Review of Nightcrawler (2014) by Therocksbarney — 21 Nov 2014

"Nightcrawler" is defined, to the average viewer, by Jake Gyllenhaal (playing Louis Bloom) who's performance was, to me, outstanding. He said in a recent interview in regards to the film "I don't think this experience will every completely go away" and I would be surprised if it left him that easily. Gyllenhaal builds an extremely complex character, reminiscent of Heath Ledger's portrayal of The Joker in "The Dark Knight" in some ways. This performance is one of the best of the year and his character should be viewed as one of those that I am lucky enough to have seen on the big screen. Like Gylllenhaal I don't think that, for me, "this experience will every go away.".

What I also found of interest was how the film made an insightful comment in regards to what today's media has become. This is something that I don't think the average viewer picks up, understanding that the media is this film is twisted looking to make money without principle nor wanting to inform people, the purpose of news (or rather what it should be...) "Lou" is this twisted monster, a personification of today's media. What I did notice was how Kevin Rahm (playing Frank Kruse) acts as the opposite this, standing up for these traditional principals and what news should be. The film does well to make this comment, something that I think most films should try to do, and it hits a fine line in regards to it, something that I think "The Imitation Game" didn't do in regards to homophobia and completely missed the boat on in regards to women rights (see my review on it).

What I can criticise, and its worth noting I only do so because there always has to be some criticism with any film, in regards to "Nightcrawler" is how I found Riz Ahmed's inclusion (playing Rick) a bit unnecessary, the same with the film's ending. I find this in most films and I can never put a finger on it but in some ways I sympathised with the bastards next to me whispering "why hasn't this film ended yet?" Its finally worth noting that Dan Gilroy makes his directorial debut with "Nightcrawler" and that explains some of the films flaws, but I'm not going to criticise him. I mean it his debut, and a bloody good one at that.

"Nightcrawler" is a fantastic film and for me, Jack Glyenhaal was the highlight. 100% deserved of an Oscar Nomination, perhaps a win. What "Nightcrawler" made me realise though was how **** up our media is.