An enthralling insight into the darkness of modern media.

Rating: 8/10 (29 November 2014)

The Gilroys seem to have good fortune on their directorial debut. Tony Gilroy's subdued and twisted Michael Clayton only grows on me with rewatches. His brother, Dan Gilroy's debut Nightcrawler is wickedly entertaining and just as insightful. I was hesitant about Jake Gyllenhaal's transformative performance as Lou Bloom, a man with an unbeatable work ethic. It's difficult to get the balance right. But his unhinged approach is perfectly measured, especially paired with his relatively meek voice. He paints an arresting portrait of a character who represents a cautionary tale in the dark side of the media. This is where the film has its misstep however, and only one that means it falls slightly short of its potential, outside of the clumsy mid-section showing Bloom's rise to success.
The film's final stretch which presents the make-or-break situation for Bloom where he manipulates a crime as it happens for good footage yet risks getting caught is edge-of-your- seat enthralling cinema. It's an utter treat of a sequence. However, Gilroy gives Bloom too much power. Untested, the film stops being a character study then focuses solely on being a social commentary on the derangement of broadcasting. It's fine, but it's a step down. The film reminded me of Breaking Bad for the sly operation and empire building, and that show exemplifies how you can keep the character tested yet on top like Nightcrawler attempts. However, that social commentary is still potent, as overt as it may be, and rings true. The film is rich with atmosphere with reliable cinematography from Robert Elswitt, paired with a stunning score. Nightcrawler could be a favourite worthy film if it holds up on rewatch.
8/10