Tuesday 11 November 2014

Film: 'Nightcrawler'

Chillingly credible story of a ruthless freelance newsreel photographer in LA who'd do anything, with no scruples at all, in order to film a scoop of a gory news story, which he can then flog to a TV company at his demanded price. Think of the news-pack in Paris descending on the wreck of the Princess Di car crash while she was yet alive and you'll get the picture.

I wasn't sure if Jake Gyllenhall could carry off playing such an odious character as up to now he's been almost typecast in playing roles with which one can sympathise. But he pulls it off with aplomb - creepy, glib liar, entirely self-centered, all with an impenetrable veneer of utter self-confidence in his own ability, only cracking once in the privacy of his own home.
He targets a news company managed by Rene Russo (excellent - where's she been all these years?) whose TV ratings are in the doldrums so badly needs a boost. She doesn't take long to see that Gyllenhall can produce something really special and regularly. There's a telling scene in a Mexican restaurant when the two of them are dining (at his cheeky invitation) where, despite their age difference and relative statuses it becomes clear as to which of them is calling the shots - and it's not her, reluctant to let such an able provider of compelling footage go to another company.
He employs (thanks to some imaginative untruths) as a sidekick, British actor Riz Ahmen (also very good), who captures the quandary he's in in needing the pittance of payment he's offered, being otherwise unemployed, yet having grave doubts about the nature of work he's in and having to put up with Gyllenhall's bullying and bluster.
Bill Paxton also appears as a more experienced, rival freelancer in the same business, the two of them bumping into each other covering the same news events. 
Throughout the film I was waiting for the Gyllenhall character to come a cropper and get his just deserts.
The film ends with a tense, expertly built-up climax, partly deviously-engineered to make it more 'newsworthy', which itself is crowned by a most appalling act.

My only slight quibble with the film was how did Gyllenhall manage to become such a hot and expert film-shooter just about immediately? At the film's start he didn't even own a camera!

Director Dan Gilroy (this his first as director) does a flawless job. No reservations here at all.
Was there any background music? If there was I didn't notice, which is a big plus.

A very good film, not easy to watch but certainly holding the attention all through, with some rivetting moments........................7.5


12 comments:

  1. We're seeing it this weekend. Thanks for the early review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think you'll regret expending time and money on it. Bob.

      Delete
  2. I appreciate the review but I think I'll give it a miss

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well it is 'entertainment' in a wide sense, J.G. I can well appreciate that it being outside many people's comfort zone might make it hard to go along with.

      Delete
  3. Looks like the latest from Jakie might put him on the top again.

    I'll certainly see it, but not until it is available on VOD.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He's certainly stretched himself in this, Paul, and convincingly so. It took me a little while to accept him playing someone so unpleasant but he won me round.
      The film may work okay on a small screen as it's principally a psychological-driven drama - only one spectacular multi-car sequence - but it deserves a look in whatever format.

      Delete
  4. ohh, sounds good, maybe a friend would like to see this with me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It IS good, Sol, and it's not just my opinion. Just about all the reviews I've seen are positive. Do go.

      Delete
  5. Ray,
    I also noticed that Jake is taking the more odious roles these days. I wasn't sure if I wanted to see any of his films now but I may see this one. I'll ask Pat to see it first and get his take. By the way, have you seen any of the TV series "Breaking Bad?" I KNOW you would like it. Is it available in DVD format in the UK? If so, definitely get it, guaranteed you'll be hooked. It's better than any movie.
    Ron

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never seen 'Breaking Bad, Ron, though it is on here and has a large body of fans. Other than the title I don't know a thing about it. However, it's on at a 'late' hour way past my bed-time (usually around 8.30) and using 'catch-up' on this computer is hopeless. I don't know about its DVD availability here if it is as I don't buy those either. I must sound rather curmudgeonly but TV progs rarely appeal to me anyway. All I seem to watch is the news and news-related programmes. Maybe I should expand my horizons? hanks for the tip, though.

      I havn't read anything really negative about 'Nightcrawler'. I'll be very surprised if Pat thinks it's no good.

      Delete
  6. This may be of interest to me. Thanks I'll check it out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's unusual enough to command the attention of anyone who loves film, FB, the story being one that's rarely visited. I was reminded of both 'Network' (which I particularly liked) and 'Broadcast News', but 'Nightcrawler' has a vicious bite to it, one we would prefer not to be happening though we all know that it is, and all the time.

      Delete