Grade: B+
“How far would you go?”
It’s a cliched phrase and theme used incessantly in a staggeringly high number of films, but for good reason.
It’s an effective way to keep audiences intrigued, constantly guessing the actions and the consequences that follow.
In the case of “Nightcrawler,” though, the more appropriate question would be, “How low would you sink?”
“Nightcrawler” tells the story of Louis Bloom, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, and his warped mindset to make something of himself even if it gets people hurt.
From his genesis as a common thief to his transformation into a slimy, parasitic degenerate that gains numerous business footholds via the misery of others, his newfound obsession with crime journalism and the suffocating tension that follows escalates with every passing second.
Running parallel with Bloom’s level of passion is not only his egomaniacal personality and the calm, meek demeanor that hides it, but his ludicrously shady business decisions and his total lack of human dignity and empathy.
That is, if he even had any to begin with.
However, all of this atmosphere and potential would be rendered useless were it not for Gyllenhaal’s fine-drawn acting prowess.
His interpretation of Bloom’s characteristics gives off an arrogant, oppressive and eerie ambiance that is nothing short of staggering and obscene.
But the disturbed nature of Bloom and his actions are nothing compared to the ambitious TV news director Nina, played by Rene Russo, and her cold, aggressive approach to air anything and everything that will garner a significant boost in ratings.
Encouraging Bloom to give her more footage at a high price doesn’t really help, either.
One thing that isn’t as subtle, though, is the obvious homage “Nightcrawler” features — in a good way — to the 1976 classic film “Network.”
Initially conceived as a satire of television broadcasting and the lengths one would go to come out on top, “Network” later became an unintentional dramatization of modern broadcasting.
“Nightcrawler” emphasizes that theme all too well.
In the end, “Nightcrawler” not only succeeds as a great thriller, much less a great movie, but it has given birth to another unflinchingly realistic and memorable villain for the 21st century.
An entity that represents one of the worst that humanity can offer, Louis Bloom is a prime example of how easily one can claw his way to fame and fortune.
It isn’t all his fault, however.
After all, a business can’t succeed without supply and demand.
