeles. Working with his partner Rick (Riz Ahmed), Lou is pressured to catch more graphic and compelling footage for News Director Nina (Rene Russo). Lou however is a man driven to success at any cost even if it means endangering the life of himself and those around him.

 

Clock Watching? 15/20

 

There’s a saying that good writers should begin their stories three pages in and that feels true of Nightcrawler. That’s not to say the opening act is boring, thanks to a career-turning performance by Gylenhaal and the stylish direction of newcomer Dan Gilroy none of the film is boring. It’s just that Lou Bloom is such a captivating monster that there’s really little to be learned from watching him stumble into the underground world of freelance crime journalism. Even before he picks up a camera, we see that Lou will do anything to satisfy his pathological drive, be it immoral, dangerous or violent.

 

The resulting sense it that Lou isn’t so much descending into a pit of madness as trying to sit comfortably in one. There’s no escalating intensity, even as the stakes seem to be ramping up when the police show up at his door. The film simmers but never boils which is a shame as there is ample opportunity to do so. A great example of this is Lou’s complicated relationship with Nina, a ruthless local news producer who becomes his chief contact at the news station. Initially their relationship seems mutually destructive as she enables Lou’s sociopathic motivations and he in return provides her with more graphic and morally dubious content. There’s an obvious attraction on Lou’s part as Russo is not only effortlessly seductive but also embodies everything he aspires towards.

 

Over the course of one uncomfortable dinner date though Lou methodically manipulates her into giving her both the professional and sexual gratification he desires. It’s a sharply written scene, equal parts awkward, funny and engaging only undercut by how little payoff it has later. Perhaps an intimate scene with the two would have been too much but it feels like a particular depth that was never rightfully plunged. Without going too far it really does feel like the film plateaus to a certain point.

 

Oscar Performances?  18/20

 

This marks a career high point for Gyllenhaal, which says a lot when you consider he made his start in Donnie Darko (2001). In Lou Bloom he creates a Travis Bickle for the modern age; a soulless ghoul driven by all the empty platitudes of life coaches and motivational posters. Approaching life’s issues with an Asperger-esque attention to detail and sociopathy to match. Gyllenhaal has been vetted for Oscar glory in the past with the likes of End of Watch (2012) and Zodiac (2007) still in recent memory but in Nighcrawler it truly feels like the former Prince of Persia has found a film bold, truthful and fresh enough to earn a win.

 

In case you were wondering even at 60, Rene Russo still has enough confidence and sexuality to own the role of a power-suited producer like Nina. So much so that it comes as a genuine shock when Lou manipulates his way into her bedroom exposing all her vulnerabilities beneath the façade. It’s a pivotal role as an enabler, antagonist and victim all at once but with Russo’s force you’ll believe the pressure she exerts over Lou even when you know the dark place it’s coming from.

 

Four Lions star Riz Ahmed gets lumped with the audience point-of-view role as Rick, a desperate loser who Lou’s hires to assist him. Ahmed imbues the role of Lou’s voice of reason with enough innocence to not seem hypocritical and his comedic chops reinforce the film’s satirical feel. Helping with the humour is Bill Paxton as Joe, a veteran nightcrawler who serves as an image of what Lou could become. If you’ve seen Paxton in anything before this you’ll know what to expect.

 

Lights, Camera, Direction? 17/20

 

For a first time effort director Dan Gilroy has created a stunning work. Nightcrawler is at once a slickly told narrative, journey into madness and satirical deconstruction of the American news media. Predominantly shot by night, it presents a seedy and heartless vision of Los Angeles. The violence and crime shown with a emotionless, mechanical quality that reflects  the nature of its protagonist. The violence shown mostly in hindsight like a sterile examination, and the action resembles a well-practised process.

 

Tell a Friend? 17/20

 

This is a film people will be talking about for a while even if only to have the lid blown on things like underground crime journalism or the way news media frames its stories. Be warned though, while not as depraved or intense as it could be, Nightcrawler is not one for the faint of heart.

 

Again? 18/20

 

As we come up to Oscar season, Nightcrawler might be the most interesting contender for a while, with plenty to enjoy and plenty to talk about.

 

Total: 85%

 

Nightcrawler is a fresh, dark and compelling crime thriller with a phenomenal lead performance by Gyllenhaal. It’s a journey into the equally immoral worlds of those who ride in the wake of ambulances and the people who employ them. Guaranteed to become one of the most talked about films of the season.

 

by Liam Macloed