NIGHTCRAWLER - Movie Review

Title: Nightcrawler
Running Time: 117 min
Director: Dan Gilroy
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Riz Ahmed, Bill Paxton

Review:
When Tobey Maguire injured his back just before filming "Spiderman 2", they had already tailored a spidey-suit to Jake Gyllenhaal, just before Maguire surprisingly recovered. Two years later, Gyllenhaal auditioned for the title role in "Superman Returns", but was turned down as the studio wanted an 'unknown face'. Being Batman didn't work out either, and the part went to Christian Bale. However, after memorable performances in critically acclaimed films like "Brokeback Mountain", "Zodiac" and most recently "End of Watch", "Prisoners" and "Enemy", you could argue that, albeit he never got to be a super-hero, he has turned into a super-actor. And "Nightcrawler" is a perfect example for that!

Following the character of Lou Bloom, we witness how he starts a business in a shady but not uncommon area of journalism: independent filmcrews trying to be the first ones at crime scenes to film the events and sell the footage to news stations. A job that Lou gets disturbingly good at.

Gyllenhaal gives an exceptional performance here, and completely disappears into the role of this success-seeking sociopath (try saying that three times in a row). Since he appears in every single scene, the whole film really relies on his acting chops, but he delivers perfectly. From the first minute on you realize that there is something off with this guy, and the fact that the writers didn't give him any kind of backstory makes this character seem so much more unpredictable. But the movie doesn't only present a despicable human being to us, it also shows how such a person can still find success in today's perverted media.

A lot of the film takes place on the streets and in cars, and after „Drive“ the city of Los Angeles proves once more that it is the perfect setting for such a movie. Paired with the beautiful direction of Dan Gilroy,  it creates a special kind of atmosphere, and in general, Gilroy surprises with this debut. Through the camera, he manages to put you in a character's shoes, but keeps it so subtle that you won't even notice it.

Overall, "Nightcrawler" is a compelling thriller that is worth watching for Gyllenhaal alone. As its characters cross lines and subvert morality, you will be creeped out and fascinated at the same time.

For Fans Of:

Taxi Driver (1976)

Drive (2011)

The Social Network (2010)

Falling Down (1993)

Click Here To Watch Trailer!

And check out my friend's review over at B.A.'s Screentest for a second opinion!