Preferred the trailer

Rating: 7/10 (12 December 2014)

Like with many films now days I keep finding myself getting more excited and enthralled by the actual trailer. Saying that, this dramatic horrifying thriller did provide an entertaining level 7 out of 10 for viewing pleasure.
It touched me personally and deeply like most films do with seeing how someone shows such enthusiasm while pursuing some form of employment only to keep getting his soul destroyed. The main character in this film was both likable and unlikeable at the same time presenting us with a sociopath personality. What struck me most was how Jack Gyllenhaal was visually presented to look unkempt, wild, greasy and hungry for success.
The film reminded me very much of the End of Watch film also starring Jack Gyllenhaal due to it exploring a more raw realistic perspective of urban life and crime. The way in which this film is presented visually seems the cross between found footage and the more traditional method of filming which works much better than relaying on pure shaky amateur cam that often irritates me the viewer. Saying that I didn't like the way the film was visually filtered and would have liked to have watched a more saturated colour scheme. Something about it all seemed very 90's and washed out, something about it visually felt off.
I also had a feeling that the director or others in the film crew wanted to make this film slight Gand Theft Auto in how certain scenes really did feel like the game which for me was a good thing without drifting off into why and reviewing GTA alongside this film.
Rene Russo looked sexy, beautiful and curvy in this film and I so wanted to see more of the seedy adult like romance exposed. I think the whole sexual tension thing disappeared to quickly. That added taste to the mix would have made this more dramatic and titillating allowing for a more voyeuristic experience. I did enjoy seeing Rene's character being put in a position of looking exploited and vulnerable.
Being myself interested in videography and photography, I loved it how it shows that its never about expensive equipment, but having that artistic eye and desire to delve into places often taboo and unacceptable by today's social standards. I loved how it presented an artist so willing to break certain rules of decency alongside taste. The way in which Louis crosses the line to get footage thats daring gets its audience to ask what it is we have to do in order to succeed in life in all aspects of the media and journalism.
After all of that the film for me was something I would only watch every so many years if it just happened to be on view on some boring non eventual day which for me would most probably be a Sunday evening or night. If it had been made in the 1970's for me it would possibly have had more appeal. Even the name Nightcrawler seems very 70's.
Overall a 7/10 based on entertainment value
Cinematography 6.5 out of 10 Acting 8.5/9 out of 10 Story 7 out of 10, could have been deeper and more revealing