How necessary is it to have a likeable protagonist? In recent years, characters like Walter White, Frank Underwood, Don Draper, Jordan Belfort and Mark Zuckerberg, to name a few, have led many to question whether or not it’s important for us to root for them or, at the very least, trust them. Such is also the case with Lou Bloom, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, in Dan Gilroy‘s massively impressive 2014 directorial debut “Nightcrawler.” What makes a determined sociopath like this one a truly fascinating and disturbingly watchable character? Often it comes from a really good script, as made evident in “Nightcrawler — Empathy for the Antihero,” the newest video from YouTube’s Lessons From the Screenplay.
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It’s a common misconception that sympathetic characters are always nice or morally flawless. As he quotes from author Robert McKee, “Likability is no guarantee of audience involvement; it’s merely an aspect of characterization.” Characters that are too good-hearted are often one-dimensional and boring. Some of the most compelling characters in the history of cinema and television — including Daniel Plainview, Michael Corleone, Travis Bickle and Tony Soprano, in addition to the characters listed above — are often dark or morally askew, to say the least. Lou Bloom is no exception, but part of what makes him such an interesting character is the number of good, relatable traits that often balance out his wicked tendencies.
For instance, Lou is a very hard-worker. He’s also very polite. But something is constantly off about him. Even his nicest remarks seem disingenuous or possibly threatening, and being polite does not equate to internal goodness. But it’s ultimately the deeper character to which the audience connects with the most — especially when Lou becomes completely dangerous and untrustworthy. But beyond morbid curiosity, the audience remains engaged through empathy. It’s ultimately a success story, although the means to success might not always be virtuous.
By understanding Lou throughout even his most despicable actions, we still feel connected. It’s clear that Lou — no matter how strange or evil he might be (or truly become) — is simply pursuing the American Dream, hoping to make the most of himself at what he does best. Even when we don’t approve of Lou’s actions, we’re still involved. This helps explains why he’s such a dynamic character, even if he’s not necessarily a root-worthy one, and that’s explained more eloquently and elaborately in this new video essay. Be sure to check it out.