Not to bring things back to Oscar, perhaps a lowest common denominator form of conversation for movies, but it would be some kind of shame if Jake Gyllenhaal doesn’t get a well-deserved nomination for “Nightcrawler” because he’s all kinds of wicked and twisted worthy. Some pundits are questioning whether that’ll happen or not, but I suppose that’s someone else’s concern at the end of the day. Because ultimately, “Nightcrawler” is a deliriously manic ride that everyone involved should be proud of.
Written and directed by veteran screenwriter Dan Gilroy, filmmaker Tony Gilroy’s brother and co-writer on “The Bourne Legacy” among many other projects, “Nightcrawler” is a scathing and savage tour de force drama that comments on media ethics, the bloodsporting of ruthless media, and a growing economic disparity that is cleaving culture. It’s also a dark and funny character study of an obsessive personality in relentless pursuit of his success in the mode of “Ace In The Hole” or the acidic “Network.”
There’s also a third MVP in the movie besides Gyllenhaal’s terrifically committed performance and Gilroy’s sharp, mannered writing and direction. Cinematographer Robert Elswit is his own dazzling star player. Open Road has released a red band trailer, and its as dizzying and thrilling as the movie itself (and quotes my review to boot, or at least gives the grade an amusing shout-out). “Nightcrawler” opens on Halloween next Friday. Watch the trailer below.