“Nightcrawler” the relentless new motion picture from veteran screenwriter Dan Gilroy, who is also making his directorial debut as well. Is amply upbeat, relentless and shot to beautiful extremes, that wasted no lengths whatsoever.

The POWERHOUSE Jake Gyllenhaal leads this crime caper, as the intuitive Louis Bloom. An entrepreneur with a few secluded secrets. Whose moral beliefs mean absolutely nothing, and tactics are cruel beyond belief. Louis, in an attempt to start his own business, thrusts himself into the big muscle that is Los Angeles.With his new corporal business “Video Production Services”. Being a freelance underground nightcrawler, roaming the streets, listening to the scanners, eyeing those hard to reach places that no normal soul dare venture into.

After, in my opinion, getting snubbed for his dubious, and eagerly pleasing performance in last year’s “Prisoners” Jake Gyllenhaal was a force to be reckoned with. From tear-jerking performances in “End Of Watch” to more subtle in “Zodiac”. “Nightcrawler” is easily his best achievement to date. Particularly to his attention to detail, the character development, and the attitude he infuses into Louis Bloom himself. Keeping the audience guessing his motives, but never asking “why?”

This, of course, can be thankful in much to director (and screenwriter) Dan Gilroy, whose cinematography, editing, and scenery is simply astounding. The story itself does more than just uncover truths about Louis, and his insane personality – but uncovers more depth into the new reporting world. And what freelancing is like from a first person perspective. Obviously, you’re never going to find yourself agreeing with the intentions of Louis, but you will likely find it easy to root for him, in any sense that seems fit.

Gyllenhaal is immaculate in every essence. Delivering line, after line with crisp diction, concise vocabulary, and even more intricate phrases. Some of his speeches are so inspiring (including one in the climax) that make yourself check out at the door. Louis Bloom is such a fun persona to unravel, and Gyllenhaal, already getting buzz, is at ease most of the time. Remaining cool and collected..while a million other jolts are shocking through his veins.

Ideally, the script gives Gyllenhaal much to work with. Including his co-star Riz Ahmed playing Rick, his noble companion – that works for cheap, asks the right questions..and can ‘bargain’ when the situation demands it. There are certain scenes in low capacity where you think Ahmed could be over his head. This never seems to be an issue, as Ahmed can, for the most part, keep up with Gyllenhaal’s wild antics. While Rene Russo, as the head news manager offers very little to the plot itself, merely a character there for the growth of others. Not herself.

The story itself is gripping and intense, offering a visually sleek look into the harsh and tasteless backdrop of LA. There are scenarios that I played over in my head – as to the direction the film was going. While the film reached a very modest (if satisfying) conclusion, I was still left with a few inkling questions.

“Nightcrawler” serves as snarling comedy and gripping thriller, and Dan Gilroy can have it seemingly both ways, and serves it’s purpose as a titillating showcase for its lead star. No shot is every misplaced, and no quirk seems too vile. The vision is wholly unique, and expect a nomination or two come award season, and for Gyllenhaal, it would be well earned.

A

Directed By: Dan Gilroy

Rated: R

Runtime: 117 mins

Studio: Open Road Films

Release Date: Oct 31st 2014

Thanks For Stopping Buy ®