Nightcrawler
Man, each time I watch this film I fall in love with it more and more.
Nightcrawler is one of those films that isn't a horror but really creeps me out in a lot of ways. Lou Bloom is a lot of things: manipulative, creepy, unethical and not someone you'd like to be around but most importantly; he's persistent.
Dan Gilroy perfectly subverts the rags to riches story by having the villain be the main protagonist. The writing is smart and thoughtful and is always in service of the characters; not one line feels wasted. I love the way the soundtrack plays tricks on the audience by playing something triumphant and exhilirating when a clearly disturbing thing is happening on screen.
Jake Gyllenhall gives such an unsettling performance as Lou Bloom. The fact that he trained himself to not blink really gives off such an uncanny and intimidating appearance to the character. Riz Ahmed in one of his earlier roles; still manages to make the character his own. Rene Russo was great as Lou's "partner in crime" and Bill Paxton makes a surprise appearance but a welcome one as always.
The cinematography is meticulous in showcasing the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. From the grainy camera footage of car crashes and injured victims to the beautiful and peaceful establishing shots of late night L.A; all of it brings the film together to deliver a dark and brooding story.
James Newton Howard's score was amazing and really compliments Lou's journey. The soothing electronic/rock ambience and the dark droning helps to bring out the atmosphere of L.A. and the cruel world of crime journalism.
What an incredibly dark treat and I can't wait to watch it again down the track.
“What if my problem wasn't that I don't understand people but that I don't like them?”
10/10