Review of Nightcrawler (2014) by James S — 26 Jun 2015

This film is the poster child for 'doesn't do what it says on the tin.' When I frist saw the name of this film, I thought 'awesome, a spinoff movie for Kurt Wagner, the X-Man known as Nightcrawler.' I quickly found out this was not the case, and that the film was, in fact, about cameramen chasing news stories in the middle of the night. While the film is set in that world, it is about something much different.

Jake Gyllenhaal gives a commanding performance as Lou, the small-time crook turned nightcrawler. The character is truly unique, being somewhat removed from human emotion, while understanding the power of negotiation and smart business practice. He hires Rick (played very twitchily by Riz Ahmed) as his employee, and they build up quite a workplace culture. Lou also develops a tumultuous relationship with Nina (played stoically by Rene Russo), the director of a local news show, who he sells his footage to.

Here's the thing: the movie is actually about good management in the workplace culture. Yes, the two main characters sit in a car looking for accidents to film, but they frequently discuss working conditions, compensation, and obedience. There's even a bit about not reading memos. Lou has a very logical, non-nonsense approach to his business. He knows how to negotiate, when he can hold fast, and when he must back away. He does it all calmly, and does a lot of research.

It's a gripping film with many layers to it, even though there isn't any teleporting in it at all.