Nightcrawler

9

BottleOfPopFeb 14, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Do you ever going into a movie hearing about how great it is and afraid it won’t live up to the hype? I feel that way about a lot of movies when I hear about them from friends, the internet, and various other places. Does Nightcrawler fall under that category? No, definitely not.

The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Louis Bloom. I don’t know any other way to describe his performance besides using an old cliché. Gyllenhaal knocked this character out of the park. At the start of the movie, you get the sense he is a little off. Although he was a criminal, my original thoughts were he was just a misunderstood weirdo. I had no idea what a “nightcrawler” was, so the early parts in the movie did a good job making it seem like a repugnant profession. Throughout the movie, he delivers a perfect performance that develops his character into someone who may actually be a bit psychotic while finding a way to make the profession of a nightcrawler more tasteless than I thought it could be.

When I watch a movie, it is hard to make me feel uncomfortable during certain scenes that are supposed to evoke those feelings. In this movie, scenes of him filming such grisly moments with no remorse for anything made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I don’t know if that is a nod to the acting, directing, editing, sound, or a combination of all of them, but there was a definite discomfort I felt throughout the film because of the character of Louis Bloom.

The movie does a great job of building suspense. It all builds up to a highly climatic ending that is well worth the payoff. I highly recommend this movie to anyone. It is well worth the watch.… Expand

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9

AGarcia732Feb 9, 2015

“Nightcrawler" is an intense and riveting thriller, with a neo-noir style and and some dark social commentary of today's news media. Death and destruction becomes headlines, "each police siren wail equals a possible windfall, and victims" are“Nightcrawler" is an intense and riveting thriller, with a neo-noir style and and some dark social commentary of today's news media. Death and destruction becomes headlines, "each police siren wail equals a possible windfall, and victims" are merely "dollars and cents" in the film "Nightcrawler".

Lou Bloom is a hard-working man, a perfectionist, a fast-learner with a can-do attitude and an uncompromising work ethic. He's quite eloquent, articulate, and knowledgeable. He sounds like a nice guy, right? However, some people just don't know when to stop--when things have gone too far, out of hand, or crossed a line. Lou Bloom is one of those people. From tampering with crime scenes, to pressuring a co-worker for sex, to blackmailing and sabotaging others, to withholding information from authorities, to manipulating events to his advantage, Lou is an example of an opportunist who never stops pushing. He "blurs the line between observer and participant". Lou pursues the American Dream like countless other US citizens/residents--but he's simply willing to do anything to get his payday.

The movie shows just how screwed up media can be. It’s competitive and ugly, with people fighting over the most gruesome footage. Nina primarily represents the ugly objectives of a cutthroat industry.***MILD SPOILERS*** When Nina discovers that a home invasion massacre was a drug deal gone wrong, she decides not to release that info (as it doesn’t go with the fear-instilling message she’s trying to tell). Nina also tells Lou to focus primarily on getting footage from wealthy, white neighborhoods, because that’s what the people want.

Jake Gyllenhaal does an excellent performance as Lou. He's convincing as the socially awkward, demanding, and unsettling man. Jake shows effort, and he even lost weight for the role (which is evident with his gaunt cheekbones). Renne Russo is also great as Nina, a woman who also has little moral qualms with the faults of her work. Riz Ahmed's supporting character (Rick) could've had more of a backstory. I also happened to like Bill Paxton in his small role (as Joe, rival cameraman to Jake’s character Lou). Dan Gilroy does a great job as director, especially considering Nightcrawler is his first movie.

Despite this praise, because Lou is presented as such a sociopath from the beginning, the movie has slightly less suspense toward the end than it could've had (in hindsight). However, the tragedy at the end is still unexpected to me.

I have reviewed 38 other movies on Metacritic and IMDB, including the 2014 and 2015 films: Taken 3, The Interview, Exodus: Gods and Kings, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Dracula Untold, The Maze Runner, The Equalizer, The Expendables 3, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Giver, Sharknado 2, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Edge of Tomorrow, X-Men Days of Future Past, Godzilla, Blended, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Divergent, Transcendence, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, The Lego Movie, and more.

I review TV shows, such as: Empire (2015), The Flash, Arrow (Season 3), Gotham, The Last Ship (Season 1), Sleepy Hollow (Season 1), Marvel's Agents of SHIELD (Season 1 and 2), The 100, I Wanna Marry Harry, Crisis, Gang Related, and more. I also have reviewed the mobile Android games: Minecraft Pocket Edition, Clash of Clans, and Five Night's at Freddy's.… Expand

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10

hayashi1229Feb 7, 2015

Great movie, very interesting to watch. What a amazing movie Nightcrawler is! Great acting from every cast member.It's hard to believe Nightcrawler was made by first time director Dan Gilroy, because what a movie this is.

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9

borderlinefilmsFeb 4, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Survival of the Batsh!t Craziest

Here we have a sociopath for the digital age. A Taxi Driver for the early 21st Century. Louis Bloom might have been born yesterday, just before taking an online course in Small Business Management, the new way to self-educate, without the petty annoyances of human contact and interaction. Every basic lesson he absorbed is put to the test with the obsessive solitary singular purpose of succeeding. Jake Gyllenhaal immerses himself in the role with psychotic stupor. He speaks with the same forward-plotting conviction whether tossing about obvious clichés or revealing something brilliant. The perfect entrepreneur. A maniacal detached idiot savant on a ruthless predatory mission. Morality and the legal system are minor roadblocks to dodge, riddles to resolve, sentiments to overcome. His brand of narcissistic psychosis is a genetic mutation that insures the survival of the species. Like an Aryan bulldozer, he cripples and kills the weak, exploiting the flaws in humanity, cannibalizing the limits of civilization, and capitalizing on each opportunity every step of the way, all for his own personal gain. All while intuiting which backs to scratch and/or stab and when. The perfect entrepreneur. The quintessential post-9/11 movie hero. Where Travis Bickle sought to take down corruption to rescue the innocent, Louis Bloom does the opposite, preying on the fallen and severing the social codes and mores that bind us for his own solitary success. American Exceptionalism. Nightcrawler is nanoeconomics in its purest, most wicked and vicious form. I'm sure some may see it not so much as a comment on what ails us but as an inspiration to venture out from, and Bloom as a persistent determined role model to imitate. How-to-Succeed-in Business-Without-Feeling. Humanity is merely a construct that can be subjugated, an apparatus to dismantle, a child's toy for the child that wants it all.… Expand

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9

royphishoohFeb 4, 2015

An outstanding movie with excellent performances, especially from Jake Gyllenhaal. A searing indictment of the morals of American TV news and the society that breeds it.

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10

MurrayTFeb 1, 2015

How did Jake Gyllenhaal not get an Oscar nomination for best actor? Not only one of the best acting performances of this year, but any year. The same for the movie itself, easily one of the best of the year, and so much better than thatHow did Jake Gyllenhaal not get an Oscar nomination for best actor? Not only one of the best acting performances of this year, but any year. The same for the movie itself, easily one of the best of the year, and so much better than that Birdbrain movie.… Expand

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6

nicholasbertFeb 1, 2015

I didn't think too much of Nightcrawler, especially after the shower of positive reviews it has gotten, ranging from comparisons with Taxi Driver to praises to the extraordinary acting (by Jake Gullenhaal). I honestly disagree with both theseI didn't think too much of Nightcrawler, especially after the shower of positive reviews it has gotten, ranging from comparisons with Taxi Driver to praises to the extraordinary acting (by Jake Gullenhaal). I honestly disagree with both these examples, in that Nightcrawler doesn't feel at all like Taxi Driver, and Gyllenhaal, although certainly very good, is not "extraordinary".

I would have liked a bit more mystery in the plot and a bit more care into writing the dialogues between characters, especially those where Lou "sells himself", because they don't sound very convincing - and the film obviously wants us to think of him as an outstanding business talker.

On the plus sides, the film has got a splendid photography and colour palette, along with a cool enough sound track. And Gyllenhaal is good, just not the amount of good the reviewers are claiming.… Expand

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8

vikesh2206Feb 1, 2015

Anchored by a spellbinding performance by Jake Gyllenhaal and sharp media behind the scenes satire, Nightcrawler is an atmospheric neo noir achievement by first time director Dan Gilroy.

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8

ozymandias79Jan 31, 2015

The creep factor in Nightcrawler is off the scale. Jake Gyllenhaal is awesome. This film could have been written by Stephen King. Especially the main character, he's very Stephen Kingesque. The tension is palpable and the slow escalationThe creep factor in Nightcrawler is off the scale. Jake Gyllenhaal is awesome. This film could have been written by Stephen King. Especially the main character, he's very Stephen Kingesque. The tension is palpable and the slow escalation gives a real feeling of menace. A must watch!… Expand

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8

ydnar4Jan 29, 2015

Nightcrawler, what a dark, creepy movie! Jake Gyllenhaal plays a role that most actors would dream about. One of the creepiest and weirdest and down right evil roles that I have ever seen. I can honestly say that Gyllenhaal makes you hate himNightcrawler, what a dark, creepy movie! Jake Gyllenhaal plays a role that most actors would dream about. One of the creepiest and weirdest and down right evil roles that I have ever seen. I can honestly say that Gyllenhaal makes you hate him in this movie. He pissed me off so much but I think that was what he was supposed to do in this movie. He was robbed of an Oscar nomination, and I'm not the first who has said that. If you enjoy superior acting then this is certainly a movie you should watch.… Expand

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9

ultimateshankJan 29, 2015

it's absolutely a Jake Gyllenhaal's movie brilliant performance by him. he has done exceptionally well, good enf job by riz ahmed and Rene Russo, was worth my time.

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9

raybiesJan 28, 2015

This movie rocks, or in modern vernacular "it's sick".
Jake should win an Oscar for his performance.
It was inspiring, it was thrilling, it was suspenseful, it was the whole package of movie escapism. I'm not going to tell you anythingThis movie rocks, or in modern vernacular "it's sick".
Jake should win an Oscar for his performance.
It was inspiring, it was thrilling, it was suspenseful, it was the whole package of movie escapism.
I'm not going to tell you anything about the movie, so just go watch it.
You can kind of predict where it's going which some may think contradicts thrilling/suspense but this applies to a roller-coaster.… Expand

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9

DontBeSaltyJan 22, 2015

Jake Gyllenhaal **** nails the role of a sociopath manipulating his way to the top of a lucrative underworld business. Fantastic casting, filming, and dialogue make this unique and gritty story a vivid experience. Scenes transitionJake Gyllenhaal **** nails the role of a sociopath manipulating his way to the top of a lucrative underworld business. Fantastic casting, filming, and dialogue make this unique and gritty story a vivid experience. Scenes transition effortlessly and efficiently bringing the plot to a engaging and intense climax that finishes on a bittersweet and ominous ending. The film stands out stylistically, and it's wonderful and horrifying to see Gyllenhaal's character evolve subtly over the course of the film.

It's rare to find a movie that engages the viewer so well, there's never a moment where you feel bored or disconnected from the character, which is an even greater feat considering the protagonist is in many ways the antagonist, and whos character is in itself disconnected and dehumanised. While the plot doesn't have a lot of twists and turns it focuses so well on the evolution of the main character that it achieves absolutely everything it needs to.

I'd recommend this film for anyone who's hungry for a good engaging thriller with great visuals and immersive writing.… Expand

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9

DCEdmondsJan 22, 2015

"Nightcrawler" 10 Scale Rating: 8.5 (Fantastic) ...

The Good: Extremely dark and at times an amusing satire, "Nightcrawler" is an outstanding look at our near-obsession with gore, murder, and crime. It's also a glimpse into the cutthroat"Nightcrawler" 10 Scale Rating: 8.5 (Fantastic) ...

The Good: Extremely dark and at times an amusing satire, "Nightcrawler" is an outstanding look at our near-obsession with gore, murder, and crime. It's also a glimpse into the cutthroat world of network news, as well as commentary on business as a whole. Gyllenhaal shines as the lead character and is worthy of every accolade that he has received. The supporting cast (Bill Paxton, Rene Russo, and Riz Ahmed) is exceptional as well and provide the backbone on which the film relies on. Well directed and with the perfect tone, at times you feel guilty watching it ... which means that the director gets his point across.

The Bad: Gyllenhaal's Lou Bloom has zero redeemable qualities. Zero. I understand that that is sort of the point, but it takes away somewhat when the lead character has no soul at all. Not even a sliver of one. Otherwise, the film takes a little while to really get going.… Expand

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10

JacketrooperrJan 20, 2015

fantastic performance, I found myself lost in his own obsession. he looks like a coyote, and if a coyote would be able to talk it would maybe sound like Lou.

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8

markvantparkJan 19, 2015

Great movie. With some bloody scenes, it touches slightly horror.
Exact portrait of photographers, cameramen who only wants to have the most spectucalr images,
regardless of everything else, even human life.

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9

LelchelseaJan 19, 2015

Nightcrawler gives you a movie that is truly of the night
Jake Gylenhall gives a performance that truly is spectacular as an ambitious but cold and talks like he is reading it off a manual. Not many actors can make the words 'Business Plan'Nightcrawler gives you a movie that is truly of the night
Jake Gylenhall gives a performance that truly is spectacular as an ambitious but cold and talks like he is reading it off a manual. Not many actors can make the words 'Business Plan' sound creepy. Nightcrawler shows the cut throat business of news and how far people will go to get what they want.… Expand

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4

ariel84Jan 17, 2015

the opening shots had me expecting a lot more from this movie. while gyllenhaal is good, his character doesn't creep out the way i would've expected. his literalness is blackly funny, but works against his turning into an immoral slimeball.the opening shots had me expecting a lot more from this movie. while gyllenhaal is good, his character doesn't creep out the way i would've expected. his literalness is blackly funny, but works against his turning into an immoral slimeball. didn't buy his power plays over nina. i liked the movie. don't know why it's getting so many glowing user reviews.… Expand

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9

5thStFreddieJan 15, 2015

At first, I found myself not caring for Glyllenhaal's character. But little by little, he drew me in. And the writing is superb: his quirky, unexpected dialogue and edgy personality became mesmerizing. A remarkable performance by an actorAt first, I found myself not caring for Glyllenhaal's character. But little by little, he drew me in. And the writing is superb: his quirky, unexpected dialogue and edgy personality became mesmerizing. A remarkable performance by an actor who's made some terrific films - Donnie Dark, End of Watch - but outdoes himself him. Loved it.… Expand

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9

manofthemoonJan 11, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First rate portrayal of a borderline sociopath who decides to become a nightcrawler, cruising the streets at night to film the latest tragedy to sell to night time TV. Gyllenhaall, always watchable, is first rate as the hungry man with a plan, but sometimes too Travis Bickle. Seedily shot and moodily played, "Nightcrawler" has just the right amount of dark humor to add to the sweetly sour take on what we want to see. Recommended.… Expand

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9

ShiiraJan 9, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Two intoxicated old newsmen, a producer and the anchorman he just fired, in Network, nurse their last drinks at the bar, commiserating over the slipping standards of broadcast journalism. As a riposte to Howard Beale's avowal of an on-air suicide, in jest, the UBS news division head envisions The Death Hour, a weekly series whose content is wholly violent, wholly sensational. "Suicides, assassinations, automobile smashups," Max jokingly brainstorms, never dreaming that his drunken ramblings outlining a telecast of blood-soaked spectacle would one day turn out to be an uncanny bit of prophetic extrapolation, a bar-lowering that allows somebody like Louis Bloom, a freelancing videographer, to be an invaluable media cog. Louis' bosses are death merchants, ratings-driven professionals who fulfill the UBS producer's longago pitch for a "great Sunday night show for the whole family." Nightcrawler can be seen as the third film in an unofficial trilogy about the dumbing down of the news, the unassailable culmination of Beale's rant to the studio audience that television had supplanted books and newspapers as the primary medium of intellectual discourse. The penultimate film, Broadcast News, released a decade after Network, screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky's divination that entertainment value would eventually encroach on the erudite nature of hard news proved to be true, finds encapsulation in the scene where Jane Craig, a Washington bureau producer, sounds the alarm on broadcast news content when she presents a domino demonstration clip at a conference for local reporters. Whereas, in Network, the studio audience watching a degraded version of the news was the hoi polloi, denizens raised on Bugs Bunny, therefore rankling the old vanguard who still controlled the medium, in Broadcast News, we can see, quite pointedly, how the generation gap closed during the interim between both films. The Bugs Bunny aficionados were now the gatekeepers, industry insiders, who, to Jane's disappointment, are not "mad as hell" about the infiltration of fluff bombarding the airwaves, when the seminar attendees clap in approval after the final domino falls. At this juncture, the late-eighties, it would seem by the light-hearted genre(the rom-com) that is chosen to document the news program's fluid aspect in filmic amber, networks and their affiliates were, as of yet, not the whorehouses that Frank Hackett had purported UBS to be. Broadcast News ends on an optimistic note, a note suggesting that the trend could still be reversed. Tom Grunick, newly minted as the face of the news division, at his press conference, defers the programming duties to a civic-minded heavyweight. This conceit, in which a narcissist like the telegenic, yet uninformed newsman would be an advocate for hard copy that matters, now, in retrospect, seems more absurd than an anchorman being assassinated by network honchos because of low ratings. Tom is all about style over substance. Jane Craig doesn't exist anymore. Diana Christensen does. Once thought to be an implausible invention of a scribe with an overheated imagination, the bloodthirsty woman behind The Mao Tse Tung Hour, the UBS hit show documenting the terroristic maneuvers of the Ecumenical Liberation Army, lives on in Nina Romina, the news editor for a low-rated L.A. morning show, who embodies and widens Diana's vision of broadcast news as spectacle. Chayefsky, who would die in '81, never lived to see the ultra-violent direction that Hollywood would take; he never saw the big-budgeted studio films with high body counts, the count so high, audiences would become desensitized to the human collateral damage. In Bad Boys 2, neither we nor the filmmaker, in a chase scene between off-road vehicles, stop to consider the welfare of the Haitian peasants as the Hummer and Range Rover plow through their tarpaper shanties. Nightcrawler satirizes a different generation, The Terminator Generation, raised on the "event movie". Better than Man Bites Dog, the psuedo-doc about a film crew who follows a serial killer at work, Nightcrawler gets its message across about audience complicity towards violence because unlike the grainy B/W, cinema verite style of the Belgian import, the filmmaker uses the film language of the Hollywood blockbuster. Situated outside a glass-walled Chinese restaurant, Louis records a furious exchange of gunfire between the police and the suspects of a home invasion. The rectangular glass front, meant to represent a movie screen, provides a clue as to why people tune into the graphic imagery that apparently turns up on local mornings news shows in big cities. It's entertainment. It's The Death Hour. When Ben, in Man Bites Dog, murders an entire family in their home, we're horrified because it looks real. Here, violence, looks fun behind Louis' camera eye. Innocent bystanders die in the shootout, but we don't care. We've seen it in the movies.… Expand

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7

anshimanJan 9, 2015

Although the writing for the protagonist's surrounding characters fails to portray believable reactions to Lou's obtrusively insane actions, as well as some of James Newton Howard's music (at times) failing to coalesce with the emotionalAlthough the writing for the protagonist's surrounding characters fails to portray believable reactions to Lou's obtrusively insane actions, as well as some of James Newton Howard's music (at times) failing to coalesce with the emotional essence of many scenes, 'Nightcrawler' is a provocative, turbulent and disturbing investigation into the sociopathic mind, elevated by a standout heart-stopping performance from Jake Gyllenhaal.… Expand

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7

pesho_oneJan 7, 2015

Really entertaining. I was impressed by almost all the main characters, because they were convincing. Both the dialog and the emotional intensity rings true throughout the movie. As if you can feel all of their motivations and fears. And thisReally entertaining. I was impressed by almost all the main characters, because they were convincing. Both the dialog and the emotional intensity rings true throughout the movie. As if you can feel all of their motivations and fears. And this is what makes it a winner. On top of that the script is developed very well and keeps you interested. I do think this movie deserves high score and I may easily miss-score it a little as 7.5 or even 8 sounds more appropriate. Anyway... it is certainly a good one!… Expand

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9

DirigiblePulpJan 2, 2015

A dark side look at the American dream. There's always a movie about what it takes, and what is "takes", to make it big, but writer/director Dan Gilroy implies something a bit different here. That maybe what it takes is to be sociopath, haveA dark side look at the American dream. There's always a movie about what it takes, and what is "takes", to make it big, but writer/director Dan Gilroy implies something a bit different here. That maybe what it takes is to be sociopath, have no principles, moral or empathy and that maybe it rubs off a bit, because it is seductive and it is EVERYTHING and that's how it spreads.

Jake Gyllenhaal likened his character to a coyote and it really shows. Eye sockets dark and retreated, a lanking hunched over posture and an instinct for survival. No matter the cost. Also a great satire of TV news (spot-on, obvious, perfect). A character study, modern reflection, satire; single-minded and balanced.… Expand

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7

TheApplegnomeJan 2, 2015

Nightcrawler is a great thriller movie that’s highly original, and it’s the desire for having a basic job and the success that follows that truly makes this movie incredible.

The first great aspect of this movie is the main character;Nightcrawler is a great thriller movie that’s highly original, and it’s the desire for having a basic job and the success that follows that truly makes this movie incredible.

The first great aspect of this movie is the main character; Louis Bloom, he’s annoying but surprisingly funny. Jake Gyllenhaal is a fantastic actor and I have never seen him so passionate as in Nightcrawler. You can really feel the main character and his strive for success. It’s very entertaining to watch all the risky choices he takes. Therefor is this movie not boring. It’s fun to see media from a different point of view. That’s one of the aspects that I really love about Nightcrawler. Other great things are of course the great soundtrack and the action sequences, and the movie is overall better than what I expected. It’s also an almost flawless movie!

The only thing that bothers me is the ending. It’s a bit to rash and I expected more from it. But it’s still a great film and one of the best of 2014.

Nightcrawler gets a 7.5/10.… Expand

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9

kriebelrDec 31, 2014

Jake Gyllenhaal makes this movie. It's worth watching just for this performance. He plays a sociopath who is a master manipulator and liar who's decided to troll for blood and guts to sell to the local news. Many unexpected plot twists makeJake Gyllenhaal makes this movie. It's worth watching just for this performance. He plays a sociopath who is a master manipulator and liar who's decided to troll for blood and guts to sell to the local news. Many unexpected plot twists make for a very deep and interesting movie.… Expand

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8

beingryanjudeDec 30, 2014

One of this year's sharpest and most poignant films, Nightcrawler intensely thrills with clever direction from newcomer Dan Gilroy and a terrifying sociopathic portrayal from Jake Gyllenhaal. You won't know what hit you.

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7

SSKellyHulseDec 29, 2014

Jake Gyllenhall gives a top notch performance and totally gives you the creeps! And Renee Russo gives a superb performance that we haven't seen from her since Get Shorty. Where has she been, she's wonderful! Action packed and funny at times,Jake Gyllenhall gives a top notch performance and totally gives you the creeps! And Renee Russo gives a superb performance that we haven't seen from her since Get Shorty. Where has she been, she's wonderful! Action packed and funny at times, overall I would recommend you see this movie for sure!… Expand

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10

bora8413Dec 26, 2014

In any hybrid you’re looking for the best of both worlds. For instance, there’s a dog, one bred for service. The goal of the breeding is to combine the intelligence of the one dog with the low-key temperament of the other. The risk of the newIn any hybrid you’re looking for the best of both worlds. For instance, there’s a dog, one bred for service. The goal of the breeding is to combine the intelligence of the one dog with the low-key temperament of the other. The risk of the new breed is getting the reverse and having a useless dog. The same applies to movies, such as blending two genres being “thriller” and “comedy.” If executed well, it can land safely. If not, well, the movie ends up becoming a waste of money.

The incontestable film “The Nightcrawler” intertwines both the cruel reality and dark satire into one familiar L.A. setting while starring Gyllenhaal as one of the world’s most dignified sociopaths of America. Money hungry and mastering an unsettling charisma, Lou, a jobless opportunist, displays pomposity through engaging himself into the art of filmography.

Paired together with a homeless potential, Lou and Rick capture the cold truth, stretching beyond the sanitized gore and peril that typically never is broadcast on live news. This action of risking and revealing crime scenes gradually, with each piece after the other, becomes a popular hit, displaying potential for the news show of Nina’s, a worn news director with the same ambitions as Lou of expanding her broadcast out to the world.

Using people to an advantage, and treating the law as a flexible choice, Lou demonstrates how “The Nightcrawler” truly is the perfect breeding, conjoining the pure elements of reality and drama. Excluding Lou and the troublesome lengths he could go to lead himself to success, the movie displays a realistic background and conveys a reasonable amount of action through mundane activities.

This movie never once failed to interrupt the long chain of “what’s going to happen?” running through my mind.… Expand

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9

heeldavidDec 26, 2014

This film has amazing camera work, every shot is great. Remember the name Dan Gilroy because you are going to see a lot of great things from him in the future. Jake Gyllenhaal is outstandingly chaotic in this film and it is a performance toThis film has amazing camera work, every shot is great. Remember the name Dan Gilroy because you are going to see a lot of great things from him in the future. Jake Gyllenhaal is outstandingly chaotic in this film and it is a performance to remember for years.… Expand

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10

cinecineDec 23, 2014

It is one of the best satire movies. Perfectly written and directed. And there is no word to tell Gyllenhaal's performance. He is completely live with his character. Walking, talking, gestures... I am lost for words.

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10

Eon2323Dec 23, 2014

Jake Gyllenhaal gives one of his best performances here in this film. It's so incredibly dark and slimy, you'll want to look away at some parts but you're just unable to because of the pull this movie has on the viewer. BeautifulJake Gyllenhaal gives one of his best performances here in this film. It's so incredibly dark and slimy, you'll want to look away at some parts but you're just unable to because of the pull this movie has on the viewer. Beautiful cinematography, actually reminded me a bit of Nicolas Winding Refn's film "Drive" with Ryan Gosling especially with the dark Los Angeles setting. Definitely a must-see film, and I pray that Gyllenhaal at least gets an Oscar nomination for this.… Expand

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10

easybreezy248Dec 21, 2014

Jake gives best performance of the year by far. The reason why it is so good that he doesnt act in this movie, he totally lives this character. Yes, movie can be not good for everybody but nobody can say that jake wasn't amazing. He deservesJake gives best performance of the year by far. The reason why it is so good that he doesnt act in this movie, he totally lives this character. Yes, movie can be not good for everybody but nobody can say that jake wasn't amazing. He deserves really oscar award but academy doesnt like this type of movies, shame on them. but a nomination would be enough i think. This move is like dallas buyers club, the performances are better than movie.… Expand

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7

Brent_MarchantDec 21, 2014

A creepy, quirky thriller that, despite some pacing issues early on, delivers an entertaining mix of drama, comedy and insightful commentary about the state of today's media. Superb performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo help toA creepy, quirky thriller that, despite some pacing issues early on, delivers an entertaining mix of drama, comedy and insightful commentary about the state of today's media. Superb performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo help to elevate this film to a level that might not have been attained with lesser talent. Not for everyone, to be sure, but those who appreciate offbeat fare will certainly enjoy this one.… Expand

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9

sepehDec 20, 2014

The Movie Is Great!

Jake Plays Like De Niro in Taxi Driver,and his Performance is great, I think or I hope that This Film Won the Oscars and Lead Actor for Jake Gyllenhaal

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8

AxgrinderDec 19, 2014

Entertaining and different. Jake Gyllenhall plays a sociopathic denizen of Los Angeles eking out an existence by stealing and pawning scrap materials. We learn early on that he has no qualms about using violence, if necessary, toEntertaining and different. Jake Gyllenhall plays a sociopathic denizen of Los Angeles eking out an existence by stealing and pawning scrap materials. We learn early on that he has no qualms about using violence, if necessary, to accomplish his goals. He likes to talk and he frequently tries to convince people that he’s a successful business man, a mover and shaker, who’s moving up in the world. But, he’s more than unconvincing, and when he talks people look at him as though he were Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man. He’s a mimic, without a moral compass. He tries to parrot the words and actions of those around him, and he’s a quick learner. Rene Russo plays an aging TV news director working the night shift at the lowest rated TV station in LA. Gyllenhall learns that she will pay cash money for video footage of car crashes and other dirty laundry, if he can get it to her first. Bill Paxton is Gyllenhalls’ competition. Gyllenhall wants more than just a job, he wants it all, and as man without a conscious he’ll do anything to get it.… Expand

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7

Trev29Dec 18, 2014

An engaging well acted movie. It certainly stands out as something different from other pieces of work this year. It also has a memorable score thanks to the ever reliable James Newton Howard.

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9

root_Dec 9, 2014

a star performance from Jake Gyllenhaal a sociopath.
a good film again after Prisoners and Enemy
The cinematography is wonderful ,strict and fast .

Jake gives justice to all the thriller films he is been into

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8

tjman09Dec 9, 2014

This a really good film I don't know about great. The films well shot except for a little weird framing, and the story's pretty cool, but something just feels a little off. The pacing is a little too slow for me at times, and other thanThis a really good film I don't know about great. The films well shot except for a little weird framing, and the story's pretty cool, but something just feels a little off. The pacing is a little too slow for me at times, and other than gyllenhal the characters all feel one-dimensional. There are some scenes that lose my suspension of disbelief, but boy is gyllenhal great. I'll say this gyllenhal deserves a Oscar nod.… Expand

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7

Gennifer11Dec 9, 2014

Definitely an interesting movie. It is very slow at the beginning but it gets interesting eventually with the ending making you scratch your head. It wasn't the best but its way better than nothing.

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5

JamesLDec 9, 2014

This film did not work for me. I found Jake's character to be more like a pushy, immature teenager than a sociopath. He annoyed me rather than disturbed me. They should have found more time for his private relationship with Renee Russo..SheThis film did not work for me. I found Jake's character to be more like a pushy, immature teenager than a sociopath. He annoyed me rather than disturbed me. They should have found more time for his private relationship with Renee Russo..She was a more interesting character than him. You knew how the big finale was going to occur and end up but they made it so implausible that it made me laugh not take it serious. A serious letdown.… Expand

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10

rysully666Dec 8, 2014

When I went to see the movie, I did not know what to expect. I was amazed and surprised when I left. American Psycho for a new generation, Brilliant!!!!!!!!!

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9

Viper8787Dec 8, 2014

A very well acted and very well executed movie. This movie was very well paced and flowed well and you were never bored with it. This is one of if not the best role of Gyllenalls career he is fantastic in it. He is a creepy, mysteriousA very well acted and very well executed movie. This movie was very well paced and flowed well and you were never bored with it. This is one of if not the best role of Gyllenalls career he is fantastic in it. He is a creepy, mysterious character and you never know what is going to happen next.Watch for this movie during award season.… Expand

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8

lasttimeisawDec 8, 2014

A cinema-going to continually witness Jake Gyllenhaal’s unstoppable resurgence to be the most versatile and ardent actor among his peers. After last year’s one-two punch PRISONERS (2013, 8/10) and ENEMY (2013, 8/10), NIGHTCRAWLER isA cinema-going to continually witness Jake Gyllenhaal’s unstoppable resurgence to be the most versatile and ardent actor among his peers. After last year’s one-two punch PRISONERS (2013, 8/10) and ENEMY (2013, 8/10), NIGHTCRAWLER is screenwriter Dan Gilroy’s director debut, set in L.A., the title refers to hired hands who usually drift at night, as soon as any accident or crime happens, they will rush to the scene and take lurid photos and videos, then sell them to the local media for highest bid. Gyllenhaal’s Louis Bloom is one of them, he is so good at it and professes that he is born to do this job, what’s more chilling is that he is a callous sociopath with no moral boundary, even more shockingly is the society not only condones him, but encourages and rewards him bountifully.

continue reading my review on my blog, google: cinema omnivore, thanks… Expand

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9

seventhsealDec 7, 2014

Well what an experience this flick proved to be!

Jake Gyllenhaal, whom I mostly love offers his usual brilliance and what a turn by the wonderful Rene Russo. Gyllenhaal plays sociopathic neurotic psychopathic socially devoid loner andWell what an experience this flick proved to be!

Jake Gyllenhaal, whom I mostly love offers his usual brilliance and what a turn by the wonderful Rene Russo.

Gyllenhaal plays sociopathic neurotic psychopathic socially devoid loner and generally questionable character Louis Bloom whose drive to seize a chance opportunity to become a news video hunter builds the story of this flick. His motivation multiple-leveled all of which is believable. When he sees an opportunity to shape events for mutual benefit within the confides of criminal law he chooses to ignore moral law to achieve his goals.

Looking further into the story of this flick I feel it represents the requirements and expectations forced upon us to be ruthless sociopathic people in the aim of 'success'. Sad but true state of the ridiculous nature of modern office politics.

Overall this flick absolutely deserves 9 outta 10. Gyllenhaal might just deserve Oscar for this.… Expand

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9

Ronin810Dec 6, 2014

Penned and directed by Dan Gilroy, a first time director, though known for the scripts of “Real Steel” and “The Bourne Legacy”, “Nightcrawler” delivers one of the best cinematic surprises of the year, mostly due to its chameleonic star, JakePenned and directed by Dan Gilroy, a first time director, though known for the scripts of “Real Steel” and “The Bourne Legacy”, “Nightcrawler” delivers one of the best cinematic surprises of the year, mostly due to its chameleonic star, Jake Gyllenhaal.

In short, “Nightcrawler” centers on Lou Bloom (Gyllenhaal), a creepy but extremely driven individual who’s desperate to find a job. After multiple rejections, Bloom, a keen observer, becomes involved by chance in the dark world of L.A. night crime “journalism” and discovers not only that he is fascinated by this sheer cirque du freak a.k.a. media, but also that he is very good at catching glimpses of human decadence and moral decay.

Persistent and insidious by nature, Bloom crawls under the skin of an ethically challenged TV producer, Nina, played by Rene Russo, desperate to prove herself on top of her game. Their professional relationship quickly turns from a win-win situation into a personal and intimate (although the viewer never gets a direct proof in this respect, but only a couple of visual hints) power struggle, easily won by a scheming Bloom. And this is where Gilroy shows his masterful directing eye through clean cut close-ups and narrow camera angles that manage to catch the characters’ body language and facial expressions: a sneaky reptilian Bloom and an arrogant feline like Nina – both creatures of the night.

Bloom is not at all a sociopath as he might come across at a first glance. He is just a striver, an over-achiever who lacks any kind of conscience or feelings and is willing to literary step on dead bodies and who is not so different from any climber on the corporate or social ladder. He’s manipulative and a very good salesman, not bound by any moral constraints and thus, anyone who comes into contact with him becomes an instant prey. Bloom is a by-product of today’s society that tries to spit him out at first, only to become his playground later, and to a certain extent he is the embodiment of the American dream.

“Nightcrawler” is an obvious satire, but it never preaches or moralizes. It observes through a lens and lets the viewer grasp whatever he will out of this contorted monster.

Gilroy knows how to build up tension and keep up the suspense by alternating quiet wide shots with fast paced action scenes. His directorial debut is reminiscent of Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Drive” and “Only God Forgives”, a sort of a “neon cinema” product that casts a spell on the viewer through its raw lawlessness and haunting soundtrack. But unlike Ryan Gosling in “Drive”, Gilroy’s Bloom is an anti-hero that you loathe from the first frame (maybe except for the few times when you see him carefully wetting the only sign of life in his shadowy spartan apartment – a plant). Jake Gyllenhaal is annoyingly fascinating in his creation of Bloom and the movie’s brilliance is largely due to his Oscar worthy performance. With wide bulging eyes and a head that seems almost too big for his skinny and slightly gibbous frame, Gyllenhaal shows how much he immersed himself into the creepy crawling Bloom. Gyllenhaal seems poised to win his first Oscar nomination for a lead role with “Nightcrawler”, but even if that doesn’t happen he sure managed to hone one of the most despicable yet memorable cinematic anti-heroes in recent years.

“Nightcrawler” is a must-seen, definitely worth the ticket money and your attention, especially for the haunting intensity of Gyllenhaal’s performance.… Expand

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9

HaithamBDec 5, 2014

Nightcrawler is an absolutely gigantic achievement. Coming from first time director Dan Gilroy, the film is the mystic combination of intense and dark. Jake Gyllenhaal should be granted and Oscar nomination, just for having his "skinnyNightcrawler is an absolutely gigantic achievement. Coming from first time director Dan Gilroy, the film is the mystic combination of intense and dark. Jake Gyllenhaal should be granted and Oscar nomination, just for having his "skinny scavenger" image stuck up my mind.… Expand

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8

NightReviewsDec 4, 2014

In 2012, Aaron Sorkin piloted a television program that educated, informed and entertained by nit-picking the issues of modern day television broadcasting, information distribution and most of all, societal perception. Luckily, I was able toIn 2012, Aaron Sorkin piloted a television program that educated, informed and entertained by nit-picking the issues of modern day television broadcasting, information distribution and most of all, societal perception. Luckily, I was able to stumble upon a clip of the opening monologue of the show via YouTube, which was recommendation by a friend. The monologue, delivered by Will McAvoy, played by the audacious Jeff Daniels, is single handedly, one of the greatest monologues in television history, describing the issues with contemporary American politics, government, its people and most of all, the media. Approaching its third (and final) season, The Newsroom has proved to be a champion of debunking the public’s predictive perspective of hyped up terror scares, exploitation news broadcasting and television, as well as ginned up controversy.

With Nightcrawler, writer/director Dan Gilroy feature film debut, the film delivers an almost complete counter-program to one of the best shows on television today, glorifying the exact same things The Newsroom is championing against. Yet, from the first dark scenes of trespassing to the final scenes of pure brutality and unimaginable corruption, Nightcrawler crawls up your skin and into our heads as one of the creepiest and feverishly uncomfortable films of 2014.

Nightcrawler begins like any nightmare would, at night. Basked in the sketchy noir lights of an almost unrecognizable Los Angeles, similar to Newton Thomas Sigel’s Los Angles in Refn’s Drive, the night city is consumed by insomniacs and blood-thrity reporters looking to make money and a name for themselves based on the misfortunes and tragedies of others.

One of those inhabitants is Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), a fast-talking, quick learning creepy night-dweller who takes most of his knowledge and facts from the internet and disposes of his verbal jargon to anyone who crosses his path for his own interests. We first meet the Lou as a petty thief who cuts fences and steals manholes to make his money and earn a living. Bloom is a sociopath, and although we don’t immediately connect with the character, never once asking the questions of how, why and for how long he has been living this life, we never really question him either.

After successfully trading his stolen possession to a local scrap metal owner, where he unsuccessfully bargains the terms of an employment position, Lou drives onto the barren freeway in his dilapidated car, stumbling across a car on fire. After pulling over and being mesmerized by the deadly ambers igniting on the hood on the destroyed vehicle, two news photographers crash the scenes with their nightly lit cameras and gear. Like we’ve seen before, Lou is no stranger to awkwardness, since he is as much an opportunist as he is a slimy insomniac, he offers his services to the ‘nightcrawler photographer’ Joe Loder (Bill Paxton). Rejected, Lou still feels that he has finally found his calling and with that, he steals an impressive racing bike on the Venice beach boardwalk in order to pay for a dodgy camcorder and cheap police scanner in order to begin his adventures as an amateurish nightcrawler.

The film’s success can easily be accountable to its transformative star Jake Gyllenhaal, who lost over twenty pounds for the role by biking and running to set and reportedly spending up to eight hours a day at the gym. The actor, who has been nothing but superb in a recent string of stirring films from Prisoners, Enemy, End of Watch and Source Code, delivers one of his finest and easily most haunting performances to date. Complete with bulging eyes, an Adam’s apple and veins coursing the entirety of his body, Gyllenhaal proves that the simplest aesthetics are the scariest. Having no regard for human beings and enticing strangers with a jabber that is almost to quick to comprehend, Gyllenhaal’s dedication to the sketchy Bloom is seen both physically and emotionally, as well and felt cold-heartedly and abruptly by its audience.

Bloom strives off hard work as he proves, despite his better concern for the law, he is a hustler. Convincing himself as well as everyone around him his potential in an industry that strives off trespassing, seduction and lies, Bloom manipulates everyone for his own regard. Reciting over the same lines, whether it be to a new employee of his company during a job interview to a desperate and homeless Rick (Riz Ahmed), or convincing low-rating news director Nina Romina (Rene Russo) of his potential of delivering graphic, unsavoury and somewhat illegal images for her morning broadcasts, Bloom believes that “If you want to win the lottery, you have to make the money to buy a ticket”, by any means possible. With-holding information to the police and pulling on the weaknesses of his prey, Bloom never thinks a second, making him one of the scariest, real people we never want to have the pleasure of meeting.… Expand

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8

tvnewsguidoDec 4, 2014

Great sociopathic fun!

The TV news business is a dirty place in real life - "Nightcrawler" is only a slightly heightened version of the reality.

Gyllenhaal is perfect.

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10

FishersamDec 3, 2014

Wow..... Just.... Wow.. I watch a lot of movies. This movie is by far the best movie I have seen this year and is certainly in my all-time top 10 list. Jake Gyllenhaal's performance was masterful.

I've seen the trailer for this movieWow..... Just.... Wow.. I watch a lot of movies. This movie is by far the best movie I have seen this year and is certainly in my all-time top 10 list. Jake Gyllenhaal's performance was masterful.

I've seen the trailer for this movie several times and couldn't quite figure out what it was about or if I would care to watch it. After watching the movie, I understand how it could be difficult to create an attractive trailer for this movie. The film goes against the grain. It doesn't follow the standard movie blueprint and breaks many unwritten rules of movies. It is unforgiving and gritty. I recommend anyone who enjoys films to watch this one. Anyone who gives this movie negative feedback is probably a troll, a hater of Jake Gyllenhaal, or someone who can't grasp the concept of a film that isn't similar to another film they saw last week.

As another reviewer mentioned, Nightcrawler is modern achievement. Hopefully Hollywood will take note and cease this conveyor belt of sub par films.

Wow.… Expand

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7

vanessaspencerDec 3, 2014

Nightcrawler is a really great movie. Jake Gyllenhaal plays the role of a psychopathic journalist who will stop at nothing for his career. I love that. I am also into journalism myself and recommend this movie to others who have the sameNightcrawler is a really great movie. Jake Gyllenhaal plays the role of a psychopathic journalist who will stop at nothing for his career. I love that. I am also into journalism myself and recommend this movie to others who have the same interest, and even to others who are not into that sort of thing, it is just a really good movie too watch. Very interesting throughout the whole movie.… Expand

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10

SimpleMethodDec 2, 2014

A slick, satisfying L.A.-set noir, Nightcrawler features Jake Gyllenhaal's most accomplished performance, and it's surrounded by lush cinematography, sharp writing, and a great sense of direction.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

shufflesnuffleNov 30, 2014

from the second the movie took off you could feel the disturbing thrill ride you were about to be engulfed into. I was enthralled with interest to who Lou Bloom was. Jake Gyllenhaal was about as creepy that you could get. When i say creepyfrom the second the movie took off you could feel the disturbing thrill ride you were about to be engulfed into. I was enthralled with interest to who Lou Bloom was. Jake Gyllenhaal was about as creepy that you could get. When i say creepy it’s a good creepy, that keeps you interested and locked to the screen. The dark ruthlessness that Gyllenhaal displays throughout the film was proof of his strong determination to be the best and most successful in his business. by the end you are 100% sure that you know that Lou Bloom is one messed up mother **** who knew that a movie about a freelance cameraman could be so brilliantly put together.… Expand

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10

infinNov 29, 2014

I had no idea what to expect going into this movie but Gyllenhaal sucked me in fro the get go. His Aspergers character is unlike anything depicted in cinema so far, showing a willingness to video victims as they die live on camera. It is anI had no idea what to expect going into this movie but Gyllenhaal sucked me in fro the get go. His Aspergers character is unlike anything depicted in cinema so far, showing a willingness to video victims as they die live on camera. It is an indictiment on the gory lengths "stringer" cameramen will go to get a scoop in today's tabloid TV (and print) news culture. Everyone is expendable in order to get a scoop.… Expand

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10

SaltyPopcornNov 27, 2014

NIGHTCRAWLER – JUST WOW – WHAT A MOVIE. Jake Gyllenhaal is my pick for Best Male Actor Oscar this year and the movie deserves a nomination, as does first time director, Dan Gilroy. In the words of Lou Bloom “A friend is a gift you giveNIGHTCRAWLER – JUST WOW – WHAT A MOVIE. Jake Gyllenhaal is my pick for Best Male Actor Oscar this year and the movie deserves a nomination, as does first time director, Dan Gilroy. In the words of Lou Bloom “A friend is a gift you give yourself” – this movie is your friend!

Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a loner, a dedicated and passionately driven loner. He has absolutely no friends and spends his time by himself, learning a vast amount of skills on the internet or stealing items to sell. He desperately wants love (or his idea of love) and a job with a steady income. His social skills are based on what he has learned online, as such, he has no social graces or knowledge. He speaks like a text book and is void of emotion and a path to live on. He tries asking for jobs and selling himself to various places but he has no luck, until he sees a fascinating and bloody piece of inspiration. He could become someone who works for himself and gets a reward if he does the job well, that of a nightcrawler, overnight freelance trash journalism. The stuff that trash TV news wants a piece of, the darkest of society at its worse. You all love seeing a train wreck, you know you shouldn’t watch but you can’t take your eyes off it. Lou films it and sells it to TV for you to watch over your morning breakfast. But as a freelancing job there are other freelancers and if you want your item sold you need to have the best footage, what would you, or in this case, Lou do to get the best sellable footage?

Lou is a vampire, a manipulative murderous vampire, he is terrifying in his matter of fact speak, unpredictable and unstoppable, could it turn into a serial killer movie? Lou is another train wreck you can’t take your eyes off, while his delivery is humorous his belief in himself and the world is beyond freakish, the worst part, people like him probably exist.

Lou meets KLWA night news editor, ruthless, trash TV editor, Nina Romina (Rene Russo), who he sells his footage to exclusively. Romina is at the end of her career tether and knows that train wrecks will sell and get people viewing. In Nina Romina’s own words describing the ideal footage “a screaming woman, running down the street with her throat cut,” she says, and Lou is willing to go the extra distance to get it for her. It’s a match made in television hell.

At the start Nina views Lou as a simple determined guy, the new kid on the block who may have some good footage. But their relationship grows into much more.

Russo’s husband, writer/ director Dan Gilroy has delivered a fresh and nuanced screenplay and delivered it on a golden platter with his debut movie. The unintentional wit and candour of Lou is reminiscent of Norman Bates and Frank. Gyllenhaal provides a dedicated tour de force with his performance. He was so dedicated to the role, he worked out eight hours a day and rode his cycle to set to lose weight as he wanted to be a “hungry coyote,” he also was so involved in the “mirror” scene he ended up in hospital getting his hand stitched, he then came straight back to set.

The supporting cast of Rene Russo, Riz Ahmed and Bill Paxton is the icing on the cake for this movie, they were all perfectly cast and perfectly delivered their characters. All of these characters have a small but pivotal piece on Lou’s chessboard and it all comes through onscreen, there is never too much nor too little delivered. That being said I always want more Paxton onscreen, he plays such a great character in this, he could have his own movie. And Russo is still one woman I would turn for, ever since LETHAL WEAPON 3 I have crushed on her, I never thought she could do a trashy and desperate look, an aging and needy power woman, and she does, while slowly falling into Lou’s world of insanity.

Academy Award Winner Robert Elswit’s cinemtography is the cherry on top of that icing on this glorious cake of a movie. It has a definite Scorcese look and feel to it. The seedy undertones and dark moodiness of Los Angeles created by Elswit have never felt so unappealing, it literally is a hunting ground for Lou. At the same time the colours are all striking, to match the increased sight by Lou's large "all-seeing" eyes, eyes that Gyllenhaal rarely blinks - he did the same thing in DONNIE DARKO.

NIGHTCRAWLERS' satirical dark comedic thrilling look at paparazzi styled freelance guerrilla journalism is at times hilarious and at others terrifying. This is the closest film to Scorcese's BRINGING OUT THE DEAD I have seen. It is an amazing piece of cinema for film lovers, this is not for the family or date night. Gyllenhall for Oscar!… Expand

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10

Movi3R3vi3werNov 27, 2014

I have seen a lot of movies in 2014 and I will tell you that Nightcrawler is the absolute best movie I’ve seen all year. We are featured an outstanding film with an unforgettable performance Jake Gyllenhaal.

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9

benuttyNov 25, 2014

Deeply engrossing performance by Gyllenhaal that is highlighted and enriched by Russo's supporting bits. Thematically I'd compare this to Gone Girl, but in its execution, insight and dynamics is a million times better.

In a year destinedDeeply engrossing performance by Gyllenhaal that is highlighted and enriched by Russo's supporting bits. Thematically I'd compare this to Gone Girl, but in its execution, insight and dynamics is a million times better.

In a year destined to be remembered for a wave of thrillers, Nightcrawler is its best.… Expand

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10

LucasGilbertNov 23, 2014

Just an amazing movie, with a haunting and pulse pounding tone, it has an eerie vibe that always keeps you alert and one he edge of your seat, it has a down right creepy performance by jake ghylanhal and great performances from the rest ofJust an amazing movie, with a haunting and pulse pounding tone, it has an eerie vibe that always keeps you alert and one he edge of your seat, it has a down right creepy performance by jake ghylanhal and great performances from the rest of the cast, it is a truly an amazing, once and a life time movie theater experience.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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9

TheRocksBarneyNov 21, 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"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.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

MouseyVNov 19, 2014

What a amazing movie Nightcrawler is! Great acting from every cast member, with Gyllenhaal being the stand out. The feel of the movie is very dark and disturbingly interesting every moment of the way. I would totally recommend this to anyone. 10/10

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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4

chrismovieguyNov 19, 2014

Ok well I went to see this movie not really knowing for. Sure exactly what it was really and I must say I only watched about half an hour of this movie before I got a ticket to see big hero 6 instead this movie was wayyyyyyy too slow pacedOk well I went to see this movie not really knowing for. Sure exactly what it was really and I must say I only watched about half an hour of this movie before I got a ticket to see big hero 6 instead this movie was wayyyyyyy too slow paced not like the trailer at all it might have gotten better but I wasn't giving it any more of my very valuable time sorry if you liked it and are offended by this review but my god "move already "like I Sayed very slow my personal thoughts… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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9

netflicNov 17, 2014

A young unscrupulous and ruthless guy with criminal tendencies dreams of becoming a Nightcrawler: to film crime scenes for local TV channels. And he manages to become one using whatever it takes.
A situation shown in the movie is not veryA young unscrupulous and ruthless guy with criminal tendencies dreams of becoming a Nightcrawler: to film crime scenes for local TV channels. And he manages to become one using whatever it takes.
A situation shown in the movie is not very probable but not impossible either. Since it is a fiction movie, it is OK with me.
In this film Hollywood takes on local TV news channels: the whole news crew is shown as a group of people with low morals, bent on getting higher ratings at any cost.
The news director, while seeing horrible, gore scenes that Lou filmed, cannot but smile realizing how it will improve her standing.
The movie is done extremely well, it is of Oscar caliber.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

QwertyPJMNov 16, 2014

When a movie manages to make you forget that you're watching as famous an actor as Jake Gyllenhaal because you're totally engrossed by the character he's portraying, you know you're viewing something special. Nightcrawler is a characterWhen a movie manages to make you forget that you're watching as famous an actor as Jake Gyllenhaal because you're totally engrossed by the character he's portraying, you know you're viewing something special. Nightcrawler is a character study, a look into the mind of an already established psychopath as he delves deeper and deeper to the point of no return. You follow Lou Bloom, a man who goes from one payout to the next in a variety of illegal ways, until one night he discovers he has an unmatched talent for Nichtcrawling, which is the filming of crime scenes and violent acts for the seedy underworld of the late night news. Bloom becomes so obsessed with capturing the best possible crime on camera and goes to unspeakable lengths to achieve his goal.
Gyllenhaal gives the performance of his life as the creepy yet totally gripping lou Bloom, with his wide eyes that never blink and stilted conversations that sound as if he's gone onto the web and looked up 'How to talk to people'. The whole movie essentially follows his journey up the ladder of the Nightcrawling profession, in fact I don't think there's a single scene in the film which he doesn't appear in, as the other cast members really do play supporting roles for the main even that is Bloom. The action sequences are done immaculately, with the last 20 minutes of the movie proving to be the tensest I've seen in a long time.
I can't think of a serious issue I have with this movie. The acting from Gyllenhaal is Oscar worthy, the storyline is unpredictable and tense and even the directing, whilst not perfect, really portrays LA night-life superbly. My favourite film of 2014 and a must see for everyone else.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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9

member23Nov 15, 2014

this was a very interesting movie, gyllenhaal gives a great performance and shows you his range of acting , to the people that give negative reviews such as complaining about how the movie was predictable, i dont even understand what you meanthis was a very interesting movie, gyllenhaal gives a great performance and shows you his range of acting , to the people that give negative reviews such as complaining about how the movie was predictable, i dont even understand what you mean by that i mean given the previews alone ok we can decipher that he is going to be filming late breaking news involving crime scenes and police chases but that hardly makes the movie predictable it still keeps your interest throughout, the only thing i found to be questionable would be the idea that a local news station would ever show the level of graphic footage he provided them with , i cant imagine that happening in the real world… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

Unladenswallow0Nov 13, 2014

This film is the probably the best thing you'll ever have. Its pretty much lord of the rings mixed with megaman mixed with interstellar, all mixed in with a sprinkle of N-methyl D-aspartate antagonists. You will feel like someone has inflatedThis film is the probably the best thing you'll ever have. Its pretty much lord of the rings mixed with megaman mixed with interstellar, all mixed in with a sprinkle of N-methyl D-aspartate antagonists. You will feel like someone has inflated your scrotum after watching this. Its awesome.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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9

michael1208Nov 12, 2014

It creatively and clearly demonstrates the life of an informal reporter who stays actively at night, thrills enough to take risk as a freelance camera crew and snapshots the first hand crimes and accidents to be the headline of the medias.It creatively and clearly demonstrates the life of an informal reporter who stays actively at night, thrills enough to take risk as a freelance camera crew and snapshots the first hand crimes and accidents to be the headline of the medias. The first directional debut of Dan Gilroy is surprising successful in maintaining a good pacing throughout the film and it works entirely on every level as a chilling drama, action and society commentary. Jake Gyllenhaal, undeniable has shaped himself perfectly in this intriguing, ambitious, eager, greedy yet selfish character, thanks to the good screenplay which should have no problem to get him at least an Oscar nomination. With the eerie scores from James Newton Howard and diverting from the usual plot line, this hysteric masterpiece defines and admires the dark nature of the society, the evil nature of the human - to be selflessness on humanity in order to define success in one's life.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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8

ScottshakNov 12, 2014

Dan Gilroy's debut flick is everything what it needs to be – a perfect reflection of his superb writing. His direction is subtle. Editing is just brilliant. The plot flows in a perfect rhythm through the head of a messed up guy Louis Bloom,Dan Gilroy's debut flick is everything what it needs to be – a perfect reflection of his superb writing. His direction is subtle. Editing is just brilliant. The plot flows in a perfect rhythm through the head of a messed up guy Louis Bloom, who takes you on a high speed ride behind an exquisite red muscle to shoot stories up close.

Jake Gyllenhaal is hands down one of the finest actors in Hollywood. The heights he scales and the lengths he drives deserve a big fat ovation. A psychopath on the loose, Jake is something more than that, a perfectionist who does things that he is good at. A deft thief whose keen eyes fall on crime journalism. He crosses all human confinements and legal barriers to get stories that are still hatching. Every crime scene is his puppet. He beats even the police to it.

An equally good performance by co-stars Rene Russo and Riz Ahmed who end up being manipulated by the devilry of the badass diligent Nightcrawler. Sitting on the hood of the car listening to every word that the static says, learning everything about police radio codes, manifest how dedicated the protagonist is to his work. In his words: "I am a quick learner."

There are shots that Jake perfects without dropping his calm demeanor, unhindered and incessant speeches that make you want to clap for his effort. The screenplay brings magic through his lips. The time he breaks the mirror screaming with frustration shows the perfection he has achieved in his acting. A great actor, with the variegation he has scoured, makes him one of a kind. I place him amongst the greats. Bravo!… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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7

newfilmNov 11, 2014

Night crawler is its own animal. It does not resort the to the typical archs and storylines that so many other hollywood films do. You walk away with a serious, topical and important issue that journalism as a whole is faced with.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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8

felix99gomezNov 11, 2014

Jake Gyllenhaal delivers the performance of a life time, as a creepy, unsettling character who dives into the world of news broadcasting, and goes into some dark places. Nightcrawler is all about the characters, everyone delivers amazingJake Gyllenhaal delivers the performance of a life time, as a creepy, unsettling character who dives into the world of news broadcasting, and goes into some dark places. Nightcrawler is all about the characters, everyone delivers amazing performances with dialogue that felt real. You can sort of tell where the movie is going, but it takes a slight turn, and goes into a different direction you werent expecting, and keeps you on the edge of your seat for the whole runtime of the movie. It is also visually sleek, great job by this movie's director and cinematographer. My only problem with the movie is, at least for me, the ending was a bit anti-climatic, and I was expecting something more out of the ending. That being said, Nightcrawler is a great thriller, and one of the best movies of the year, who knows, maybe in a couple of years this movie will be considered the new American Psycho.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

Wexford_CNov 9, 2014

Was very disappointed with this given the hype, the story line is poor and not very interesting. Lacks any suspense or twist that it needed and is very predictable.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

SimpleReviewzNov 7, 2014

I am one who adore movies that leave me walking out the theatre and still thinking about the movie; movies I like to call thought-provoking. Nightcrawler is one of those films, but it also entertains greatly with its fantastic performances,I am one who adore movies that leave me walking out the theatre and still thinking about the movie; movies I like to call thought-provoking. Nightcrawler is one of those films, but it also entertains greatly with its fantastic performances, outlook on modern media, and a great tone. Elephant in the room time: Jake Gyllenhaal. I've heard buzz lately about Jake's recent outstanding performances. He has surely stepped up his game, and Nightcrawler delivers with another superior performance from him. Here, he plays a sociopath hell-bent on getting all that he wants in his job. He really gives off a creepy, disturbing, and unsettling tone playing this character. I more than look forward to his future movies. Rene Russo is nearly as good as Gyllenhaal. There's an actor here I don't think I've seen before: Riz Ahmed. While he does have some glimpses of very good acting, I think there was lost potential with his role, meaning he could've been better or even easily replaced. I see potential with him, though, I'll give him that. Even though Michael Hyatt's role and appearances were brief, she was incredibly good. The main plot here is that Jake's character works in the LA freelance crime journalism territory. He goes up to crime scenes, films it, and sells the footage to news channel broadcasts. With this, Nightcrawler delves into dark, mature territory at times, which I welcomed. How far Jake's character will go just might astound you. The movie also has it's fair share of jaw-dropping moments. The movie mixes thriller, suspense, and drama to great results. The flaws here aren't too big, but noticeable. The movie sometimes objectifies logic and equals to annoying measures. I also was unsatisfied with the ending and the scene before that final scene. The pacing problems were so, so slight, but it is worth mentioning that the first half's pacing will differ from parts of the second half's, which irritated me at only a few points. Nightcrawler is a great movie, even a bit above great. It just misses my 9 out of 10, SO CLOSE. It may not be in my Top 10 movies of the year, but it will be one I will surely remember.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

TotallyEpicHDNov 7, 2014

Nightcrawler breaks the barrier between suspenseful and twisted, and that's just why I thought it was amazing. It has to be one of the greatest Jake Gyllenhal performances and one of the greatest films of 2014!

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

BshopNov 6, 2014

Holds your attention for the entirety. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a strange, spot-on performance of an OCD, business-focused personality. His character was both terrifying and enthralling. Reminded me of Prisoners (although the characters wereHolds your attention for the entirety. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a strange, spot-on performance of an OCD, business-focused personality. His character was both terrifying and enthralling. Reminded me of Prisoners (although the characters were obviously not the same).
In summary, see if you like crime dramas or character exposure-type films. Worth a rent when it comes out.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

foxgroveNov 6, 2014

Suspension of disbelief should be an advisory caution when viewing 'Nightcrawler'. However, as long as one can over look the story's obvious absurdities it can be enjoyed as a compelling and superior thriller.
Jake Gyllenhaal is superb asSuspension of disbelief should be an advisory caution when viewing 'Nightcrawler'. However, as long as one can over look the story's obvious absurdities it can be enjoyed as a compelling and superior thriller.
Jake Gyllenhaal is superb as the not unlikeable nutter who opportunistically decides to make a living by filming the misfortunes, injuries and death throes of others, which he then sells to TV. His total disdain for people and human life sets no bounds and this, in turn, leads him to TV news producer Renee Russo. She is fantastic as an ageing last chance producer who becomes entangled in his web. The scenes between them both literally crackle with there own kind of tension and are excellently written.
The movie, mainly shot at night, makes excellent use of its L. A. locations, and a couple of set pieces (a home invasion and a restaurant shoot out) are outstanding and demonstrate first rate examples of how to create sustained tension. Flying under the radar, this is a film not to be missed.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

amboyNov 5, 2014

This is a knockout--the intensity is sustained through brilliant writing, remarkable acting, and stunning camera work. What it suggests about contemporary media and technology is scary. The most remarkable element, however, is JakeThis is a knockout--the intensity is sustained through brilliant writing, remarkable acting, and stunning camera work. What it suggests about contemporary media and technology is scary. The most remarkable element, however, is Jake Gyllenhall--the contrast between his Medici prince face and his amoral, sociopathic ambition is overwhelming and should make him an early favorite for an Oscar.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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4

analogkid280Nov 4, 2014

Well this is Jake Gyllenhaal's acting baby and he does a great job. I think that he should get an Oscar nomination for creating a new narcissistic creepy negotiator but not win the award. That character I found extremely interesting for theWell this is Jake Gyllenhaal's acting baby and he does a great job. I think that he should get an Oscar nomination for creating a new narcissistic creepy negotiator but not win the award. That character I found extremely interesting for the first quarter of this movie and as the film goes on it grew increasingly predictable. Most the supporting cast are cookie cutter characters and add little other than to give the lead something to push against. The people following up on his tail are about as qualified as some keystone cops. Most of all I must apologize because I just was not buying it. The whole thing. the suspension of belief for this film just left me in the dust. I am not even in the law enforcement or news industries and I can tell you this guy would not be walking the streets if this had anything to do with any kind of reality. The police scanners he uses were out of date back in the 1980's. The whole movie might of made a good Law And Order episode. Unfortunately it is stretched out to a full length film.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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10

marlasinger1999Nov 4, 2014

Great movie, spectacular visual of the City of Angels. Exellent direction by Dan Gilroy and fabulous, crazy performance by Jake Gyllenhaal...Rene Russo is fantastic here.
A Must see!!!

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

MovieGuysNov 4, 2014

It's hard to believe Nightcrawler was made by first time director Dan Gilroy, because what a movie this is. It's appropriately seedy and eerie; Jake Gyllenhaal gives one of his best performances of his career; and the tone is dead-on accurateIt's hard to believe Nightcrawler was made by first time director Dan Gilroy, because what a movie this is. It's appropriately seedy and eerie; Jake Gyllenhaal gives one of his best performances of his career; and the tone is dead-on accurate in every scene no matter what s happening. The characters are all round and realistic, and the cinematography to die for. If these things don't do it for you, it'll be the pure atmospheric tension of the movie that keeps it going along, scene by scene, building up for a climactic final third. This is one of the best films of the year.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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8

LowbrowCinemaNov 3, 2014

Not the masterwork it wants to be but huge credit for trying and almost getting there. The film suffers from an uneven voice and bad pacing which all could have been corrected by an expert editor. NIGHTCRAWLER needs an objective eye to whipNot the masterwork it wants to be but huge credit for trying and almost getting there. The film suffers from an uneven voice and bad pacing which all could have been corrected by an expert editor. NIGHTCRAWLER needs an objective eye to whip it into shape. But enough of the negative. So much is so good and the film is full of surprises from the performances to its depiction of LA. Incidentally, about 90% of this film is shot like 50 feet from our house. I can only think of one other film that captured the "real" LA so closely and that is THE MORNING AFTER. This is the real LA. Not the reel LA. I don't want to give it away but I so appreciate that the sleaze factor is kept in check and actually feels like the real world rather than an over amped sizzle reel. Jake Gyllenhaal is very good but doesn't totally or intrinsically inhabit his character. He's a guy that's weird and scary but not so scary that you'd run away from him which is good but you see Gyllenhaal's wheels turning which is not so good.

But then there is the revelation... Rene Russo. She is masterful and every way and it is her scenes with Gyllenhaal that anchor the film and show what could have been. Further, these scenes are the ones which are so surprising they're almost shocking in their matter of factness.

I think I love this movie!… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

BradySmithNov 3, 2014

Attack of the evil Sheldon Cooper could be a good secondary title for this movie. Gyllenhaal is hyper creepy and disturbing as the immoral news video gatherer. He's utterly convincing. I felt a sort of weird pity for him at first, but thisAttack of the evil Sheldon Cooper could be a good secondary title for this movie. Gyllenhaal is hyper creepy and disturbing as the immoral news video gatherer. He's utterly convincing. I felt a sort of weird pity for him at first, but this was all washed away once it became clear just how twisted the character really was. Nightcrawler is a very exciting movie, full of intense action scenes. It's also a very stylish looking film. It uses neon and shadows in much of the way Drive did, but not quite to that movie's vibrant extant. There are some surprising turns, the story is involving, and the satire is sharp, but I also felt that in the end it didn't have enough weight to it. It's memorable, but something about it is fairly distant, and unattainable. You'd never guess that it's a small budget indie film though. It has all the polish of a major Hollywood blockbuster. I wouldn't be shocked if it ended up with a couple Oscar nominations, even in some of the major categories.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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10

bigusdicus1Nov 3, 2014

Jake proves himself a very talented and promising actor once again and not just a pretty face with his performance in this film. The story is great, cinematography is cool and a stellar cast throughout this thriller. Overall a great film inJake proves himself a very talented and promising actor once again and not just a pretty face with his performance in this film. The story is great, cinematography is cool and a stellar cast throughout this thriller. Overall a great film in general hope to see some more dramatic takes for Jake though.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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8

DalifeblivesNov 3, 2014

Really good film. Great characters, acting is on point. The only issue would be with the overall story and sometimes wonder the logic of how realistic it is for a guy with a camera to capture such graphic footage and a local news station toReally good film. Great characters, acting is on point. The only issue would be with the overall story and sometimes wonder the logic of how realistic it is for a guy with a camera to capture such graphic footage and a local news station to actually show it. Ending was okay but could of been a bit better. Jake for sure should get the Oscar nod for this.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

COOP4514Nov 2, 2014

I thought this action thriller was well directed leaving the audience at the edge of their seat. Not since 'No Country for Old men' was an action drama so intense. In a real world with tangible and realistic events instead of make believe.I thought this action thriller was well directed leaving the audience at the edge of their seat. Not since 'No Country for Old men' was an action drama so intense. In a real world with tangible and realistic events instead of make believe. Finally a director gave us a unique approach at newsroom entertainment in today's 'I want it now mentality'. Jake Gyllenhaal was memorizing and Rene Russo was at her best giving us an insight of newsroom activity and what today's hot stories and how they are portrayed along at what costs News-directors are willing to pay to have them revealed. Thumbs up on this one!!!!… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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3

AxeTNov 2, 2014

Phony, uneven, boring, and the wrong tone. Utterly predictable.
Gyllenhaal and Paxton are good, but it's neither a realistic drama nor a satire and certainly not very thrilling. It doesn't really know what it is. Good subject matterPhony, uneven, boring, and the wrong tone. Utterly predictable.
Gyllenhaal and Paxton are good, but it's neither a realistic drama nor a satire and certainly not very thrilling. It doesn't really know what it is. Good subject matter blown!
Yet another ridiculously over-rated movie by jackass critics!… Expand

4 of 15 users found this helpful411

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5

EdeltraudNov 2, 2014

Good premise and some worthwhile momentsscenes. A great car chase (and I don't even like car chases...this one you want to see on the big screen.)
Lou is sort of interesting for a while, but never becomes intriguing. I can't say this film isGood premise and some worthwhile momentsscenes. A great car chase (and I don't even like car chases...this one you want to see on the big screen.)
Lou is sort of interesting for a while, but never becomes intriguing. I can't say this film is any better than the usual thriller (Seven, Basic Instinct, Disturbia, Insomnia) -- hardly a breakout out movie. Still, the subject matter was fun and certainly on point.
I saw a review that said this could be Jake's big break back to starring in movies, after a lull. (The same reviewer called him handsome...hmmm...nope.) Can't see it -- more likely, like Tony Perkins, he's such a weirdo in this he'll get pigeon-holed as a creep.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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9

NotoriousFraudNov 2, 2014

Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a terrifically chilling performance in this mesmerizing tale of freelance journalism, Lou Bloom is like a descendant of Robert De Niro's Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver. Nightcrawler functions very effectively as aJake Gyllenhaal delivers a terrifically chilling performance in this mesmerizing tale of freelance journalism, Lou Bloom is like a descendant of Robert De Niro's Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver. Nightcrawler functions very effectively as a noir thriller with the city night also being a beautiful sight to see.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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8

GinaKNov 2, 2014

It is hard for me to say that I “liked” Nightcrawler. Or that I liked Lou Bloom. As someone suggested at dinner afterwards, he may be a sociopath like Charles Manson or Hannibal Lecter, but at least Hannibal Lecter had a sense of humor and soIt is hard for me to say that I “liked” Nightcrawler. Or that I liked Lou Bloom. As someone suggested at dinner afterwards, he may be a sociopath like Charles Manson or Hannibal Lecter, but at least Hannibal Lecter had a sense of humor and so some self-knowledge. Jake Gyllenhaal gives an Oscar-worthy performance and is always in character and completely convincing. The analogy to Manson may be apt since Manson supposedly (and ironically) got his start in manipulation by reading Dale Carnegie’s classic book “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” Bloom has taken business courses online and learned only to be ruthless. He also reminded me of Bartleby the Scrivener in that his own desires and will came before anyone else’s. Nightcrawler is a fascinating film, and I wasn’t bored for a second, watching the diabolical Bloom become a "success" in the amoral world of sensational broadcast journalism where ratings are the only thing that count – a world worthy of Bloom’s cold and clinical view of life.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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8

BHBarryNov 2, 2014

"Nightcrawler" stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo and Bill Paxton in a film written and directed by Dan Gilroy. Although opening on or about Halloween eve, and with a suggestive title lending itself to that ritual, the film is actually the"Nightcrawler" stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo and Bill Paxton in a film written and directed by Dan Gilroy. Although opening on or about Halloween eve, and with a suggestive title lending itself to that ritual, the film is actually the story of those vulture-like papparazzi who, instead of following celebs in innocent daily real life situations, seek to capture the tragedies and "breaking news" stories that besiege our evening news each night. In the mid 20th Century, these photo journalists would freelance and sell their wares to the highest newspaper bidder. Now, in the era of television and video and digital photography, the suppliers become video camera operators and the bidders are the news directors of local tv stations.
As so ably portrayed by Mr. Gyllenhaal, the film tells the story of one such video cameraman and the lengths and extremes he will go to "get the shot" or "capture the video". It also depicts his enablers in the newsrooms of Los Angeles who empower and enable these "nightcrawlers" to reap the economic benefits of their endeavors. The film is well paced and will hold your interest and involvement and makes its point in an artistic although not too subtle a manner. I give the film an 8.0, primarily because of Mr. Gyllenhaal’s fine work but, also, because of the ability of Mr. Gilroy to both write and direct without sacrificing one role for the other..… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

TheFilmFanaticNov 2, 2014

Nightcrawler is a dark, thought-provoking drama that is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. The tension is built beautifully through the film’s soundtrack, dialogue and characters, particularly Lou Bloom who is an instant classic anti-heroNightcrawler is a dark, thought-provoking drama that is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. The tension is built beautifully through the film’s soundtrack, dialogue and characters, particularly Lou Bloom who is an instant classic anti-hero that falls into the ranks of Norman Bates and Verbal Kint. Although the film’s ending was anti-climactic, the overall story is a psychological thrill ride worth going to see. If it bleeds, it leads and Lou Bloom will always find a way to get the story first.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

JKA_92Nov 2, 2014

Really enjoyed this movie, it's been a while since I've been hooked into a movie. I agree with some people on here, you almost know what's going to happen, but it doesn't matter because you get so into it. There are some good twists andReally enjoyed this movie, it's been a while since I've been hooked into a movie. I agree with some people on here, you almost know what's going to happen, but it doesn't matter because you get so into it. There are some good twists and turns, and the end is great. I highly suggest seeing this movie.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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9

googolendtimesNov 2, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An uncharacteristically intelligent thrill ride exploring the newfound career path of Louis Bloom, an ambitious and manipulative sociopath played by Jake Gyllenhaal who immerses himself in the L.A. crime scene in the hope of capturing graphic footage he can sell to news stations for considerable profit. The film is bolstered by Gyllenhaal's performance which is electrifying, unpredictable and extraordinary. I'm holding out hope for an Oscar nomination, even if his superb work in recent years (i.e. Zodiac, Prisoners) has gone unrecognised by the Academy. His work here is more than deserving to buck the trend - I was left hanging on every word that came out of his mouth, dripping in guile and insanity. He's backed up by a strong supporting cast. Rene Russo stands out as the station manager who becomes Louis's biggest client for his footage. Her work is similarly Oscar-calibre and she shows her character's insecurities and vulnerabilities with subtlety and grace, doing a particularly good job of showing simultaneously the shock at Louis's moral decline and her dependence at the rejuvenation his footage is giving her career. Dan Gilroy's alternately disturbing and exciting and surprisingly funny (in parts) script deftly handles its character's amorality and the exploration of the way media and crime are becoming closely intertwined.

'Nightcrawler' owes a lot of its frenetic, adrenaline-rush spirit to its technical work, particularly John Gilroy's editing and writer Dan Gilroy's directing - it's sleek, it's crisp, it's energetic, it works wonderfully with Gyllenhaal's acting to gradually push you to the edge of your seat so that by the nail-biting final act, you're practically falling into the aisle. The road scenes in 'Nightcrawler' are especially good, boasting some of the most brilliant camerawork I've seen this year. Its strongly reminiscent stylistically and visually of Nicolas Winding Refn's masterpiece 'Drive', especially in the way its more action-oriented scenes are shot and the way it handles its L.A. scenery. Robert Elswit, a skilled veteran of cinematography whose work dazzles me on P.T. Anderson features, deserves credit for his gorgeous landscape shots of the city in 'Nightcrawler.'

It's everything I could want in a thriller and it's well worth the watch. One of the year's most demented and brilliant films, 'Nightcrawler' is something special in the canon of crime thriller and deserves all the recognition it can get.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

TVJerryNov 2, 2014

The title refers to camera crews who troll the dark hours, listening for police calls and rushing to bloody crime scenes in hopes of selling their footage to TV stations. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a fast-talking, self-confident new entrant intoThe title refers to camera crews who troll the dark hours, listening for police calls and rushing to bloody crime scenes in hopes of selling their footage to TV stations. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a fast-talking, self-confident new entrant into the field, who's determination for success crosses the line between objective observer and dangerous participant. His character is a smart, but not saavy charmer without a conscience and Gyllenhaal makes him fascinating with masterful skill. The film is disturbing and ultimately, suspenseful as we watch him get deeper into success.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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7

alangeeNov 1, 2014

Very creepy movie. Jake Gyllenhaal is outstanding and Rene Russo is very good too. But the movie itself was a tad on the slow side and took forever to kick into gear. And even when it did pick up its pace, it was a little too predictable forVery creepy movie. Jake Gyllenhaal is outstanding and Rene Russo is very good too. But the movie itself was a tad on the slow side and took forever to kick into gear. And even when it did pick up its pace, it was a little too predictable for my liking.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

ledaumasNov 1, 2014

This is a movie about a bad person doing bad things for bad reasons. Definitely a movie I didn't need to see because I know how close to the truth this movie is about people's morals. It was well written, well acted and thank goodness for theThis is a movie about a bad person doing bad things for bad reasons. Definitely a movie I didn't need to see because I know how close to the truth this movie is about people's morals. It was well written, well acted and thank goodness for the characters who had a conscience, as I was squirmed watching this lack of moral conduct.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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9

harrybuckleyNov 1, 2014

Jake Gyllenhaal perfects his psychopathic role through 2 hours of insensitive, unemotional dictatorship which results in a film packed full of tension, surprises and an eary discomfort bound to keep you hooked throughout the entire movie.

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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1

bigfoot6463Nov 1, 2014

Major Disappointment! Predictable to the point of no return. If you know what is going to happen throughout the movie, what fun or enjoyment can anyone get from that?
Slow paced and almost no pulse for most of the film. Even the twist at theMajor Disappointment! Predictable to the point of no return. If you know what is going to happen throughout the movie, what fun or enjoyment can anyone get from that?
Slow paced and almost no pulse for most of the film. Even the twist at the end was not a twist at all because you knew it was coming 20 minutes into the movie. No thrills here to be found.… Expand

6 of 83 users found this helpful677

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7

LamontRaymondNov 1, 2014

There's no doubting that the movie is good, but you just don't feel great leaving the thing - not that every movie needs to have a "feel good" quality to it. But this lead character is creepy as hell, sociopathic, and just plain antisocial.There's no doubting that the movie is good, but you just don't feel great leaving the thing - not that every movie needs to have a "feel good" quality to it. But this lead character is creepy as hell, sociopathic, and just plain antisocial. It's never a movie you'd want to see twice. Gyllenhaal is great in it, of course, and it's cool seeing all the RL LA anchors involved - certainly provides a degree of authenticity to it all.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

Compi24Nov 1, 2014

Serving as a harrowing cautionary tale and one of the most uncomfortable viewing experiences I've had in a while -- thanks in no small part to Jake Gyllenhaal's uncompromisingly disquieting Oscar-worthy performance -- "Nightcrawler"Serving as a harrowing cautionary tale and one of the most uncomfortable viewing experiences I've had in a while -- thanks in no small part to Jake Gyllenhaal's uncompromisingly disquieting Oscar-worthy performance -- "Nightcrawler" forcefully assumes its role as one of the most impressive writer-director debuts this side of his brother's "Michael Clayton."… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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7

moviemitch96Oct 31, 2014

In this fun and exciting crime thriller, Jake Gyllenhaal plays a motivated crime journalist hired by a TV station to document crime scenes and murders. The result is easily yet another tour de force lead performance from him. His acting alongIn this fun and exciting crime thriller, Jake Gyllenhaal plays a motivated crime journalist hired by a TV station to document crime scenes and murders. The result is easily yet another tour de force lead performance from him. His acting along with the great action and car chase scenes throughout made for an overall entertaining experience. Despite some slow moments, they're easily made up for through the film's brilliant acting and writing, as well as an intriguing story with great action. Definitely check this one out if you're a fan of Gyllenhaal or if you just flat out want to see one hell of a cool movie!… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

BrianMcCriticOct 31, 2014

This is a terrific film that explores the length someone will go to be the best and most cutting edge. Jake Gyllenhaal gives a chilling performance as a driven yet psychotic man who will stop it nothing to get what he wants. It's also goodThis is a terrific film that explores the length someone will go to be the best and most cutting edge. Jake Gyllenhaal gives a chilling performance as a driven yet psychotic man who will stop it nothing to get what he wants. It's also good to see Rene Russo and Bill Paxton in strong supporting roles. Nightcrawler gets a high recommendation from me. A… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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Nightcrawler

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