Outstanding Film Noir

Rating: 8/10 (27 January 2015)

This movie stands out among others in the film noir genre.
Louis Bloom, brilliantly played by Jake Gyllenhaal, is a smart guy. Though he lacks the credentials of a formal education, he is a quick study. He might even be perceived as a geek, savvy about how to assimilate info from the Internet but unable to fully assimilate himself into society. In fact, Lou is a sociopath. There are no boundaries to what he won't do, and his conscience if he has one, is seared to the suffering of others.
Filming graphic video of news events involving human loss (fatal accidents, fires, crime, etc.), especially at night (hence the title Nightcrawler), Lou sells his video to the Los Angeles channel 6 news director, Nina, played by Rene Russo. Nina is a seasoned veteran of the industry who has become jaded to the graphic display of shocking news stories. After all, this is lead story stuff to her news team's broadcasts and the stuff that leads to higher ratings. Nina has become a bit of psychopath herself, well suited for her weird relationship with Louis.
Disturbing movie, but well done.