8/10

Jake Gyllenhaal in what is yet another fine performance.

I’ve hammered on about it in another review of the film Prisoners but damn do I love watching Gyllenhaal take on a new and challenging role, and with Nightcrawler we definitely get just that. This film is a fantastic character study of a disturbing sociopath and it does so by shining a camera on a topic most audiences wouldn’t be privy towards.

Nightcrawler is all about the world of shooting horrifying and graphical images of real-life incidents for local news television updates. It’s about the people who are behind the camera of what you see on television and those that are responsible for putting themselves out there to capture what you don’t want to see but can’t help but look. And just like that very notion, this film is a perfect example of being captivated by something that you normally wouldn’t be but also something that you know you shouldn’t be.

This film pits the issue of what is allowed to be filmed and shown on television alongside the question of whether you can do so without feeling any sense of moral or ethical burdens. For most, and just like myself, I’d side on the traditional and conservative side. But for others that we come to watch Nightcrawler, it’s just another opportunity to make it into primetime.

A moral dilemma like this is examined by Gyllenhaal’s character Louis Bloom, who is one of these people that records violent events in the city of Los Angeles and sells it to the news. But Nightcrawler’s story goes deeper into psychic of what makes Louis Bloom tic and why he often crosses over those traditional lines of ethics, to simply profit off those that are so unfortunate. All of which, wouldn’t come to fruition if it weren’t for how great Gyllenhaal’s performance is. In Louis Bloom, he installed a new set of creepy quirks and traits, from the way he interacted with other characters to even just how he was by himself. From the tone and delivery of his dialogue to the way he looked and moved, everything was intended to create an unsettling portfolio of a sociopath, which worked fantastically and I had a blast watching him every time he was on screen, which thankfully was a lot.

The compliments for creating such a fun and interesting character to observe ultimately come down to the great script by writer and director Dan Gilroy. His discovery of what is called the “stringer” profession and the idea to develop it to a psychological drama setting, is an aspect I’m glad we got to be introduced to. I feel like, for whatever reason, Nightcrawler is akin to a sleeper hit, as it isn’t really discussed or brought up in conversation. Although it went onto be nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 87th Academy Awards and thankfully grossed a nice $50 million from an $8 million budget.

Nightcrawler is one of Jake Gyllenhaal’s best films and a greatly entertaining character study. It’s something original and fresh but also dark and disturbing enough to make a great film. It isn’t perfect but it’s positives far outweigh the negatives and I’d recommend seeing this out on Netflix if you get the chance, because it’s one of those hidden gems that need a spotlight on it. So, check it out when you can.

25 comments

  1. True, all you say. And yet I don’t wish to see it ever again. I think this just proves how deep and hard-hitting it is.

  2. Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I’ve truly loved surfing around your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I am hoping you write once more very soon!

  3. Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly
    useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back
    and aid others like you aided me.

  4. I always spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s posts every
    day along with a cup of coffee.

  5. Thanks for some other fantastic article.
    The place else could anyone get that type of info in such a
    perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the look for such info.

  6. There’s certainly a great deal to know about this issue.
    I like all of the points you made.

  7. Wonderful article! We are linking to this particularly great content on our website.
    Keep up the great writing.

  8. Quality articles or reviews is the crucial to invite the
    people to visit the web page, that’s what this site is providing.

  9. I need to to thank you for this fantastic read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of
    it. I’ve got you bookmarked to look at new things you post…

  10. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading?

    I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.

    Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

  11. Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from
    an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog?

    I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
    I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start.
    Do you have any points or suggestions? Cheers

  12. What’s up Dear, are you genuinely visiting this
    web page on a regular basis, if so then you will
    absolutely take pleasant knowledge.

  13. Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a information! existing here at
    this webpage, thanks admin of this site.

  14. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of
    plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement.

    Do you know any techniques to help stop content from being ripped off?
    I’d truly appreciate it.

  15. Ahaa, its fastidious conversation concerning
    this piece of writing here at this blog, I have read all that, so at
    this time me also commenting at this place.

  16. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you could do with a few pics to drive
    the message home a little bit, but other than that, this
    is fantastic blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.

  17. Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful.

    I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it.

    You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to
    keep it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a
    great web site.

  18. My brother recommended I might like this website. He
    was totally right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  19. Fastidious response in return of this difficulty with real arguments and explaining the whole thing about that.

  20. I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.
    I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
    Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for
    this information for my mission.

  21. That is a really good tip particularly to those new to
    the blogosphere. Brief but very precise info… Appreciate your sharing this one.

    A must read article!

  22. I visited multiple web pages but the audio feature for audio songs present at this website is
    actually wonderful.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *