Nightcrawler (2014)
To no oneโs surprise, LA has a lot of sociopath grifters.
Presentation:
Gyllenhaal convincingly portrays a greasy opportunistic sociopath gifting from con to con. Taken place in the heart of LA, it perfectly suits the hustling underground vibe for this one, almost noir like. Ambience really captures a nocturnal vibe and you'll feel blinded by sunlight.
Conclusion:
There's something about the way this story is told that feels different to other films. On one hand it's a bit noir, another hand it's got the hustling running around of Chinatown, then you have the sleek thriller aspects. It's hard to really pinpoint but it stays in your memory. The supporting lead also delivers a truly innocent character and though you feel bad for him, the film succeeds you into subverting us. Gyllenhaal shows once again his nuanced understanding of the darker side of humanity. An ambiguously presented thriller that leads to a more captivating performance. You'll get hooked right from the start.
Recommendations
Noir sophistication at its finest.
When a supporting lead steals the show.
A vapid love letter to Hollywood filmmaking.
When a psychopathic hitman is just like any other person.
Everything we love about noir crime classics.
No civil war, just a massacre.
When you think you sound cooler than you really are.
The most accessible modern musical.
The triumphant cult classic marks Quentin Tarantino best film.
Romanticizing Los Angeles crime.
Chasing the most infamous serial killer.
To no oneโs surprise, LA has a lot of sociopath grifters.
Reading Shia LeBeoufโs diary.
I still donโt care about 60 minutes.