NIGHTCRAWLER

NIGHTCRAWLER is a thriller set in the nocturnal underbelly of contemporary Los Angeles.Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Lou Bloom, a driven young man desperate for work who discovers the high-speed world of L.A. crime journalism. Finding a group of freelance camera crews who film crashes, fires, murder and other mayhem, Lou muscles into the cut-throat, dangerous realm of nightcrawling – where each police siren wail equals a possible windfall and victims are converted into dollars and cents. Aided by Rene Russo as Nina, a veteran of the blood-sport that is local TV news, Lou blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story. — Written by Open Road Films

A very dark and serious thriller satire about the way TV news pursues ratings rather than accuracy in its broadcasts. Jake Gyllenhaal is sensational and rivetingly creepy in his role as Lou Bloom. The script and plot are fresh and engaging. As the story progresses the tension builds. Fortunately, the “message” of the movie stays in the background and doesn’t overwhelm the clever story which is genuinely entertaining. It’s a must see movie despite its very minor flaws.

****