Set somewhere on the darkest street corners of Los Angeles is Jake Gyllenhaal-produced and starring Thriller Nightcrawler, documenting a directionless yet ambitious man’s rise to the top of world of Crime Journalism. Operating in a Paparazzi/TMZ-like fashion, Lou Bloom (Gyllenhaal) stumbles upon his true calling in life by accident and once he forces his way in, he isn’t leaving at any expense. He strikes an exclusive deal with News Producer Nina (Rene Russo), barely staying afloat in terms of ratings and with her job in jeopardy and all-important Sweeps Season approaches. It’s a race to make it to the gruesome scene of the crime first to edge-out his competition even if this means consistently crossing moral boundaries, which could land him in serious trouble.
Gyllenhaal has been selective with his roles of late to mixed effect and he fits the role of seedy Lou, perfectly embodying him with a touch of creepy unease from his gaunt appearance and sunken cheekbones, to the tenor in his voice. Any recollection of the hunky, torso-bearing Prince of Persia quickly is forgotten actually. Director/Writer Dan Gilroy’s Story is completely unbelievable, but that at once winds-up being part of the charm as we are taken on a high-speed ride aboard a fleshy red Mustang to the underworld which you don’t realize until you’re clutching the arms of your chair in deep anticipation. Russo is full of fervour here opposite Gyllenhaal, while British Talent Riz Ahmend is perfect as the at times hilarious daft Sidekick, Frank.
NIGHTCRAWLER opens Friday, October 31, 2014 via Elevation Pictures.
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