As part of my role as Screenkicker editor I sometimes do interviews with actors, directors, etc. I’ll admit I’m not the greatest person at approaching these people as my natural shyness causes me to feel I’m bothering them (that’s why i do most of my journalism in the bushes (nude)). What would I be like if I didn’t care about invading their space? Could I take it a step further and become some kind of paparazzi? Nightcrawler takes these questions to an extremely disturbing level with a jaw-dropping performance from Jake Gyllenhaal.
Gyllenhaal plays Louis Bloom a young man looking for a job and getting by through petty theft. After an incident on the highway one night he stumbles on the idea of being a nightcrawler, basically someone who captures footage of accidents, crimes, fires, or anything eye-catching and then sells it to a TV news show. The race for exclusives leads Louis down darker and darker paths as his ambition completely crushes any ethics he might have.
A few years ago the story of Nightcrawler would have seemed far-fetched and silly. However since the News of the World hacking scandal where the newspaper hacked the phones of many people including a murdered schoolgirl just to get a scoop the story seems chillingly plausible. This disgusting practice informs the movie as Louis takes actions that would make any normal person sick. I won’t go into detail but suffice to say there isn’t much Louis won’t film and then try to sell.
The movie hangs on the performance of its main star Jake Gyllenhaal who knocks it out of the park. After impressive turns in films like Brokeback Mountain and Zodiac its clear he’s a brilliant actor. Here he plays something completely different. Louis is obviously a sociopath and Gyllenhaal plays it to perfection. Sometimes creepy, sometimes friendly, its easy to see which of these traits is the sincere one. Louis is a man who wants to rise to the top and will do anything for that success.
Nightcrawler is a film that broaches many subjects. Namely press ethics, the race for TV ratings, and the state of the US job market. It implies that employment is so rare that young people will do just about anything for work and that through desperation anyone can abandon their morals. These issues are dealt with subtly using the supporting characters but this is Gyllenhaal’s film and he owns it with his chilling performance. Nightcrawler is not for the squeamish but it does contain flashes of dark humour throughout and is a brilliant character study of a sociopath.
8/10
Have you ever filmed someone when they didn’t know you were there? If your name is Eric there’s a 96% chance you have. Bonus Question: What is your favourite Jake Gyllenhaal film? Please don’t say Bubble Boy.
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Screenkicker! 
Can’t wait for this one mate, Gyllenhaal is on a wicked good role at the moment with his films.
E
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Yeah Eddie, he’s great in this, its a completely new kind of role for him. He even looks physically different
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Awesome! This sounds like a can’t-miss for me. Gyllenhaal usually ends up in really good movies.
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This sounds like a very good flick. I missed my chance to see it in the rush line at Tiff this year. However, I will catch it when it comes to theaters over here this week. Great write-up for a film that I cannot wait for!
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Cannot wait to see this, it sounds fascinating, and it’s not that easy to play a sociopath convincingly. Gyllenhaal is awesome. Nice one Mikey!
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I like how Gyllenhaal choosing the less obvious roles. He’s really scary in Nightcrawler. Can’t wait to hear what you think of it
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I did not like Jake in Prisoners… but I am seeing this one tomorrow. Sounds like it’s excellent film!
Thank you for reviewing it for us.
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No problem Ulkar, hope you enjoy it
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Josh and S.A.M.
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Excellent post, looks like a gripping movie.
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I’m not really a Gyllenhall fan… Have you seen him in Prince of Persia? Worst acting ever!
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Excellent review, Mike! I’m planning to see this over the next few days. Sounds well worth the watch. Btw – I have to say I’ve always thought your Screenkicker Index thing is great. 🙂
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Great review, Mike! I wasn’t really sure about this one at first, but I’m thinking maybe I should give it a whirl. I do like Mr. Gyllenhaal. I think my fave role for him will always be Donnie Darko. LOVE him in it.
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An outstanding turn from Gyllenhaal. And yes, nose hairs are a bitch, aren’t they??!
Great post Mikey B
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Great review Mikey I cannot wait to see this! Glad you liked it. Do you happen to have this footage of you in the bushes nude, now that is a question that needs to be asked. Fave Gylly movie, I would have to say Brokeback Mountain. And yes Eric is very VERY familiar with recording people unsuspected. HAHA!
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Good read. Another top performance from Gyllenhaal. Oscar glory next year perhaps?
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I think he should at least get a nomination. its certainly a memorable performance
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I really must get around to seeing this. I’m actually watching a great film that he’s in at the moment. It’s called “End of Watch.” Really good. <— see what I'm not a reviewer.
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Great write up buddy. Fully agree with ya. Gyllenhaal is on fire these days…
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Great stuff! Looking forward to seeing this one. Keeping hearing such good stuff!
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Great review Mikey, this one does look very intriguing. Seems that the praise has been unanimous for this one.
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[…] reviewed Whiplash, Stu reviewed Calvary, and Zoë reviewed FURY. Meanwhile, Mikey and Katy are both impressed by the movie I wish I had seen: […]
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Easily one of my favorite movies of the year. There have been great performances, but I think it may be a shame is Gyllenhaal isn’t nominated.
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So stoked for this movie. I better get to it before it leaves the theaters. Great review!
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My expectations were perhaps a little too high for this, but I still did really love it. It’s a real shame Jake missed out on the nomination, but I think he’ll have a great 2015 with all the projects he has lined up.
Really liked Rene Russo too.
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It was really good seeing Russo back on screen in a good movie. And i completely agree, Jake deserved a nomination
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