"Nightcrawler" is a blistering film, a look into the dark underbelly of modern news gathering. With a positively animalistic portrayal by a gaunt Jake Gyllenhaal, this directorial debut by Dan Gilroy packs a powerful punch.
A nocturnal LA noir, the film uses a charismatic anti-hero to both entertain and repel, a balancing act that's far too uncommon in movies these days. An action movie with big ideas behind it, "Nightcrawler" is absolutely one of the best films in an already crowded year of good movies.
What's with Gyllenhaal's appearance?
In order to get the desiccated look (borrowed from the skinny coyotes that roam the countryside around L.A.), Gyllenhaal committed to a diet regime that saw him lose over 20 pounds. Running to set, chewing gum and munching on kale gave him a near deathly look, making his eyes pop out. It's a harrowing transformation, one we've seen before by the likes of Christian Bale and Robert De Niro.
Most importantly, it's perfectly keeping in the style of the film. Gyllenhaal's one of the film's producers, and you can feel an extraordinary level of commitment in almost every scene. What's even more remarkable is that it never feels forced or over-the-top, there's the right attenuation of crazy and charming even as the most dire things are taking place, and this is what gives the movie much of its magic.
Who else is in this thing?
Rene Russo gives one of her best performances, possibly the result of her working on a project that she had great familiarity with given that she's married to the director. The part was written for her, and it brings out all her strengths (and on-screen weaknesses) in ways that are sometimes breathtaking.
Relatively unknown Rizwan Ahmed plays Rick, the protege of Gyllenhaal's character Louis Bloom. As Bloom spouts off half-baked Dale Carnegie-like aphorisms, Rick's along for the ride (literally) as they screech through the empty California streets on the lookout for accidents and other horrors that will make for good local TV.
Bill Paxton plays a rival camera crew, and he's kind of perfect in the film, beautifully cast in a small but pivotal role that's elevated by his presence (much like it was in the recent Tom Cruise starrer "Live/Die Repeat," a.k.a. "Edge of Tomorrow").
So it's about TV?
It's about a journey into the heart of darkness, except instead of heading up a jungle river, Bloom is heading deeper and deeper into the media establishment. The film is bleak without being nihilistic, and its plausibility is perhaps the most horrifying thing about it. Bloom has a code, even a kind of morality, but it's an intensely problematic path he's on, even if it results in ever-increasing benefits to him. This is the underside of profit-driven news organizations, particularly at the local level, and the film tackles head-on some of the truly nefarious things that get passed on as a mix of informative and entertaining.
Yet to its great credit "Nightcrawler" never feels polemical or agenda-driven. The events of the film are laid bare, and its ethical and legal ambivalence are integral to the storyline, prompting serious post-film discussion while entertaining the audience along the way.
I dunno, it sounds kind of weird.
It is weird? It's violent, and dark, and moody. It's also beautiful to watch, challenging to your own perceptions of right and wrong, and is a wonderful showcase for some stellar performances. It's an award-worthy film that's still accessible, that perfect blend between art film and action flick that make critics like me kind of giddy. I've called it a masterpiece, and stand by that claim. It's a rare gem of a film, one that's fierce and frightening and unforgettable.
"Nightcrawler" will crawl under your skin, it'll haunt you for days, and, with any justice, it'll pick up plenty of attention come awards time. This is definitely a film to check out on the big screen; its sumptuous visuals and manic storyline ideal to be experienced with a big audience.
When they talk about not making films like they used to, you can point to "Nightcrawler" and prove them wrong. This is as good a film of this kind as has been seen in decades, and it's one well worth trumpeting about.
"Nightcrawler" is now playing in theatres.
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