Jake Gyllenhaal has, almost unnoticed, risen through the ranks to become one of the greatest American actors working today. Following a duo of fantastic performances last year in Enemy and Prisoners, Nightcrawler’s anti-hero Lou Bloom might be his finest role yet.

Crime scene cameraman Bloom is a complete embodiment of the film’s title. Insect-like and gaunt (Gyllenhaal lost 30 pounds for the role) he stalks the L.A night looking for the next car-jacking or stabbing. Bloom could not care less about the victims of these crimes, he cares only about finding the perfect shot that will improve his “bargaining position” with floundering news station head, Nina (a brilliant performance by Rene Russo). An early dinner scene between the two provides a microcosm of Lou’s arc: he begins as hopeless and humorous before proceeding to unsettling and eventually chilling territory, as innocent comments gradually shift into sinister demands.

Gyllenhaal plays Bloom as a man with no past; his entire personality seemingly stolen from an online business course that he quotes relentlessly. The only hints we get of his true nature are his outburst of rage. Totally without empathy (as he says himself “he doesn’t like people”) he nevertheless believes wholeheartedly in the American Dream and sees his grisly line of work as a ticket to the top, a clear satirical comment by writer/director Dan Gilroy on the current state of U.S news broadcasting where rewards await those most willing to abandon their morals and chase the story. Together him and Gyllenhaal delve deep into the Los Angles night and uncover some dark truths about our relationship with the media.

On a lighter note, there is also a really great car chase.

Peter Brearley

Image: Bold Films