Nightcrawler Review (2014)

Nightcrawler

  No, it isn't about the X-men character. Nightcrawler is about stringers. If you didn't already know, stringers are the people behind the camera at every emergency, car crash, murder, and shooting that is played on the local news. These guys wait for trouble, they film the trouble, then they sell it for money so that you and I can watch.

  Jake Gyllenhaal's performance in this film is by far the best I've ever seen him. It is absolutely brilliant, and I think the Oscars are insane for not nominating him for best actor. Everything about his acting in this is top notch; from the 30 pounds he lost to look like a hungry coyote, to his wide eyed, never blinking stare, to his total lack of a moral compass. Gyllenhaal transforms himself so much that you won't even recognize him.

  Dan Gilroy's directorial debut is one of the best movies of 2014. It really exposes the underbelly of nightlife in LA and how twisted the media and it's audiences are.

  Gyllenhaal's character is a study of a mind driven mad by the desire for success and how he completely loses his soul in the process of that. Essentially, Gyllenhal is the villain of his own movie and it is due to his incredible acting ability that we are able to connect with his character and understand the way his brain works. This not only makes us reflect on ourselves, but on society. That society creates an environment for a person like him to thrive in, yet is totally opposed to his actions.

  The movie is surprisingly funny at times, twistedly entertaining, sinister, and thought-provoking. It was a real mirror of the lengths depraved humanity will go to for entertainment, art, and money. 5 out of 5 stars. (A Must See)