Nightcrawler is a 2014 neo-noir crime thriller movie directed by Dan Gilroy and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, and Riz Ahmed. The film follows Louis “Lou” Bloom (played by Gyllenhaal), a driven and ambitious young man who becomes a freelance crime journalist in Los Angeles.
Lou Bloom is a petty thief who stumbles upon a group of freelance videographers who capture footage of car accidents, fires, and crime scenes to sell to local news stations. Fascinated by this profession, Lou acquires a cheap video camera and begins to learn the trade. He becomes increasingly ruthless and determined to capture footage of the most violent crimes, often crossing ethical boundaries to get the shots he needs.
As Lou’s success and obsession grow, he becomes more and more disconnected from reality, blurring the line between observer and participant. He manipulates crime scenes to make them more visually appealing, disregards the safety of those around him, and even orchestrates a crime in order to capture exclusive footage.
The movie received critical acclaim for its intense performances, particularly from Jake Gyllenhaal, as well as its commentary on the sensationalism of modern media. It was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
When Louis Bloom, a con man desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story.
General information
Nightcrawler is a 2014 neo-noir crime thriller movie directed by Dan Gilroy and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, and Riz Ahmed. The film follows Louis “Lou” Bloom (played by Gyllenhaal), a driven and ambitious young man who becomes a freelance crime journalist in Los Angeles.
Lou Bloom is a petty thief who stumbles upon a group of freelance videographers who capture footage of car accidents, fires, and crime scenes to sell to local news stations. Fascinated by this profession, Lou acquires a cheap video camera and begins to learn the trade. He becomes increasingly ruthless and determined to capture footage of the most violent crimes, often crossing ethical boundaries to get the shots he needs.
As Lou’s success and obsession grow, he becomes more and more disconnected from reality, blurring the line between observer and participant. He manipulates crime scenes to make them more visually appealing, disregards the safety of those around him, and even orchestrates a crime in order to capture exclusive footage.
The movie received critical acclaim for its intense performances, particularly from Jake Gyllenhaal, as well as its commentary on the sensationalism of modern media. It was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.