Rating of
4/4
"Nightcrawler" by Yojimbo
Yojimbo - wrote on 11/06/14
While rubbernecking a freeway accident, a small time thief becomes fascinated with the work of a freelance cameraman and finds he has the skills to fit in perfectly with the sensationalist, scaremongering world of TV News. Jake Gyllenhaal brilliantly sheds his heart throb status to become a slimy, sociopathic misanthrope who revels in the sleazy underworld of L.A.'s underbelly as he chases the most bloodthirsty stories possible to sate the appetite of an amoral news network. Gyllenhaal's character has heavy shades of Rupert Pupkin and the smart script is a very sly indictment of the agenda of American TV News and its viewers, as well as embodying the spirit of today's L.A.; a soulless, opportunistic kleptomaniac with a self-help mantra in place of a soul and a business model consisting of little more than blackmail and slavery. Combining elements of The King Of Comedy, Network, Man Bites Dog and even Billy Wilder's classic Ace In The Hole, Nightcrawler is a brilliant blend of darkest of the dark comedy, satire and smart social commentary making this street savvy drama easily one of the best films of the year.
