A glance at the movie poster or trailer for ‘Nightcrawler‘ and it looks like a typical crime thriller. Shot in L.A. this neo-noir film is the story of anti-hero Lou Bloom, similar to the Patrick Bateman character in ‘American Psycho‘. Jake Gyllenhaal portrays Bloom as a cold, calculated character determined to achieve his goals at any cost, but with complete emotional detachment common to sociopaths.
Lou Bloom is a thief, stealing copper wire and manhole covers then fencing them to scrap metal dealers for cash. After a theft gone wrong, Bloom is driving home in his crappy, primer-grey, 1984 Toyota Tercel, and sees a car crash scene up ahead. He pulls over for a better look, and notices freelance photo-journalists recording as police pull a woman from the burning car. Thrilled at the excitement, and not the least bit bothered by the horrific subject matter, Bloom has found his calling.
Equipped with a police scanner and some ill-gotten camera equipment, unhinged Lou Bloom races to violent and bloody crime scenes which transpire each night in L.A. He films the most morbid scenes then races off to a local TV news station to sell his exclusive footage. In a world where the mantra is “If it bleeds, it leads” this news station is desperately in need of higher ratings, and they slurp up every drop of what Bloom fetches each night.
Some critics claim that ‘Nightcrawler‘ is a commentary on a media where ratings are more important that ethics, integrity and morals. For example, Bloom routinely crosses the line between observer and participant, re-positioning injured or dying crime victims to get a better shot. That’s what the TV news demand, and extrapolating further, the TV news reflects mankind’s bloodlust. We, the viewing public, demand sensationalism from TV news who in turn use propaganda to stoke fear of crime waves which don’t exist. We created Lou Bloom.
Another critical analysis of ‘Nightcrawler‘ is the gearhead’s belief that to achieve greatness, one needs a great car. When Bloom begins to achieve the success he craves, he trades in the Tercel for a red 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a 392 Hemi V8. Now driving the fastest car of any photojournalists competing with him, Bloom is able to arrive at crime scenes faster than anyone. Even before the police arrive!
Lou Bloom’s new Challenger is really pushed hard in the film, and the Hemi-powered car is used by Bloom for high-speed runs across town to film a mass shooting, and even takes centre stage for the climactic downtown car chase scene that comprises the last portion of the movie. No CGI garbage here, the Challenger was masterfully raced through the streets of downtown L.A. as the city is as much a character in the film as Lou Bloom is.
Despite this not being a ‘car flick’ in the traditional sense, both Lou Blooms 1984 Toyota Tercel and 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 play big roles in the film. The Dodge in particular adds action and excitement to an otherwise disturbing yet cerebral movie.
Good movie, great synopsis!
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Yes, a really good movie. Thought provoking thriller.
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And I always try to find the car angle, because that’s what Demaras Racing is all about! Aside from the bloodthirsty media, the main message of the movie is to buy a Dodge Challenger to help achieve your goals..
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Solid advice
Fantastic film.
I can’t believe I delayed watching this for a decade. I’d always heard that Jake G’s performance was phenomenal. And that the character of Lou Bloom was like the Travis Bickle of the 21st century.
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But this was a REALLY good movie. Exciting and layered, it will appeal to different people for different reasons.
I’m a big fan of Jake’s
Yeah… me too. He’s a fine young actor. I’m so tired of hearing how good Brando was or how good De Niro was… that’s old hat. How about giving recognition to modern young actors while they’re still alive!?
De Niro is a has been IMO. You’re right, give kudos to the up and coming. It looks like Hollywood is dying off and Canada is replacing it with fresh ideas and stars.