A Perfect Representation of The American Dream

Rating: 10/10 (24 September 2016)

Nightcrawler is without doubt one of the best films I had seen from 2014, if not my favourite. Personally stealing the limelight from any other films released in that year, Nightcrawler is a film that when you see on the shelves at a store you get that exciting tingle through your body to buy it before realising you already have a pristine copy locked away in your Holy Grail of films cabinet. Honestly... it's that good.
On first viewing of the trailer, I was intrigued, but only enough to keep the film in the back of my mind knowing that one day I remember to eventually go to see it. Upon hearing mixed reviews from friends, I decided I wouldn't waste my money. I let a few months pass before seeing the film appear online. I had an evening free and decided to watch it on my laptop with headphones which I would later come to regret not seeing on the big screen.
To put it into simple terms:
I WAS BLOWN AWAY.
I really struggled to find any flaws and seriously doubted the reviews I had heard from friends. This was a film that made me experience something I haven't felt as a kid. That power to completely draw me into a film and leave you forgetting the reality of which you're actually in.
I personally believe this is down to a number of different things:
1. A truly original and gripping story.
Who would think that a simple story about a freelance video-journalist would make a great film; Dan Gilroy, thats who. This script is an absolute Gem of the film world that tangles in with so many different representations; the anti-hero and the American dream.
2. Cast
Jake Gyllenhaal as Louis Bloom is just phenomenal that I forgot that Gyllenhaal was a real person outside of this film. Gyllenhaal provides exceptional acting for character with an unbelievable strange character arc.
3. Composition
There are many shots in this film which upon pausing any frame could make a gorgeous photo. A lot of care and time has obviously gone into getting each of these shots perfect for the screen. Beautiful lighting throughout.
4. Score
A score that never takes from the movie but always, always adds infinite amount of tension. I can be very picky about scores in films, in particular I believe sometimes it shouldn't have one fro example Dallas Buyers Club. This was an amazing exception and a lovely soundtrack to listen to.
Overall for these qualities and generally on how much i enjoyed the film, I have rated the film a 10. I hope you find my review helpful and I have only recently started writing these reviews as a student still in education. Nonetheless - GO WATCH THIS FILM NOW!