It Crawls. It Creeps.

Rating: 8/10 (15 September 2015)

Nightcrawler (2014): Dir: Dan Gilroy / Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Riz Ahmed, Bill Paxton, Michael Hyatt: Slick crime thriller about seeking sinful thrills at the expense of others. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Lou Bloom who shows up at crime scenes and films extreme footage and then sells them to TV stations. Rene Russo plays Nina, the director of such a station struggling in the ratings. Bloom's footage calls to question journalistic integrity but she is inspired by his persistence and encourages him to continue. Central plot regards a shootout at a residence that Bloom arrives at. Hidden out of sight, he gains footage of the gunmen and then further shoots footage of the bodies and carnage inside the house. One issue this film crosses is the unlikeable persona of the lead character. Lou Bloom is a lowlife seeking success at any means possible despite how it affects others. Gyllenhaal plays this sleazy individual with wit and intelligence taking risks on the roads as well as verbally bypassing police questioning. Russo is at her best as a struggling station director caught in Bloom's web especially when he shows romantic interest. Riz Ahmed plays Bloom's assistant in need of cash and offers to film accidents but he becomes increasingly alarmed by Bloom's reckless disregard for others and his ability to undermine everyone working under him. Bill Paxton steals moments as a rival news team leader who makes Bloom an offer that is turned down. Other roles are not very broad whether it be criminals, station news team or police investigators. Director Dan Gilroy presents a well crafted thriller about the devious extent of thrill seekers. Score: 8 ½ / 10