A dark, brooding realisation of man's limits, with a stellar performance from Gyllenhaal.

Rating: 8/10 (15 November 2014)

Academy award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this depressingly dark film about the controversial lengths to which a person may go to achieve their dream.
Gyllenhaal plays anti-hero Lou Bloom, a low-life thief who sees a chance for money in videoing violent accidents and crime scenes then selling the footage to the local news station. Props go to his portrayal which really carries the film, and whether you sympathise or criticise him, he truly brings a sadistic, yet believable, Oscar-worthy performance.
Rene Russo also stars as news-station head, whom Lou gives his tapes to, and the chemistry between them, while trying to sassy and seductive, is very tongue-in-cheek at points. Bill Paxton also makes an appearance as rival news gatherer Joe Loder. But, even with these other names, Gyllenhaal really steals the show.
You'll be shocked at the things that Lou will do in order to get a good tape, and this makes you wonder 'are there people out there really like this?'.
The whole mood of this movie is very dark, with a thick, depressing atmosphere to endure. Those who enjoy an excellent performance will love this, but, with a very slow pace, especially for the first half, others may need a little more patience.